City Guide: Homewares brand Degoey Planet’s favourite spots on the Gold Coast
IMAGE VIA @DEGOEY_PLANET/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“The long linear strip of beach boroughs looks pretty majestic at twilight; when the salt haze makes the neon lights glow.”
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to.
This week, we’re heading to the Gold Coast with textile artist and ceramicist, Alexandria De Goey Omundsen. After moving to Australia from New Zealand at age 10, Alexandria moved around quite a bit with her family. But of all the cities she’s visited, it’s the Gold Coast’s “relaxed, calm energy” that always draws her back.
Have a trip or move coming up? Head to our city guide to find the best spots.
As a designer and the founder of homewares label Degoey Planet, Alex spends her days creating “considered sculptural objects and functioning vessels out of clay”. The Gold Coast is the ideal cityscape for her chilled work-life balance. “I can walk across the road to a quiet beach to soak up the sunrise or quick lunchtime dip,” she tells me. “And I’ll be back in the studio without jumping in the car or being stuck in traffic.”
With one quick scroll of the Degoey Planet Instagram, it‘s easy to understand the place of aesthetics in Alex’s life. “I love the dreamy ’80s vibe of the original buildings [on the Gold Coast],” she says. “The city has this nostalgic, kitschy -vaporwave feel. The long linear strip of beach boroughs looks pretty majestic at twilight; when the salt haze makes the neon lights glow.” Read on for her local recommendations.
Drink
Rosella’s Bar, 6/1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
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Since its opening in 2019, Rosella’s has been slinging a nostalgic mix of cocktails, stubbies, natural wines and local food faves. According to Alex, it’s “a relaxed Australiana-themed night spot with native flair. A small-bar energy with big vibes”.
The Scottish Prince, 27/1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
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With its wall of whisky, moody lighting and tartan-covered seats, The Scottish Prince bar feels a world away from the hot-sand beaches that surround it. “It’s one of the original bars that set a precedent for what the Palm Beach strip is today,” Alex says. “Jovially nautical-themed, [it’s] an intimate spot to grab a drink and share a few plates. A guaranteed mood.”
Quince Fromagerie and Cellar, Shop 5/570 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun
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I’m convinced there’s simply nothing better than cheese and wine. Alex agrees. Providing “special drops and European cheeses”, Quince is the Tugun-based cellar and fromagerie Alex visits for a celebratory afternoon wine.
Eat
Dust Temple, 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
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Dust Temple serves up “the best breakfast and coffee,” Alex says. “A truly delicious spot for a bite to eat and to view some art. You can usually catch some live local music too. There’s always a cute energy [in the space].”
MC’s Sandwich House, 83 W Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
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Selling just sandwiches, coffees and sodas, MC’s Sandwich House is all about simple pleasures. “Absolutely delicious sandwiches and sodas,” Alex says of the Burleigh spot. “And there’s a gallery and cute boutique on either side of the place [to check out] if you aren’t in a food coma. The rare roast beef roll hits the spot for me.”
Shop
Strange Days, 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
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As a lover of vintage and western clothing, the Strange Day boutique combines two of Alex’s favourite things. “[The owner] Sylvie has created this beautifully curated store,” Alex tells me. “They also offer an upcycling exchange option, where you can sell your preloved threads in exchange for store credits or cash. It makes it easy to keep your wardrobe cycling while also being kind to our planet.” We love to see it.
Greenfolk, 5/2 West Street, Burleigh Heads
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For a different kind of shopping experience, Alex recommends Greenfolk, a boutique botany store located in Burleigh Heads. “It’s the cutest place to pick out rare or specialty plants,” Alex says. “This store is always inspiring me to exercise my green thumb!”
Love-Connection, 83 W Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
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Again, if you’re not already in a food coma from your previously-devoured tuna melt from MC’s, Alex suggests checking out the boutique next door. Stocking labels like Lms, Karlaidlaw and Stan Ray, Love-Connection offers a dynamic collection of pieces from local and international brands.
Indulge
Heven-yah Gelateria, 2/2387 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
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Heven-yah is a sister-run spot serving up all kinds of little treats. “It’s melt-in-your-mouth magic available by the cone or tub,” Alex says. “ The Heven-yah duo create flavours based on native seasonal produce and availability, meaning an ever-evolving menu.
The Budclub Flowers, 14 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach
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If you need an arrangement to put in your tiny Degoey Planet cowboy boot-shaped vase, Alex recommends heading over to Budclub. “Flowers are the ultimate indulgence and Juzzie [the founder] is a queen with her artistry.”
R&R
The Bathhouse at Ground, 2 Village Way, Currumbin Valley
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Set under the ancient trees of the Currumbin Valley, The Bathouse offers a special spa experience. “The outdoor bathhouse under a gorgeous fig tree is the ultimate way to unwind,” Alex tells me. “The wood-powered sauna provides a modern agricultural wellbeing experience. There are some incredible waterfall bush walks around this area as well.”
Check out Alex’s designs here.
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