FREE • SELF-GUIDED
Outdoor Art Sculpture Walk
Wind your way through the precinct and discover a permanent collection of large-scale outdoor sculptures by Australian and international artists. Pick up a guide or follow the trail at your own pace.
Our Precinct
17 hectares of art, nature, and life on the Gold Coast. A lakeside campus where galleries, theatres, outdoor stages, sculpture walks, dining, and green spaces come together.
More than A Venue.
HOTA isn't just somewhere you come for a show. It's a precinct. 17 hectares of lakeside parkland, world class gallery spaces, outdoor sculpture, adventure trails, markets, dining and some of the Gold Coast's best sunsets. You can fill an hour or a whole day.
Explore the Precinct
Discover HOTA
Whether you're here for an hour or a whole day, there's always something to explore.
WALK • CYCLE
The HOTA Bridge
The pedestrian and cycle bridge spans 130 metres across the Nerang River, connecting to Chevron Island's retail and restaurant strip.
The bridge makes a great arrival experience into the HOTA precinct and has an informal seating area and space for a pop-up food cart or performers. It also has Instagram worthy views across the water to HOTA and over to the Surfers Paradise skyline.
UP TO 5000 CAPACITY
HOTA Outdoor Stage
One of South East Queensland's premier outdoor venues. The amphitheatre-style stage hosts major concerts, festivals, and community events under the stars.
Every Sat • 7:00am
HOTA Parkrun
Every Saturday morning at 7 am, join hundreds of locals for the free HOTA Parkrun — a 5 km run around the lake and through the precinct parklands. All fitness levels welcome.
Adventure Trail
While our Outdoor Stage often plays host to performers and events big and small, it's also the location of some of the best views of the Surfers Paradise skyline.
Award winning landscape architecture and urban design studio CUSP worked closely with ARM Architecture to design our public Adventure Trail on the 'living roof' of the Outdoor Stage.
The themed landscape created to thrive in the Gold Coast's sub-tropical climate provides a unique botanical experience.
A key location for an iconic family snap, or a peaceful escape to take in the HOTA precinct, and enjoy the view above the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
OPEN 24/7
Evandale Lake
Located behind HOTA Central, backdropped by the Surfers Paradise skyline, Evandale Lake is one of the Gold Coast’s best kept secrets.
Formed in the 1970s, locals know and love the Lake, which has proven to be a popular destination year-round.
The Lake is nestled in the centre of Evandale Parklands, next to the HOTA Bridge connecting HOTA to Chevron Island, with an unbeatable view of the Surfers Paradise skyline.
The Lake and surrounding parklands are especially popular with Nippers and Surf Clubs as an alternative to ocean swimming, families enjoying the fully fenced kids playground, party-goers making use of the BBQ facilities, and exercise enthusiasts swimming laps and taking advantage of the free exercise equipment stations located around the Lake’s 677m loop.
State of the art facilities (showers and bathrooms) are also available at the HOTA Lake.
Take a dip while enjoying the warm Gold Coast weather before going watching a movie, visiting HOTA Gallery, or enjoying a bite to eat.
Bring your favourite floaties, and enjoy this hidden gem of the Gold Coast.
Every Sun, 6-11.30am
HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets
The markets at HOTA are one of the Gold Coast’s most vibrant community markets, held every Sunday morning, in the heart of our precinct and coordinated by Goodwill Projects. From 6am to 11.30am each Sunday we come alive with in-season farm-fresh produce, delicious artisan foods, boutique fashion and handcrafted wears. All nestled against the backdrop of our lake and stunning landscape.
Eat & Drink
From relaxed lakeside dining to cocktails at sunset, HOTA has something to satisfy every appetite. Stay for a coffee, a long lunch, or an evening out.
Palette Restaurant
Award-winning dining in the heart of the precinct. Palette serves modern Australian cuisine crafted from the finest local and seasonal produce, with sweeping views of the lake.
The Exhibitionist Bar
The perfect spot for pre-show drinks or a relaxed evening out. The Exhibitionist Bar offers a thoughtfully curated wine list, craft cocktails, and light bites overlooking the precinct.
HOTA Cafe
Grab a coffee, a fresh snack, or a light meal at HOTA Cafe. Open daily from early morning, it's the perfect pit-stop before or after your gallery visit or morning walk.
HOTA Shop
Discover a carefully curated collection of art, design, and homewares inspired by the Gallery's collection and the Gold Coast's creative community. Shop in-store or online.
A Day at HOTA
Whether you have a few hours or a full day, there's a perfect way to spend it at HOTA. Here are a few of our favourite itineraries.
Morning
- 7 am
- Park run around the lake
- 8 am
- Coffee at HOTA Café
- 8:30 am
- Browse the HOTA Markets
- 10 am
- Gallery Opens – See the latest exhibition
- 11:30 am
- Sculpture Walk
Afternoon to Evening
- 2 pm
- Children's Gallery
- 3 pm
- Walk the Green Bridge to Chevron Island
- 5 pm
- Sunset drinks at the Exhibitionist Bar
- 6 pm
- Dinner at Palette Restaurant
- 7:30 pm
- Evening Show at Theatre 1
Family Day
- 9 am
- Markets
- 10 am
- Children's Gallery
- 11 am
- Adventure Trail
- 12 pm
- Lunch at HOTA
- 1 pm
- Outdoor Sculpture Walk
- 2 pm
- Cinema – Kids Session
HOTA Accommodation
Staying Nearby?
HOTA is a short walk from Surfers Paradise via the Green Bridge, with plenty of accommodation options nearby.
