Chris Hemsworth drops by Pipi’s for a laid-back Gold Coast lunch
Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth has been quietly making the Gold Coast his second home, slipping into another local hotspot over the weekend for a relaxed waterfront lunch that sent the hospitality grapevine humming.
The Thor actor was spotted on Saturday at Pipi’s at Coolangatta, the breezy seaside venue run under the Gambaro Group banner. For a restaurant that’s already building a reputation as a destination for long lunches by the water, having one of Australia’s biggest exports drop by is the kind of soft marketing money can’t buy.
Pipi’s shared a series of photos from the visit on Monday morning, with Hemsworth pictured posing with Gambaro Group managing director John Gambaro and Rocco Gambaro. The venue didn’t hide its excitement in the caption that accompanied the photos, writing: “What an absolute privilege it was to host @chrishemsworth at Pipi’s,” the post read.
“Thank you for your warmth, generosity, and the genuine joy you brought to our little corner by the ocean. Your visit meant more than you know, and we hope to welcome you back again very soon.”
For Gold Coast venues, these kinds of unscripted moments are a welcome boost – not just for bragging rights, but for the broader message they send about the region’s pull as a lifestyle and hospitality destination. When one of the world’s most recognisable actors keeps choosing your patch for both work and play, people notice.
Behind the casual appearances is a busy shooting schedule. Hemsworth is in town filming Subversion, an upcoming submarine action thriller that has been rolling cameras across South East Queensland since September. The production has brought an influx of screen-industry attention and activity to the area, with flow-on benefits for hotels, restaurants, bars and local tourism operators.
Hemsworth isn’t just flying in and out for work – he’s leaning into the coastal lifestyle and the local dining scene while he’s here.
For Pipi’s at Coolangatta, the weekend visit is likely to be one that lives long in the memory, and probably in more than a few future social media posts. For the wider Gold Coast hospitality scene, it’s another sign that the region is firmly on the radar for high-profile guests who want good food, good views and a relaxed place to disappear for an hour or two between takes.
Jonathan Jackson, 15th December 2025
