When we’re looking for casual sex, our first move is usually to whip out our phone. Gold Coast hookup sites and apps are abundant and easy. It’s too bad many of them are laughably useless–basically like trying to find a party full of Hollywood celebs in Tallebudgera. Good thing there are sites that have worked wonders for me and my friends (even the ones who are terrible at picking up women):
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
I’m a dating expert with plenty of experience seducing women in the Gold Coast. So let me tell you, from Southport to Tweeds Head, there are plenty of ways to get your rocks off. You just need to know where – and how – to look. That’s why, with the help of some other local dating experts, we assembled this list of the best Gold Coast hookup bars, sites, and apps. This city has more than 640,000 residents, according to the latest Census; why are you wasting so much time alone?
Keep reading and you won’t have to. In the comments, let us know your favorite ways to get laid in Gold Coast and if we’ve missed any good options.
Table of Contents
Methodology for Finding the Ideal Spots to Hook Up in Gold Coast
The thing with finding hookups is that it's not something you can be good at in a matter of days, especially if you're new to the city. Good thing our team of experts at Heart Insider frequently collaborate to keep our list of recommendations as updated as possible. Here's how we found the best places to find Gold Coast hookups:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz when it comes to finding hookups. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--locals who know the city well and know how to find hookups. They go to each location to see if it really is easy to meet women and talk to them. They then use their charm to find hookups at each spot.
- Every spot is vetted by a number of our experts, all looking for the most conducive places to find hookups.
- At the same time, our experts also use a variety of hookup apps and sites to see what the online dating scene is like in every city.
- After rigorous testing, we create our ultimate list of hookup hotspots in the city. Every few months, we update our recommendations to remove closed venues and replace them with new ones that we think you'll love.
Our favorite spots to find Gold Coast hookups
This city will drive you nuts if you can’t get laid; there are too many attractive people around. Stay sane with this list of the best Gold Coast hookup apps, sites, and bars.
Moobar is a great place to start finding hookups in Gold Coast
@MooMooTheWineBarGrillBne
It might seem like a silly name but Moobar is anything but frivolous when it comes to drinks. It’s listed as a wine bar but it's also a great place to get laid in Gold Coast. If you enjoy a drink, and hopefully a beautiful face, you should be enjoying it here.
Connected to the Moo Moo Restaurant, Moobar caters to everyone in Gold Coast. Diners stop in for a drink before their meal while local businesspeople meet colleagues after work. It’s also a great place to bring a visitor or a date, especially if you can get a window seat. Does it get any more sensual than watching the sunset with a beautiful companion?
What Other People Are Saying About Moobar
Dan Byrd - Google Maps
“Great spot highly recommended. Food and service was very good.”
AFF is the best hookup app in Gold Coast now (try it free)
Online dating has really taken off in Australia. Some 3.2 million Australians are looking for romantic connections online, according to Statista. What’s more, an Australia Talks National survey found that 35% of Australians have found their romantic partner on the web.
There are a lot of apps and sites out there that promise to make your life easier. Most try to build an audience by promising the world. In our experience, these kinds of sites and apps spread themselves too thin and rarely deliver. When you’re looking for hookups in Gold Coast, there are really only two options, AFF and Tinder.
In our yearly list of the best hookup apps and sites, AFF has passed Tinder by. Tinder has become more about dating than hookups and it just isn't as good as it used to be. There's also a ton of girls on it that just use it to get compliments and validation (not actually meet up).
AFF is different. They have as many users as Tinder (over 60 million) and are very popular in Gold Coast. The best part though (aside from that every user is there for the same reason: getting laid) is that it actually works well for single guys. It's where we've seen guys have the best results, even if they were ghosted on Tinder. To give you a more detailed look at how AFF works and how it performs for regular guys, you can also have a look at our Adult FriendFinder review.
There just isn't a better way for most guys to actually find hookups that we've found.
With the majority of hookups starting online now you need to be on at least one app. Check out AFF's free trial below and start getting some results.
