So it turns out there IS a logical reason Queensland is called the Sunshine State – funnily enough, it’s so we can devour cool, creamy ice cream and freshly churned gelato any time of the year, free of all judgement. Yep, it’s that plain and simple. Luckily, our warmer climate allows for plenty of investigation into finding the best ice cream and gelato spots on the coast, so we took on the difficult task of ‘investigating,’ and compiled a legenda(i)ry list of delicious icy treats to quench those year-round cravings.
Lavezzi | Robina Town Centre
With nearly 150 years since its establishment, Lavezzi has earned its place as a go-to spot for an Italian dessert. Conveniently positioned within metres to the restaurants of The Kitchens precinct, Lavezzi is the perfect palette cleanser after enjoying a delicious meal. On offer are 25 delicious varieties of delectable Italian gelato which incidentally are all made from natural ingredients and churned daily. We’re talking blood orange, passionfruit, lime sorbet and honeycomb, tiramisu and green tea ice cream – can it get much better?!Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar | Broadbeach
South East Queensland’s second location for the breakthrough dessert bar and the ultimate venue to treat yo’ self, Cowch certainly knows what they’re talking about when it comes to ice cream. To construct your creamy masterpiece, you’ll need to choose one, two or three scoops (from flavours such as crunchy peanut butter and caramelised condensed milk) and then pick one (or as many as you like) of their tasty toppings. Who says you can’t put a price on happiness?Gelateria Dolce Follia | Burleigh Heads
The perfect pit-stop on your way home after a day at Burleigh Beach or a night out on nearby James St, this gelateria’s assortment of tantalising flavours will have tongues wagging on your entrance into the store. Although a small space, their menu packs a mean flavour punch offering 16 delightful flavours. Want more motivation to check it out? They are an award-winning establishment AND offer take-home tubs! So your cravings can be satisfied 24 hours a day.Heven Yah | Mermaid Beach
The newest addition to the Gold Coast’s gelato scene, Heven Yah, have added their own heavenly (yes, we went there) touch to gelato as we know it. Their fresh flavours featuring honey fig and pear moscato (who knew that would be a match made in heaven?) sorbet are enough to have you asking ‘why has no one thought of this combo before?’. What’s more is that this little business is family-owned and is run by two local sisters who have turned their passion into a reality. What’s not to like?Scoop Gelati | Burleigh Heads
Positioned on popular foodie strip James St, Scoop offers a staggering 37 unique and refreshing flavours for locals and tourists to enjoy (we’re talking Ferrero Rocher, strawberries and cream, and musk just to name a few). Another locally owned and family-run business, it provides an appetising and irresistible option for dessert or really, for any time of the day (who are we kidding? We’re always screaming for ice cream!).Gelato Messina | Coolangatta
No list of frozen treats anywhere is complete without Messina, so it’s only to be expected that the gelato gods would make ours. With new flavours every week that always get our jaws dropping in astonishment, we just wish they’d hurry up and open their South Brisbane store. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Words by Charlotte Tully
