For two weeks this May, surf culture, film and photography are set to collide in spectacular coastal fashion. From 1–14 May 2026, the Southern Gold Coast once again becomes a living, breathing canvas as the Flotsam Festival returns for its fifth annual celebration of surf culture, visual storytelling and contemporary coastal art. Anchored across Coolangatta to Burleigh, this two-week cultural swell transforms sand, streets and screens into an immersive gallery experience. Bac

From the waves of the Gold Coast to some of the world’s most powerful surf, Josh Bystrom has spent a lifetime chasing the perfect shot. Growing up in the water, he developed an instinct for reading the ocean — a skill that now defines his photography. While he shoots a range of subjects, it’s his surf imagery that has earned international recognition. LOCALE was fortunate to feature one of Josh’s images on our summer cover, a moment that captured his deep connection to the oc

In the early 2000s, Matt Smith, known professionally as M, was gaining traction fast. A finalist in the Sydney Rocks Art Prize in 2001, exhibitions followed and collectors took notice. His work appeared in a solo show at Lotus Gallery on the Gold Coast and a group exhibition in New York, before finding its way into private collections across Australia, Europe and North America. His work has also been featured in television series and men’s style publications. Then, without ex

With a catalogue that has surpassed one billion streams, nine Gold-certified singles and a reputation for magnetic live shows, Ocean Alley have well and truly carved out their place in Australia’s musical landscape. Fresh from the release of their new album Love Balloon — which debuted at #3 on the ARIA Albums Chart — and kicking off a national tour for 2026, the Northern Beaches-born band continue to evolve without losing the sun-soaked swagger that first put them on the map

The Gold Coast is a stellar place to live, work and play. But let’s be honest: even the best backyard benefits from the occasional escape. Just over an hour’s drive when the traffic gods are smiling, Brisbane is perfectly placed for a change of pace and scenery. Think world-class museums, art galleries galore, a devilishly good dining scene, a sun-drenched urban beach (because, why not), and a host of stylish stays that make lingering longer all too easy. Best of all, you don

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical wellbeing. At Easy Access Psychology, support is designed to be approachable, personalised, and practical. Proudly serving the Lismore region, Northern Rivers and Gold Coast communities, this allied health clinic is built on a simple belief: the right support, delivered in the right way, can help people not just cope, but truly thrive. Accessibility sits at the heart of the practice. Life is

In the heart of the Gold Coast, a new standard in allied health has been quietly redefining what exceptional care looks like. Founded in 2021 by leading chiropractor Dr Luke Veverka, The Good Joint was created with a simple but powerful vision. To bring world-class, collaborative healthcare under one roof and to treat the whole person, not just the symptom. Dr Luke Veverka, the visionary behind The Good Joint Dr Luke is widely recognised for his expertise in concussion manage

Hair is identity and superpower. We cut it to feel renewed, colour it to feel empowered, and change it when life calls for a reset. Sometimes it’s a glow-up. Sometimes it’s damage control. Either way, it matters. That’s why finding a great hairdresser feels a little bit holy. Part therapist, part best friend, they’ve seen us at our worst and sent us back out into the world feeling like our best. So, we asked around and gathered the most-loved hairdressers across the Northern

There’s something deeply satisfying about shopping preloved. The slower pace, the thrill of the find, the magic of pieces that carry stories from one wearer to the next. written By Donna Rishton-Potter Inspired by Maddy Swain’s slow-fashion philosophy, this edit invites a rethink of how we shop. From wonderfully worn garments to soulful objects waiting for their next chapter, buying secondhand brings circularity into the equation and restores meaning to our wardrobes. It’s su

Hunting fresh flavours? A new date-night darling? A cheeky snack stop worth the detour? Autumn has delivered the goods. From Byron to Southport, these shiny new openings are serving serious main-character energy. Book it, bite it, sip it — your 2026 hit list starts here. River – Brunswick Heads Six months in and already sporting a shiny 13-point Chef Hat, River is officially Brunswick Heads’ overachiever — and we are here for it. The only hatted venue in Bruns and one of just