What people think of AFF
Nick. M. - SiteJabber
"I'd say that AFF is probably above average, there's definitely worse out there and it has the most important thing - a bunch of women. Id say it's not got as many as hookuphangout.com (in my area certainly) but still has enough to keep you busy. There are occasional time wasters but overall i like this site a lot and will be taking a longer subscription when my month trial runs out. Happy days."
Justin T - SiteJabber
"Some fake profiles, just weed through them and don't waste your time. With a little bit of patience you will sure find some real members. Adultfriendfinder still pretty much kicks $#*!. In my honest opinion adult sites like Adultfriendfinder still work better than any popular dating app. At least everyone on here is pretty much forward and gets straight to the point"
The best Gold Coast pickup bars we've tried
It’s safe to say we haven’t listed every possible option for hookups in Gold Coast. If you have an insatiable hunger, keep on reading for more possibilities.
Stingray is classy, sexy fun
@stingrayloungegoldcoast
Speaking of cougars, if you are looking to meet one in person, we recommend Stingray in the QT hotel. This Surfers Paradise lounge is a classy, stylish bar with a Mexican flavor and a sophisticated atmosphere. They serve a delicious menu and fantastic cocktails, perfect for a woman of taste who knows what she likes... (sounds like someone is about to get laid in Gold Coast)
When you're looking for more discreet hookups it helps to be near a hotel. If you have roommates or aren't super proud of your flat this can be a great alternative.
Do be aware that this isn’t a lounge for boardshorts or ripped jeans. This bar expects its clientele to dress to impress. We get that everyone likes to get dressed up when going out. That said, sometimes you need to step out of your routine and put in a little extra effort. The women at Stingray will appreciate it, and isn’t that what counts most?
What Other People Are Saying About Stingray
Mik I - Google Maps
“Cool spot in the middle of a gallery and right next to an amazing restaurant. Drinks were great.”
Social House wants you to stay and have a good time
@socialhousegc
Among the many restaurants, bars and attractions of Surfers Paradise, there is the Voco Hotel. Like any fine, upscale hotel, this location has a variety of restaurants and bars. For the purposes of finding hookups in Gold Coast, the most enjoyable is Social House. This bar lounge is, as its name suggests, all about socializing with beautiful people.
You can come for a meal, chat with friends on comfortable couches or drink at the bar. Either way, you’ll be right in the heart of the city and surrounded by attractive locals and tourists. Bring a date, or just come solo and see what happens. Then, if you do make a connection, what do you know? You’re in a hotel already. Isn’t that convenient?
What Other People Are Saying About Social House
Mark - Google Maps
“Sat with a friend and had a few beers, great service, friendly and quick. Nice digs.”
Aloha transports you to a different island paradise
@alohabaranddining
In Australia, it’s hard to find a more beautiful patch of paradise than Gold Coast. If you are looking for a change of scenery without losing the beachy fun, try Aloha. This bar, and eatery, brings the tropical pleasures and style of Hawaii to our shores. Its decorations are tiki-themed, its drinks are umbrella-adorned and its vibe is pure enjoyment.
Aloha doesn’t have the sophisticated style of other cocktail lounges, which is entirely the point. Not every night out needs to be about proving how cool and cocktail-savvy you are. Most of our favorites Gold Coast hookups came about because we were just having a good time. So, order yourself a Voodoo Guru and loosen up.
What Other People Are Saying About Aloha
Jon Bezemer - Google Maps
“Great atmosphere, friendly staff, amazing food. $1 wings on Thursday! Cant beat that.”
Suga is one sweet Gold Coast hookup bar
@Suga1142
Gold Coast hookup bars come in all styles. We enjoy lounges and we enjoy theme bars, so we’re pretty happy to recommend one that mixes both. Suga, on the Gold Coast Highway, is a cocktail lounge with a focus on rum-based concoctions. It’s also a speakeasy-style bar with a distinctive New Orleans vibe. You’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled to get there.
Suga is an intimate bar where couples get close and strangers become friends. Come for the exotic mix of old- and new-world cocktails, stay for the atmosphere. The cool, wooden décor and live music make it feel like something out of a movie. When you’re out on the town and looking to have a night of horizontal fun, stop into Suga. It’ll sate your sweet tooth and leave you satisfied.
