OUR VENUES

From world-class theatres to intimate gallery spaces — HOTA's venues are designed to inspire. Whether you're hosting a performance, screening, exhibition, or special event, we have the perfect space for you.

HOTA Outdoor Stage

The award-winning Outdoor Stage is a truly unique, architecturally designed space that captures the essence of the Gold Coast, featuring a living green roof, skyline views, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The HOTA Outdoor Stage has hosted an impressive range of national and international touring acts, and major cultural events, with past performances from Ministry of Sound, Jack Johnson, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Missy Higgins, Neil Finn, The Kid LAROI, Tones And I, LAB the venue is also a highly sought‑after destination for performance, private hires, corporate events, and large‑scale community and civic activations.

20×20×1m (W×D×H)
Mode: Standing: 5,000 Chill Out: 3,000 Banquet: Up to 144 Cocktail: Up to 800
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Theatre 1

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.

16.03×23.05 (W×D)
Full Theatre: 1,121 Stalls: 719 Balcony: 374 AABB Rows: 28 Cocktail: 250 Banquet: 180
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Theatre 2

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.

10m wide × 6m deep (60m²)
Up to 105 (configurable layouts)
108m²
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Lakeside Room and Lakeside Terrace

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.

7.94 x 7.90 x .93m (WxDxH)
Full Room Theatre 480 staggered seating 500 non-staggered seating Banquet 350 Cabaret 280 Cocktail 550 Half Room Theatre 200 Banquet 150 Cocktail 250 Cabaret 120 Outdoor Terrace Cocktail 100
Full Room: 368m2 Half Room: 182m2 Outdoor Terrace: 182m2
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Panorama Room

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.

Theatre: 70 Cocktail: 100 Banquet: 70 Cabaret: 56 U-Shape: 24 Classroom: 36
Room: 100m2 Balcony: 64m2
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Cinema 1

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.

218
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Cinema 2

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.

148
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Basement

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.

4.2m x 2.8m x 0.2m (WxDxH)
Theatre Style: 100 Cocktail: 150 Banquet: 60 Caberet: 48 U-Shape: 24
126m²
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Gallery Studio

Located within the iconic HOTA Gallery on the Gold Coast, The Studio is a light-filled and versatile event space designed to inspire creativity, connection, and collaboration. Ideal for workshops, corporate meetings, networking events, and bespoke experiences, the space combines contemporary interiors with the vibrant energy of the Gallery’s artistic surroundings. Audiovisual services, lighting, and technical support are also available for hire through our dedicated Production Management team to help bring your event to life.

Theatre: 40 Cocktail: 40 Banquet: 40 Cabaret: 32 U-Shape: 23 Classroom: 24
45m²

Palette Restaurant

Set within the striking HOTA Gallery, Palette is a three-hatted fine dining restaurant where art and cuisine come together in an immersive, creative experience. Led by Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law, the venue offers bespoke menus inspired by the gallery’s exhibitions, making it ideal for exclusive corporate dinners and VIP events. Surrounded by world-class art and architectural beauty, Palette delivers a truly memorable and refined dining experience.

Theatre: 50 Cocktail: 80 Banquet: 62
96m²
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The Exhibitionist Bar

Located atop HOTA Gallery, The Exhibitionist Bar is a rooftop venue offering sweeping views from the Gold Coast coastline to the Hinterland. With art-inspired cocktails, ever-evolving menus, and a vibrant atmosphere from day to night, it’s ideal for stylish corporate events and memorable celebrations. Combining striking design, premium drinks, and panoramic scenery, this elevated space delivers a truly unforgettable experience.

Indoor Terrace (Theatre): 40 Cocktail: 150
96m²
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Studio 1

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.

200
214m²
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Studio 2

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.

100
192m2
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The Lounge

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.

Theatre: 40 Cocktail: 40 Banquet: 40 Cabaret: 32 Classroom: 18
87.57m2
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St Margaret's Chapel

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.

50 seated 10 Standing
25m²

Venue comparison


At a glance

VenueModeCapacity (max)Stage sizeGridGreen roomDressing roomsBest for
Outdoor StageAll Standing Chill Out5000 300014.1m (W) x 11.8m (D)Fixed6
ConcertsFestivals
Theatre 1Fixed Seating112111.6m (W) x 13.7m (D)Fly8
TheatreMusicDanceComedyFilm
Theatre 2Fixed Seating10510m (W) x 6m (D)Fixed2
TheatreComedyRehearsal
Lakeside RoomTheatre Tables (Custom)500 3207.9m (W) x 5.9m (D)Motor Grid2
TheatreMusicComedyCabaret
The BasementSeating1204.2m (W) x 2.8m (D)Fixed1
ComedyCabaretMusic
Studio 1Seating140Temporary as RequiredN/AN/A
WorkshopVisual ArtRehearsal
Cinema 1Fixed Seating218N/AN/AN/A
Film
Cinema 2Fixed Seating148N/AN/AN/A
Film

For detailed information about each venue, including inclusions, capacities, and modes, click the venue name.

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