Walk down 5th Avenue in Palm Beach Parklands and you’ll see it. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t have a neon sign screaming for your attention or a PR firm blasting its brunch menu across Instagram every five minutes. Honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might just walk right past This Is It Cafe Palm Beach. But for the locals who have lived on the Gold Coast since before the high-rises took over the skyline, this place isn't just a cafe. It’s a literal landmark.
People always ask me where to go for a "real" breakfast that isn't overpriced avocado toast served with a side of pretension. I always tell them the same thing. Go to the place that looks like it hasn't changed its floor plan since 1985.
The Weird, Wonderful History of This Is It Cafe Palm Beach
Most "modern" cafes are manufactured. They buy their "industrial chic" decor from the same three wholesalers and hire baristas who look like they’re auditioning for a beard oil commercial. This Is It Cafe Palm Beach is the total opposite of that. It’s authentic because it never tried to be anything else.
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Founded decades ago—long before "Palmmy" became the trendy hub it is today—this spot was built on the back of the local surfing community and the families who lived in the surrounding beach houses. You can feel that history in the walls. It’s got that specific, salt-air-meets-fried-bacon smell that you can only find in a true Australian beach kiosk.
It’s located at 1/10th Avenue, right on the edge of the park. You’ve got the playground right there. You’ve got the creek just a stone's throw away. It’s perfectly positioned, yet it feels tucked away from the chaos of the Gold Coast Highway.
Why the Food Actually Works (Without the Frills)
Let’s talk about the menu. If you’re looking for deconstructed granola or balsamic-infused foam, you are in the wrong place. Go back to Burleigh.
Here, it’s about the classics. We’re talking big breakfasts. Eggs that are actually cooked how you asked for them. Bacon that’s crispy. The kind of coffee that wakes you up without requiring a 10-minute lecture on the origin of the bean.
- The Bacon and Egg Roll: It’s a staple. It’s simple. It’s basically the gold standard for a post-surf meal.
- The Milkshakes: They still serve them in those cold metal tins. There is something deeply nostalgic about that.
- Burgers: These aren't those tiny "sliders." They are proper, two-handed burgers that will probably require an extra napkin or four.
The beauty of the food at This Is It Cafe Palm Beach is the consistency. You could go there today, and then come back in three years, and that burger will taste exactly the same. In a world of "limited time offers" and "seasonal rotations," there is a massive amount of comfort in knowing exactly what you're going to get.
The Palm Beach Parklands Vibe
You can't talk about the cafe without talking about the Parklands. It’s arguably one of the best spots on the Coast for families. You have the Pirate Park (officially the North Palm Beach Parklands) right next door.
Parents love this place. You grab a flat white from the window, sit at one of the outdoor tables, and watch the kids burn off enough energy to actually nap later. It’s a symbiotic relationship between the cafe and the park.
What the "Foodies" Don't Understand
I've seen reviews online complaining that the decor is "dated."
That's the point.
If they renovated and put in marble countertops and gold-plated light fixtures, it wouldn't be This Is It Cafe Palm Beach anymore. It would just be another interchangeable storefront. The "dated" look is a badge of honor. It’s proof of survival.
The cafe has survived economic downturns, the massive redevelopment of the Gold Coast, and the changing tastes of a generation that thinks everything needs to be "Instagrammable." It turns out, being reliable and friendly is actually a better business model than being trendy.
The staff here are often locals. They know the regulars. They know who wants extra sugar and who is just stopping by for a quick water bowl for their dog. It’s that community element that Google’s algorithms can't quite capture, but you feel it the second you walk up to the counter.
Navigating the Crowds (Pro Tips)
If you show up at 10:00 AM on a Sunday, expect a wait. Not because they’re slow, but because every family within a 5-kilometer radius has had the same idea.
- Go Early: The light over the water at 7:00 AM is incredible anyway.
- Takeaway is King: If the tables are full, grab your food and head toward Currumbin Creek. There are plenty of benches and patches of grass that offer a better view than any restaurant seating could.
- Dog Friendly: Seriously, bring the dog. It’s one of the most pet-friendly pockets of the coast.
The Sustainability Factor
Interestingly, while they don't shout about it, the cafe has adapted to the modern era in subtle ways. You’ll see plenty of people bringing their own reusable cups—a must in a coastal community that values its backyard. The local council has also done a lot of work in the surrounding parklands to maintain the natural dunes and keep the creek clean, and the cafe sits as a gateway to that environment.
Is it really "the best" cafe?
"Best" is a subjective word. Is it the best for a fine-dining experience? No. Is it the best for a fancy business meeting? Probably not.
But is it the best for a Saturday morning with the family? Is it the best for a mid-week escape where you just want a decent sandwich and the sound of the ocean? Absolutely.
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The name "This Is It" always felt like a statement of fact to me. It’s not "This Might Be It" or "This Is One Of Them." It’s an arrival. You’ve found the spot. No more searching.
The Reality of Operating a Local Icon
Running a place like This Is It Cafe Palm Beach isn't easy.
The hospitality industry is brutal. Costs are up. Staffing is a nightmare everywhere. Yet, they keep the lights on and the grill hot. They handle the rush of school holidays and the quiet lulls of a rainy Tuesday with the same level of casual professionalism.
They’ve seen the evolution of Palm Beach from a sleepy suburb to a high-demand real estate hotspot. Through all that change, the cafe has remained a constant. It’s a tether to the past.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down, here is how to make the most of it without the stress.
First, check the weather. It sounds obvious, but this is an outdoor-centric experience. If it’s blowing a gale from the East, you’re going to get sandy.
Second, park further away than you think you need to. The parking lot right at the Pirate Park fills up instantly. Save yourself the headache and park a few blocks back in the residential streets and enjoy the three-minute walk.
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Third, try something other than just coffee. Their fresh juices are actually underrated and perfect for the humidity that hits the Gold Coast in the afternoons.
Finally, take the time to actually walk the path along the creek after you eat. It’s one of the most beautiful walks on the coast, looking across to Currumbin Alley.
The magic of This Is It Cafe Palm Beach isn't in a secret ingredient or a viral marketing campaign. It’s in the fact that it knows exactly what it is. It’s a humble, reliable, salt-of-the-earth beach cafe that serves the community first and the tourists second. In a world that’s constantly trying to "disrupt" everything, there is something deeply radical about just staying the same.
Go there for the breakfast. Stay because you realized you haven't checked your phone in forty-five minutes. That’s the real "This Is It" experience.
To make the most of your trip, aim for a weekday morning if you can swing it—the pace is slower, the air is clearer, and you’ll truly understand why this little corner of Palm Beach is so fiercely protected by the people who live here. Bring a towel, grab a flat white, and just sit. Everything else can wait.