HOTA’s purpose‑built Theatre 1 is a high‑performance venue for touring productions, premium presentations, and large‑scale events and has been presenting world‑class live performance in the heart of the Gold Coast since 1986. Seating 1,121 guests across Stalls and Balcony, the venue combines strong audience connection with professional-scale production, and complete backstage facilities. With a proven track record hosting major touring artists such as Nick Cave, Laurie Anderson, Herny Rollins, leading international comedians, and acclaimed musical theatre high‑performance venue for touring productions, premium presentations, and large‑scale events.
HOTA’s purpose‑built Theatre 1 has been operating in the heart of the Gold Coast since 1986, presenting memorable live performances across comedy, theatre, dance, live music, and large‑scale musical productions.
Seating 1,121 guests across the Stalls and Balcony, the theatre creates an exceptional audience experience with both performance and production excellence in mind,
Featuring in‑house technical infrastructure, state‑of‑the‑art AV and lighting, and complete on‑stage and back‑of‑house facilities. The venue supports large cast productions, as well as premium presentations, corporate events, broadcast recordings, and landmark civic occasions.
Past performances include Robbie Williams, Nick Cave, Laurie Anderson, Henry Rollins, Ross Noble, Daniel Sloss, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, alongside major touring musical theatre and orchestral productions, including Les Misérables, Come From Away, and The Lord of the Rings.
Proscenium arch
16.03×23.05 (W×D)
335.25m²
Full Height Fly Tower
Yes (40 Musicians)
Yes
8
Yes
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A versatile underground venue at the front of HOTA Central, offering easy access and an intimate, contemporary setting. Designed for flexibility and supported by a fixed stage, dressing room, and fully operational bar. Equipped with AV and lighting, the space ensures every event is delivered seamlessly and leaves a lasting impression.
Host your event in an expansive waterfront venue overlooking HOTA Lake, the Green Bridge, and the Gold Coast skyline, offering a truly inspiring backdrop. From a live room to comedy house, classic cabaret to stunning private functions, HOTA’s Lakeside Room, flexes to suit your performance or event. Featuring a versatile open-plan layout with an impressive 8-metre proscenium stage, flexible configurations, and a scenic outdoor terrace. Equipped with production technology available for hire, the venue delivers a polished, high-impact experience from start to finish.
A classic black box theatre designed for focus and flexibility, this versatile space is ideal for performances, presentations, workshops, and breakout sessions. With 105 retractable tiered seats and a multipurpose flat-floor stage, it easily adapts to suit everything from intimate theatre and cabaret to keynotes and rehearsals. Enhance your event with Production and Technical services available to hire through our in house team, to ensure seamless delivery for both events and performances. Refined and highly adaptable, it’s a space where ideas and creativity take centre stage.
Elevate your event in a bright, contemporary venue featuring panoramic views and a spacious private balcony, offering a seamless indoor–outdoor experience. Flooded with natural light by day and transforming into a sophisticated setting by night, it’s ideal for everything from presentations and strategy sessions to dinners and cocktail receptions. Fully equipped with integrated technology available for hire and flexible production capabilities, the space ensures every event is delivered with clarity and impact.
Cinema 1 is a boutique theatre with 218 seats, ideal for premieres, corporate presentations, and large-scale screenings that call for impact and atmosphere. With plush seating, personalised service, and exceptional audio-visual quality, it delivers a polished, immersive experience for every guest.
Cinema 2 is an intimate, modern theatre with 148 seats, perfect for private screenings, presentations, and boutique events that benefit from a closer connection with the audience. With dynamic design and high-quality audio-visual technology, it delivers a seamless, impactful experience in a refined setting.
Break away from the ordinary with Studio 1 & Studio 2—bold, creative spaces designed for dynamic meetings, workshops, and breakout sessions. Studio 1 offers a flexible black canvas for up to 200 guests, while Studio 2 delivers an intimate, industrial-style setting ideal for VIP or behind-the-scenes use. Together, they provide a versatile and inspiring environment that brings energy and originality to any event.
Break away from the ordinary with Studio 1 & Studio 2—bold, creative spaces designed for dynamic meetings, workshops, and breakout sessions. Studio 1 offers a flexible black canvas for up to 200 guests, while Studio 2 delivers an intimate, industrial-style setting ideal for VIP or behind-the-scenes use. Together, they provide a versatile and inspiring environment that brings energy and originality to any event.
The Lounge is a discreet, ground-floor space located with direct access to Theatre 1 and the Lakeside Room, offering privacy, comfort, and convenience. With flexible AV support available, it ensures your team stays connected and your event runs seamlessly behind the scenes.
Built in 1877, St Margaret’s Chapel is a beautifully restored heritage-listed timber chapel nestled within the grounds of HOTA, offering a timeless and intimate setting for weddings, christenings, private ceremonies, and special celebrations. Non-denominational in design, the chapel comfortably seats up to 50 guests with additional standing room available, and is available to hire in two-hour increments.
