Tipplers Café on South Stradbroke Island
Nestled on the picturesque shores of South Stradbroke Island, Tipplers Café offers a unique dining experience that is only accessible by boat. It's a perfect blend of stunning waterfront views, mouthwatering Australian cuisine, and a relaxed island atmosphere. This hidden gem has become a favourite destination for both locals and tourists seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast.
Owned and managed by the energetic husband-and-wife team of Scott and Rebecca Gava, Tipplers Café is more than just a restaurant – it's a family affair. Rebecca, the executive chef, brings her culinary expertise to the kitchen, while Scott manages the bar and dining area when he’s not putting his construction prowess to good use. Their children also pitch in when things get busy, making it a true family business. "The whole family has always loved fishing, boats, and being on the water," Rebecca explains. "Because of that, we camped at Tipplers regularly over the years and knew the place well. When the opportunity came up for us to live here and run the business, the whole family jumped at it."
Lifelong Connection
Rebecca and Scott’s connection to Tipplers dates back well before they even met. "I started coming here when I first moved from Sydney before I even met Scott,” explains Rebecca. “Scott has been coming here since he was a child. Back then, there was the pub on the island and where the Café is now used to be a chapel and a private function area where people had private ceremonies.”
This long-standing relationship with the island means Rebecca and Scott’s management style is built on a genuine love for the location and community.
What’s Cooking
Tipplers Café offers a menu that perfectly complements its coastal setting. "The menu is purposely kept low maintenance with a fresh feel courtesy of locally caught fish and locally grown produce," Rebecca explains. “Popular dishes include the beer-battered, herb-crumbed, or grilled snapper, as well as the crowd-favorite steak sandwich.”
When To Go
The café is open daily for breakfast and lunch, with extended hours for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. For boating enthusiasts, Tipplers is the perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The café's prime waterfront location allows visitors to anchor their boats nearby and enjoy a meal with a view. "We love the community here, and the boating community people are gorgeous," Rebecca says. "For Scott, it's the fishing and boating, and I love the cooking. I love being able to complement the vibe and location with awesome fresh food."
Even The Wildlife is Friendly
Beyond the café, visitors can enjoy a range of activities on South Stradbroke Island. The Tipplers Campground offers a chance to extend your stay and fully immerse yourself in island life. Fishing, swimming, wildlife spotting, and beach walks are just a few of the available activities.
One of the unique attractions at Tipplers is the friendly local wallabies that frequent the café each afternoon. "Locals love to bring overseas visitors here for a proper taste of Australia," Rebecca reveals. "The local wildlife that has become used to humans being around certainly helps with that."
Busy But Exciting
Rebecca explains that even though the café's popularity grows, attracting both locals and international tourists, everyone always makes it to the beach. "If you get a long run of perfect weather, which happens a bit up here in QLD, you can get stretched thin because it gets so busy. But it's also exciting. Thankfully, the kids will always pitch in when required. Somehow, everyone still seems to be able to make it here, even when the beach and wharf area are packed with boats. Where there is a will, there's a way, I guess."
Always Changing
Scott's efforts to continuously improve the visitor experience have resulted in regular upgrades to the café's facilities. "Every couple of years, Scott builds another structural addition," Rebecca explains. "All the floors, windows, and decking are new, and he has revamped the toilets. There's always something going on behind the scenes."
Stay and Relax
Tipplers offers additional convenience with a delivery service for those staying at the campground. Simply call the café to order, and the Tipplers staff will deliver it to your campsite.
Whether you're a boating enthusiast looking for a new destination, a family seeking a unique day out, or a tourist wanting to experience the authentic Australian coastal lifestyle, Tipplers Licensed Café on South Stradbroke Island offers something for everyone.
With its stunning location, delicious food, and warm hospitality, it's no wonder Tipplers has become a must-visit destination on the Gold Coast.
If you don't have a boat, no problem. Tipplers Ferry provides a convenient water taxi service from Jacobs Well, making the island accessible to everyone. Bookings can be made through the Tipplers Café website.