The Northern Gold Coast’s newest go-to hotspot for margaritas and mezcal, tequila and tacos, Kaktus Bar, will officially open next week, on Thursday 18 December 2025.
Situated at Southport Sharks, the space has been brought to life as a bold new Mexican bar bursting with flair.
Southport Sharks CEO Dean Bowtell said the new Kaktus Bar is sure to provide plenty of memorable moments and lots of value. “Kaktus is a unique, modern offering that this end of the Gold Coast region can celebrate at, and be celebrated for,” Bowtell said.
“Kaktus is a glimpse into the future of our precinct. With Kaktus, we wanted to create a bar that the Northern Gold Coast would be proud of, a venue with upbeat energy and electric atmosphere; where a fiesta can be brought to all of those who visit.”
“Expect a Mexican-themed bar that has a huge focus on agave-based cocktails and bold flavours. The reason for leaning into a Mexican offering, is because it’s a communal, celebratory culture, and that’s exactly what we want to achieve here with Kaktus.”
Drawing inspiration from the desert’s warmth and Mexico’s rich culinary traditions, the menu features a mix of fresh, flavoursome dishes designed for groups, grazing, and good times.
Signature cocktails champion agave spirits with imaginative twists, from smoky mezcal creations to bright, citrus-driven riffs on the margarita. The drinks list also features Mexican and local beers, curated wines, zero-proof options, and playful house-made concoctions that lean into tropical, spicy and earthy profiles.
Kaktus heroes’ flavour and flexibility: think bright salsas, charred meats, vibrant tacos, zesty garnishes, and fresh produce layered with spice and texture. Every dish has been designed to pair seamlessly with the bar’s agave-led drinks program, creating a lively, social dining experience that feels both elevated and effortlessly fun.
The result is a menu that encourages exploration — a place where familiar favourites meet new discoveries, all served in a warm, spirited atmosphere made for long lunches, late-night bites and everything in between.
Kaktus Bar will be managed by Cameron Coull. Coull has 17 years of hospitality experience working in bars across the world including Canada and the Caribbean.
Most recently, Cameron has been the Aviary Rooftop Bar Manager and in this next chapter, will oversee both venues. Coull has a lauded passion for mixology, creating memorable guest experiences, elevating cocktail creativity and fostering strong team culture.
Coull said, “I have loved the opportunity to be part of the development of Kaktus. My biggest goal is to make Kaktus well known for being consistent, approachable, vibrant and full of unexpected value.”
“Part of what makes our offering special, is our emphasis on the education piece when it comes to celebrating all things agave. We’re passionate about customers walking away with a new understanding of how to enjoy tequila, mezcal and more, so we’re really proud of the beverage menu that we’ve created. It includes a tonne of creative insight into how different ingredients are sourced from their local regions, why a certain tequila tastes a particular way, and immersive hero products including a build-your-own margarita section, with unique additions such as worm or grasshopper salt for the glass rim.”
“We’re catering for people who love tequila as well as those who don’t love it (yet). You’ll be able to enjoy “Kaktus Cocktails” inspired by South America — using flavours from the region, or even using Mexican-style gin instead of tequila, so people can still get that Mexican influence without going full agave. This will be alongside flavoursome ingredients like cactus fruit and calamansi lime, to have our customers experiencing tastes they aren’t necessarily used to.”
Paired with the impactful beverage offerings will be a street eats-style food menu, perfectly designed for sharing. This is championed by Executive Chef Andrew Fraser, and Kaktus’ Chef de Partie, Rodrigo Baraona.
“The food menu created by our catering team is amazing as well. They have built a really unique but solid menu,” said Coull. “Just like the cocktails, we’re trying to create an experience. If we’re serving a pork taco, we don’t want it to be the same pork taco you’ll find anywhere else on the Gold Coast. We add our own flair, our own inspiration, to make everything unique.”
“On top of that, the space itself is beautiful, paying homage to the tones and colour palettes of various regions of Mexico. Earthy tones, a plethora of live cacti species adorned throughout the venue. It’s classy yet approachable, with an open-air breeze and music that sets the scene during any visit. The whole vibe is going to be spectacular.”
Following its official opening to the public on Thursday 18th December 2025, Kaktus will trade Wednesdays through to Sundays. Trading hours will be:
Wed-Thurs: 5pm – 10pm
Friday: 5pm – Late
Saturday: 12pm – Late
Sunday: 11am-5pm.
During the week, guests will enjoy an immersive, curated playlist during the week, whilst on Friday and Saturday nights there will be DJs spinning a range of rhythm-inducing beats.
Kaktus will also be the perfect space to host events of up to 40 people, with tailored event packages available along with assistance from the talented Events team at Southport Sharks..
Ensure you follow @kaktusbargc on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with everything happening at the Kaktus Bar.
For booking enquiries please contact bookings.coordinator@southportsharks.com.au
3D renders provided by Space Cubed Design Studio, showing design imagery of the outlet.
Construction carried out by Zero 9 Constructions.