What Other People Are Saying About Suga
Nick S - Google Maps
“Hidden cosy gem. Great spirit choice. Talented entertainer. Friendly staff. Funky and trendy.”
The hookup apps in Gold Coast dating coaches prefer
A huge number of hookups start online now. You don't have spend all day on the apps but spending 10-20 minutes a week sending messages can really pay off. These are the best hookup apps in the city right now:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Right Now | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
2nd Best For Most Guys | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
How to stay safe on hookup apps
Some 17% of Australians have fallen prey to online romance scams, according to data gathered by reviews.org. The ACCC’s Scamwatch service reportedly dealt with 3,698 reports of this crime in 2022.
“As more Australians meet people through social media and mobile dating apps, it has never been more important to be absolutely sure of who you are communicating with,” says ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe.
Follow these tips to keep yourself safe when searching for Gold Coast hottie online.
- Keep your personal details safe. There’s no reason for your online matches to know your full name, address or financial details. Those who press you for it may be planning some form of identity fraud. "Don't give away too much personal information and keep the information generic,” warned Dr. Ritesh Chugh, from Central Queensland University’s College of Information and Communication Technology. “Cybercriminals don't need access to all of these pieces of information [to commit identity fraud]."
- Take steps to identify these catfishing red flags. Have you checked for a verified profile? Have you run your match’s photos through a reverse image search? Have you tried to arrange a video call with this person? These steps can all help you learn valuable information about the person behind a dating profile really is.
- Watch out for love-bombing. Romance scammers will often create fake profiles and bombard victims with loving sentiments to create a deep online connection. They’ll then fabricate heart-wrenching reasons why they can’t meet in the real world right away.
- Don’t send money to online strangers. After creating a strong online connection, these scammers will fabricate emergency scenarios and ask to borrow money from their victims. The best way to avoid such a scam is to promise yourself to NEVER send money to online strangers. “Scammers are cold-hearted criminals who use unscrupulous tactics to trick their victims into sharing their personal details and emptying their wallets,” Ms Lowe said.
Report scammers to the authorities. Most dating apps make it easy to report ill-intentioned users, but you should go one step further and report the incident to the police too. "We're happy to listen to people's story in a non-judgemental way, we can also provide support services to them, if they have been the victims of crime," says Detective Acting Inspector Jason Chetham. "They're not the offenders, they're the victims and we need to understand that, and we're focused on helping them."
The best clubs for finding hookups in Gold Coast
The trendy suburb of Surfers’ Paradise and other entertainment-focused areas of the city offer many nightclubs where you can easily pick up hot girls.
Hot girls love the live shows at Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
@pinkflamingogc
With excellent live entertainment, this popular nightclub in Broadbeachattracts many girls. You’ll be surprised how much they enjoy the burlesque-inspired SUAVE show, with its retro style and glamorous costumes. The pink theme of the club, which features plush seats and neon lights, is very Instagram-worthy. Another reason why Gold Coast girls really love this place!
There are several ticket options to see the live shows, and some of them include premium seating (sometimes very close to the stage). Each show normally lasts about 90 minutes. That’s more than enough time to get girls in the mood for a little flirtation!
What Other People Are Saying About Pink Flamingo
Anthony Rigas - Google Maps
“I have been lucky to witness many shows and venues around the world , but this is definitely the best and most entertaining. Well done Pink Flamingo!!!! Keep it coming.”
Sin City has an energetic vibe and a large crowd
@sincitynightclubgc
Sin City is another one of the most popular nightclubs among Gold Coast girls. On Thursdays, there is Ladies’ Night. Girls get special VIP treatment as well as the opportunity to participate in a fun lotto and win amazing prizes. Needless to say, you must definitely check out this place on a Thursday night, as you’ll find many more girls than on other nights.
There is a specific dress code and guys are required to wear a collared shirt, along with long pants and closed shoes. Hats and tattoos on the face, neck and hands are not allowed. This dress code is pretty strict, but it also ensures you that the crowd always looks super classy.
