DONOVANS: Your April Update

Toastie Challenge | Seafood Platters | Easter Hours + More

Laura & Mckinlay

May 2025

When we first met Laura & Mckinlay, they told us straight away that good food and good wine were a huge priority! They were keen to enjoy long table feasting with their guests and have a magical day — and everyone agrees they absolutely nailed it.

Why did we book the Surf Club?

From the very beginning of our wedding planning process, we always said that we wanted our wedding to feel like home. We wanted everyone to be enjoying themselves, laughing, and spending time together in a place that represented us well. From reading the Surf Club’s wedding PDF, to meeting the events team and having a walk through — it all just felt so right. The whole process was easy, the staff were so lovely and accommodating, and we truly did have the best day ever.

We booked the Surf Club because it had elements that we were looking for! We wanted to have our reception by the sea, with incredible food, a space large enough to cater for a sit-down event with over 100 people — but most importantly, a place that was the perfect mix of being chilled, yet sophisticated. The Surf Club is super affordable, is styled beautifully, and is the perfect place to host a wedding in a prime beachfront location.

What do we know now that we wish we knew before?

About weddings? It would be that your day goes by insanely fast. I've never been more grateful to be surrounded by all of our favourite people in the world, in one room. It's so rare, but so special. Our photographer captured the vibe perfectly.

How did you spend your honeymoon?

We haven't had a honeymoon yet! We actually attended 3 weddings (including our own) in 14 days. It was so beautiful, but such a whirlwind. We have another 5 weddings to attend coming up — so at the moment there is no time for travel. When the timing works (next year) we would love to go on a getaway! We have a few places in mind — so watch this space!

Absolute favourite moment of the day?

I honestly cannot pinpoint a single moment. The whole day was magic.

Hot tips for couples planning their wedding?

You don't need to spend a house deposit to have a great day. It's about who you're marrying, who is there to celebrate and the love you share with everyone. If your love is real, you will feel it no matter the amount of money you put towards the day.
For me, the seating chart was the hardest part of the process haha. Care less about what people will think — everyone is there to celebrate your love (they don't actually care about who they are sitting with).
Book a photographer who you vibe with.
Splurge on a videographer — you cannot remember the little things, the exact moments/feelings, the vows, speeches and special moments no matter how hard you try. It is so, so special to have this on footage forever — to watch, cherish and pass on for generations to come!!!

Happy April Fool’s Day! We promise there’s no trickery ahead in this post - just the classic DONOVANS you know and love now with a fresh new look and extra venue. Oh, and did we mention our shiny new website launched today?!

We’ve got a jam-packed April ahead, filled with public holidays, school holidays, a special seafood offer, a brand new chef challenge and more.

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If you’re a long-term DONOVANS Surf Club fan, you may remember our pancake challenge last year, where, following a public vote, Brad brought it home with his Japanese souffle pancakes. This year we’re doughing out on a limb with toasties.

Tune in to our emails and socials every week as we announce the weekly tasty toasties for you to try!

Want to turn Good Friday into Great Friday? We’re offering our followers a special seafood deal and doing all the hard work.

Sink your teeth into our seafood platter for two. $60 gets you:

🐟 Fresh Coffs Coast seafood - 2 pieces of fish, 6 prawn cutlets, salt & pepper calamari, chips, dipping sauce & lemon

Add-ons: 🥗 Greek salad $14 🦐 Fresh prawns (3) $9 🦪 Natural oysters (3) $12

These are by advance order only (i.e. you can’t order on the day), so email us or call to order by 2.30pm Wednesday 16 April for pick up from the Surf Club on Good Friday between 11am - 12pm.

ORDER NOW!

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Easter & ANZAC Opening Hours

Speaking of Good Friday becoming even better, the Surf Club is opening for Good Friday for the first time in 17 years!

Here are our opening ours:

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‍Surf Club:

OPEN Friday 18 April (Good Friday): 8am - 2pm (11am - 12pm for seafood platter collection only).

OPEN Saturday 19 April (Easter Saturday): 8am - 2pm.

OPEN Sunday 20 April (Easter Sunday): 8am - 2pm.

CLOSED Easter Monday 21st April.

OPEN ANZAC DAY 25 April from 8am – 2pm..

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The Link:

CLOSED Good Friday.

OPEN Saturday 19 (Easter Saturday): 8am - 2.00pm.

OPEN Sunday 20 April (Easter Sunday): 8am - 2.00pm.

CLOSED Easter Monday 21st April.

CLOSED ANZAC Day 25 April.

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Weddings and Events

Autumn is the perfect time to start planning an event, with the cooler weather, less humidity and few tourists. And now with two venues, we can offer double the options! Did we mention we also do weddings? Check out our EVENTS page!

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