Hi Mozzila, I'm only new to the forum but as no one has replied I thought I would share what little I know about the coast.
Compared to Sydney, it's a non event, I get to Sydney every now and again and can't believe how good the RnT services are.
There are quite a few options close by, unfortunately I haven't tried any of them and most of the responses on this Forum are to the Brisbane area and not the GC.
If you try them, would certainly appreciate a review!
If you head up towards the Gold Coast to Chevron Island, Happy Dragon gets great reviews as does the one virtually next door to it.
A bit further away is Station Rd Nerang and there's two there that I can highly recommend, but it's 15 minutes or so in a Taxi.
20 minutes the other way and you're over the border and in Tweed Heads so more like NSW rules and regulations.
The only other suggestion I have is the Gold Coast Bulletin, I used to have great success with that but it's a few years ago and I don't have any numbers that would still be current. Good luck and enjoy your stay