What Other People Are Saying About Sin City
Alex Web - Google Maps
“A great club to spend your weekend away or every weekend! Wide range in music styles, from commercial EDM, House and RnB vibes. The staff are all so lovely and full of energy!”
Best places to meet sexy Gold Coast girls during the day
It's 2:48 pm Barcelona time. I'm sitting in an old Tapas cafe next to a Spanish hottie, wondering how she looks under that mask... Should I go ask her out... I will. But first I've got to remind you that not all Gold Coast hookups are found in bars... You can meet some of the hottest locals during the day if you're only brave enough to say hi.
And here's where...
The Bavarians know how much you love beer
@thebavarianau
Few things unify people in this country like our love of beer. We will use any excuse to get together for a brew and a day with friends. Birthdays, graduations, new jobs, new shoes; it doesn’t matter, we’ll drink to it. That’s why we love our beer gardens. We can drink all day and enjoy great company (and food).
Now, if there’s one country that loves beer as much as us, it’s Germany. It’s fitting, then, that our favourite beer garden in the city is The Bavarians in Broadbeach. Serving up amazing German food with vast steins of beer, it’s essentially heaven on earth. Meet a beautiful frau here and make it the perfect day.
What Other People Are Saying About The Bavarians
Andrew Porteous - Google Maps
“Great German styled restaurant. The food was excellent. The beers were excellent as well, also German. As it was a Tuesday night, it was quite quiet, which helped the ambience.”
Café Alfons is popular among hot Gold Coast girls for breakfast and brunch
@cafealfons
What if you could meet hot girls while enjoying tasty food and coffee? At Café Alfons, you can! This popular coffee shop attracts many patrons thanks to its vegan and gluten-free food options, friendly service, and beautiful latte art. The atmosphere is pretty laid back and you’ll sometimes spot girls just hanging out with friends or their favorite book. Pro tip: enjoy your drink at the patio because that’s where girls like to hang out.
What Other People Are Saying About Cafe Alfons
Chris Ellenby - Google Maps
“This popular Cafe offers great service coupled with quality coffee and delicious fresh muffins.”
Gold Coast Performance Centre is a great place for sporty guys to pick up sporty girls
@gcperformancecentre
This 600-sqm open-air gym is one of the most popular in the city and you’ll find plenty of fit, attractive girls here. Provided that you don’t interrupt the girl you like while she’s trying to focus on her workout, you’ll have many chances to pick up someone interesting here!
With indoor and outdoor pools and all the gym equipment you could possibly want, the Gold Coast Performance Centre gives you so many opportunities to interact with girls. You might even get lucky when one of these girls makes small talk with you while they’re taking a break!
What Other People Are Saying About Gold Coast Performance Centre
Sergey Brazhnikov - Google Maps
“Best gym on the Gold Coast. Great facility, well looked after. Service is impeccable. Always friendly with a smile.”
Other great spots to get laid in Gold Coast
Don't go outside tonight... Cool. Grab your phone and start swiping. You will find some of the hottest Gold Coast hookups on Tinder... Guaranteed.
You can't mention Gold Coast hookup apps without Tinder
Statista reveals that most online daters in Australia are aged between 25-34, and the majority of them know about Tinder. All the coeds at Bond University and Griffith University know about it too. In fact, it’s the most well-known online dating service behind eHarmony in the whole country, according to YouGov data. This app has greater name recognition among Gen Z than Scott Morrison. Millennials used to be just as obsessed with Tinder when it first came out in 2012. Times have changed, though, and most just find it frustrating these days. So, what happened?
Nothing, really. Tinder has always been the shallowest of the hookup apps. For that same reason, it’s also the app with one of the strictest unofficial age limits. Between the ages of 18 and 28, the good times keeping coming on Tinder. Once you hit your thirties, though, those matches and messages become far less frequent. It’s a tough world out there but that’s just how it is.
On Tinder, matches and regular Gold Coast hookups usually only happen for the top 10-15% of male users in terms of looks. If you don’t have those Thor looks, Tinder is going to be kind of depressing. If you are sporting a six-pack and a great smile, though, Tinder is amazing. You’ll be getting laid left and right, sometimes at the same time.
