Dec 20 2025
12 Pubs of Christmas Surfers Paradise Edition
Cavill Avenue
For decades, the German Club on the Gold Coast has stood as more than just a social venue — it has been a home away from home, a cultural anchor, and a vibrant meeting place for Germans, German-speaking expats, and local Australians with an interest in European culture. Tucked away in the coastal city’s subtropical charm, the club became a welcoming space to celebrate traditions, language, music, and that unmistakable German sense of gemütlichkeit — comfort, warmth, and good company.
As of recent months, the German Club is temporarily closed, leaving many in the community with a sense of loss and nostalgia. But there’s also a shared sense of hope: that the club will return, stronger and more vibrant than ever. In this article, we reflect on the club’s rich history, what it has meant to so many over the years, and why its return is eagerly awaited.
The Gold Coast is known for its beaches, tourism, and laid-back lifestyle — not exactly what one might imagine as a hub for German traditions. Yet, for nearly 40 years, the German Club offered just that: a traditional, authentic, and welcoming space for anyone wanting to connect with German culture. Whether you were born in Germany, had family roots there, or simply loved the food, the beer, and the spirit — the doors were open.
The club was officially known as the Austrian-German Club and later became the German Club Gold Coast Inc., located in the suburb of Merrimac. It quickly grew from a gathering of like-minded expats into a well-organized and beloved cultural institution. With its beer garden, cozy function rooms, and large dining space, the club welcomed thousands of guests over the years for its regular events and festive celebrations.
Among its most popular offerings were the regular themed nights and cultural celebrations. Oktoberfest, of course, was a highlight on the calendar — drawing in crowds not only from the German-speaking community but from all across the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Long wooden tables, live Oompah bands, big steins of beer, pretzels, schnitzels, bratwurst — it was the real deal.
But the club wasn’t just about annual events. Many locals will fondly recall the regular Saturday night dinners, often followed by dancing to live music. It was a place where older generations felt connected to their roots and younger people got to experience German hospitality firsthand. Couples met there. Friendships formed. Generations came together over hearty meals and cold beers.
There were also language meetups, film nights, and traditional dance groups, like Schuhplattler and folk music ensembles. The club supported German-language schools and worked closely with other cultural organizations. It served as an important cultural exchange bridge between Australia and German-speaking Europe.
For newly arrived immigrants from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, the German Club offered more than just a taste of home — it provided community. Navigating life in a new country can be overwhelming, but stepping into the German Club meant being welcomed in your own language, with familiar faces and customs.
It wasn’t unusual for people to come in feeling a bit homesick, only to leave with new friends, weekend plans, and a strong sense of connection. Whether you wanted to watch a Bundesliga match with fellow fans or share a plate of Rouladen and red cabbage, this was the place to do it.
Like many community venues, the German Club has faced challenges in recent years. Changes in demographics, rising operational costs, and the impact of COVID-19 on social and hospitality venues all contributed to difficult circumstances. With the club relying heavily on volunteers, donations, and event attendance, the pressure grew over time.
Eventually, the club made the difficult decision to temporarily close its doors and sell it’s venue on order to reinvest the revenue into a new exciting venture. It was a sad moment for many — especially for those who had been part of the club for decades. The building has gone quiet for now, but the spirit of the club lives on in the community’s memory and continued support.
Despite the closure, the story of the German Club Gold Coast is far from over. Talks are ongoing, and many within the community are working behind the scenes to find solutions that bring the club back to life. Whether in the same form or with a fresh approach, there’s strong support for re-establishing a physical space for the German-speaking and culturally curious community.
Many believe that the future may lie in collaboration with modern community groups, using digital tools, and perhaps creating a more mobile or flexible event structure — rather than relying on a single building. One thing is certain: the demand is still there. German culture has deep roots on the Gold Coast, and people are hungry (literally and figuratively) for the next Bratwurst Night, the next Schuhplattler dance, the next Oktoberfest celebration.
In the meantime, new initiatives like Steins & Sunsets have taken up the mantle — organizing social meetups, BBQs, and pub nights for German speakers and international friends on the Gold Coast. These informal events keep the community connected and active, and they’re a perfect example of how traditions can evolve while still staying true to their spirit.
As the Gold Coast continues to grow, so does its diversity. The German Club has played an essential role in fostering cultural understanding and creating meaningful social connections. Its history is one of resilience, hospitality, and shared identity — and its future, we hope, will be just as strong.
To everyone who has shared a meal, a song, or a dance at the German Club — thank you for being part of its story. While the doors may be closed for now, the heart of the club is still beating in the community that grew around it.