Kingscliff locals know The Brew and Bake Co as the place for a serious coffee fix and home-baked treats that never disappoint. Just steps from the beach, The Brew and Bake Co has become a daily ritual for those who value quality, familiarity, and a relaxed coastal rhythm. It’s where mornings begin, conversations unfold, the welcome is genuine, and the cabinet is always brimming with sweet and savoury temptations. Founded in 2020, and now led by owner Sheldon Thompson since Au

If you’re a Northern Rivers local, or even a regular visitor to Byron Bay, chances are you’ve found yourself on the wraparound deck at Balcony Bar & Oyster Co. At this point, it’s less a recommendation and more a rite of passage. Perfectly positioned just metres from Main Beach and elevated above the village bustle, Balcony is more than a restaurant. It is a Byron institution. Housed within one of the town’s last remaining heritage buildings, the 150-year-old former family ho

Pottsville Properties and Witheriff Group Join Forces In a coastal town like Pottsville, real estate has never just been about property. It’s about people. It’s about understanding the nuances of the neighbourhood — the streets that catch the ocean breeze, the pockets yet to be discovered, and the families who’ve called it home for decades. For Katie Kofoed, that understanding runs deeper than most. Katie was raised in the very office she now works in. Her parents, Roger and

Laura Enever Surfing has long been a male-dominated sport, but the tide is now turning. Laura Enever is one such surfer carving her own line.  written By Lisette Drew Image credit: Matt Dunbar Growing up in the hype of the Blue Crush era, there was a shift suggesting that, yeah, maybe girls can surf. But back then, males still dominated the line-ups around the world and it was intimidating just to paddle out, let alone catch a wave. Surfing now feels entirely different. I see

Leadership in the Northern Rivers has a powerful through-line: women — building organisations, creating opportunity, advocating for reform and strengthening the social fabric of our communities. written By Donna Rishton-Potter This could be described as a female economy: a system shaped by shared knowledge, collaboration over competition and a commitment to collective progress. Grounded at a grassroots level, its influence reaches far beyond it. In a world that often feels fr

There’s a buzz on the Queensland and New South Wales border, and no, it's not just all the new cafes popping up. From the river to the sea, this once sleepy border town is rewriting its own story. This is Tweed Heads, turned up a notch. written By Lisette Drew HISTORY Tweed Heads has long been the unassuming sibling to its shinier surfer-town twin, Coolangatta. For years, it existed quietly in the background, content to move at its own pace. Aboriginal people have lived on th

Here’s the thing about events — everyone remembers the venue. It’s the backdrop to family reunions and friendship gatherings, heartfelt speeches, champagne moments and a little dancefloor chaos. Get it right and everything else falls into place. From sleek corporate gatherings and milestone birthdays to weddings and parties that lean all the way in, our region is stacked with venues that know how to host. Think intimate spaces with serious atmosphere, show-stopping settings m

Pass the pita, pour the wine and shout OPA! This autumn we’re embracing a full-blown Greek renaissance — all sun-drenched flavours, slow feasts and Aegean blue-and-white energy. Luckily for us, a wave of vibrant Greek kitchens across the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers is serving up the Mediterranean dream right here at home. From beachside tavernas to mountain hideaways, here’s where to find Greek food worthy of the gods. Kouzina Kouzina feels like being welcomed into a villa

Look, we’d all love to pack up the whole house for the holidays — the favourite pillow, the coffee machine, the kids’ must-have toys and maybe even the dog’s bed. Because it’s those everyday comforts that make switching off instant and easy. No hunting down a laundromat. No squeezing everyone into one hotel room. Just space to spread out, slow down and settle in. That’s the magic of a holiday home. You live like a local, relax like you mean it, and still get that “I’m on holi

There’s a particular kind of magic that lingers in old theatres. You can feel it in the old pull-down chairs, in the well-trodden carpet and in the hum of anticipation before the lights dim. In Murwillumbah, that magic lives inside The Regent, an Art Deco beauty that has stood proud for almost 80 years, surviving fire, flood and the slow fade of time. Now, under the care of new owner Troy Stanley, she’s shining once more, not just as a cinema but as the heart of a community.