For women, Tinder is a fair bit easier. As long as you’re moderately attractive, you’ll get matches. If you’re as hot as Margot Robbie, it’ll probably be more attention than you can handle. The most attractive women on Tinder rarely ever respond to messages. The compliments are enough for them.
Even while the makers of Tinder are shifting their focus to dating and relationships, its reputation is set in stone. If you’re very attractive, this will be your favourite of all the Gold Coast hookup apps. If you’re not, well, the photos are nice to look at.
What people think of Tinder
Megan B. - SiteJabber
"I have been using this app for years and met a lot of people off this app. Not sure why it doesn't have a better rating."
Frequently Asked Questions on Gold Coast Hookups
How is the dating culture in the Gold Coast?
Many visitors to the Gold Coast (and Australia in general) have remarked how casual the dating culture tends to be.
“The main thing to remember is that we don’t have a huge “pick-up” culture in Australia. In other words, it’s not very common for people to meet and agree to a date right away,” says local blogger Rebecca MacFarlane.
“Australian men just sit back, and I think it's so weird,” added influencer Tate Duane. “[They] let you approach them more, and they're not as aggressive with it.”
There’s a surplus of women in the Gold Coast with official data suggesting there’s 96 men for every 100 women, but hasn’t necessarily translated to a raging hook-up culture.
“I think that guys want a better quality relationship with a girl,” said local dating coach Lyn Paul. “The men who come to see me want a relationship.”
What’s the best suburb of the Gold Coast for dating?
Coombabah has one of the favorable man/woman ratios in the country, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. So, this should be considered as one of the better neighbourhoods for single men to live.
Is dating expensive on the Gold Coast?
The dating website Elite Singles conducted a study to measure the average cost of a typical date in 15 Australian cities. The Gold Coast ranked as the fifth most expensive. You can expect a date consisting of an 8km taxi ride, a dinner for two with a bottle of wine and two cinema tickets to set you back $162 AUD, according to the study.
The good news is women in this city are more relaxed about splitting the bill on a first date.
“Dating in Australia is a very casual and progressive affair, so it’s not expected for any one party to get the bill every time,” Macfarlane said.
What is the best hookup site in Gold Coast?
The best hookup site in Gold Coast has to be AFF. It is literally designed for hookups and not for anything serious. So you will at least know that if you match with somebody, it's for a hookup and not a few dates and then getting ghosted.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.
References:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021) Gold Coast.
Australian Competition & Consumers Commission (2023) Have a heart-to-heart with loved ones to help stop scams this Valentine’s Day.
Doherty, D. (2016) ABS names Gold Coast as having best female to male ratio in Australia. Gold Coast Bulletin.
Hanrahan, C. (2019) More people now meet their partner online than through friends or work combined. ABC News.
King, K. (2024) 2024’s best hookup apps & hookup sites we’ve tried personally. Heart Insider.
MacFarlane, R. (2021) 8 tips for dating in Australia. Insider Guides.
Mahoney, S. (2024) 8 proven places to find casual hookups near you in 2024. Heart Insider.
McElroy, N. (2023) Police believe dozens of Australian victims could be linked to alleged romance scam. ABC News.
OBrien, S. (2023) I’m an American in Melbourne and this is why Australia’s dating culture made me feel ‘ugly’ and ‘defeated’. Daily Mail Australia.
Senkus, T. (2024) Adult FriendFinder review 2024. Heart Insider.
Statista (2024) Online dating - Australia.
YouGov (2017) A third of Aussies have used internet dating.
Contributing Authors:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Heart Insider, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
Tom Senkus
For more than two decades, Tom has dated extensively and studied behavioral psychology as a way of understanding the complexities of human nature until he became an expert. After traveling as a touring musician and living in more than 15 countries, Tom has cross-referenced his experience in seduction, dating, and interpersonal dynamics with the ever-changing landscape of 21st-century dating. His work as a writer has appeared in 500+ publications (digital and print). Tom is also the author of several books (available on Amazon). In his free time, you can find Tom recording music and cooking the best Cincinnati-style chili you’ve ever had.
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