elsewhere

Up two flights of stairs in the heart of Surfers Paradise, elsewhere is an intimate live music venue with a long-standing connection to the Gold Coast’s arts scene. The family-owned venue has been operating since 2003, building its reputation around live performances, a strong sense of community and a willingness to give artists room to develop. Its programme has included local performers, established Australian acts and artists with international profiles, making it a useful stop for anyone who likes discovering music in a close-up setting.

The room is designed for more than simply watching a band or DJ. Elsewhere describes its space as comfortable and conversation-friendly, with retro-industrial details and a distinctive flashing dancefloor. The result is a venue that can accommodate both attentive listening and a more energetic night out, depending on what is happening on stage. Its focus on sound and service is central to the experience, while the relatively intimate layout keeps the night feeling personal rather than anonymous.

A notable part of elsewhere’s identity is its inclusive approach. The venue positions itself as a place for a safe night out for people of any persuasion, and its loyal audience includes a colourful mix of regulars and music fans. That makes it particularly suited to solo visitors, couples or small groups looking for a welcoming live music room where the crowd and atmosphere are part of the appeal. It is a venue for people who want more than a standard night out in Surfers Paradise: a place to hear artists, meet familiar faces and spend time around the local cultural scene.

The venue was established by Benny Roney and Simone Jenkins, whose backgrounds span Melbourne bars, cafés, galleries, cocktail venues and live music operations. Their experience helped shape elsewhere as both a performance platform and a broader arts space. Over time, the venue has received national industry recognition and become regarded by peers as an important room for live music. With its upstairs location, intimate scale, inclusive ethos and history of supporting emerging talent, elsewhere remains a distinctive choice for live music in Surfers Paradise.