At long last, Kirra Beach House will open its doors this Friday December 8, just in time for peak sipping season. We were lucky enough to get a glimpse inside ahead of the venue’s offical opening, here’s what we saw …

From the moment you step out of the elevator at Kirra Beach House, one thing is abundantly apparent – this venue is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. It’s not just the sheer size of the space (although at 1200-sqm, it is certainly one of the largest), or the unobstructed north-facing ocean views over one of Australia’s most famous breaks, or the prized blue-and-white cabanas that are perched on the deck. It’s an amalgamation of all of those things, with so many exciting elements to discover along the way.

Immediately upon entry you’re greeted by the first of the venue’s elevated bars. Framed by bottle-green circular banquettes, the wine bar boasts an inviting and eclectic feel courtesy of its retro pendant lights and macrame wall hangings.

If you’re in the mood for a wine moment, this is the space for you. If you’re keen for a light bite and some sunshine, however, the terrace cocktail bar is where you want to be. Featuring sublime views from nearly every single table, as well as its three iconic cabanas that hold upwards of 35 people each, the terrace is the spot for long lunches, sundowners and events.

If you can mange to peel your gaze away from the incredible view for a moment, there’s more to discover. Preston’s is an intimate cocktail bar that can serve as overflow from the wine bar when it’s not booked for a private event, and around the corner you’ll find the western terrace, which features more semi-private seating and equally as enticing ocean views.

At the very end is where you’ll find what is referred to as ‘Showtimes’, with its own private barbecue and function space that leads to the venue’s own dedicated wedding and event room, which truly needs to be seen to be believed.

With capacity for roughly 800, Kirra Beach House is undoubtedly one of the Gold Coast’s largest and most ambitious venues. The venue has been envisioned by hospitality entrepreneur Dave Galvin from SITE Hospitality, who certainly knows how to create a perfect meeting spot – he’s also behind Broadbeach beauty kōst, Southport’s vibey Mozza Mozza, Crafty’s Sports Bar and chook nook Bird Royale.

Dave has spent four years developing the concept, which he describes as his dream venue. “It was important for us to ensure it embodied the Kirra lifestyle. We wanted to create something that was elevated yet approachable and effortless, evoking the idyllic feeling of a relaxed beachside oasis,” Dave says.

Kirra Beach House offers full table service and an enticing array of cocktails crafted by the venue’s bar manager Kaden Pool. The list is separated into three distinct sections – Day Break, which features light and fizzy sips (including the venue’s signature ‘Bahamas’ champagne pina colada), Twilight, which delves a little deeper in boldness and flavour, and Starlight, which features a clutch of richer, neat-style concoctions such as the Kirra Beach Old Fashioned.

When it comes to the fare, Dave recruited head chef Drew Wilson to curate a flavour-packed grazing menu that lends itself to sipping and snacking the afternoon away. “It’s a beverage-led, Mediterranean-inspired grazing menu that includes North Straddie rock oysters to ceviche, smoked ham-hock croquettes and the best fish burger I’ve ever had. It’s a really cool menu,” Dave says.

Guests can snack on dishes such as kingfish crudo with citrus vinaigrette and chive oil, burrata with yellow peach, aged balsamic and smoked salt, and a beachside staple crispy bug roll with gem lettuce and spicy mayo. For the seafood lovers, the cold seafood platter with rock oysters, daily crudo, Moreton Bay bugs and spanner crab remoulade is a must try.

Dave has some pretty lofty ambitions for Kirra Beach House. “I want to be adopted as the best beach bar in Australia,” he says. “I’ve been to a lot of great bars, I think what we have created here is a cocktail program that is unparalleled, a food menu that is more elevated than your usual fish tacos and prawns in a bucket, but we also have all of these different environments. If you want your wine moment with full table service or you’ve got 40 mates and want to celebrate, there are all of these amazing spaces. It’s a journey of discovery.”

Kirra Beach House officially opens on Friday December 8. Head to our Stumble Guide for booking details.