At Luma Newstead, dessert starts before the gelato

The first layer in a Luma cup does not have to be gelato. It can be the toppings.

The distinction came up when I asked what was changing at the Newstead shop compared with Mooloolaba. A Luma representative explained that customers can start with toppings, add gelato, then finish with another layer. They can also begin with gelato if they prefer. The point is that the order is theirs to choose.

It is a small distinction, but it changes the job of the toppings. They do not have to be a finishing touch. They can become the base of the dessert you are making.

Luma's first Brisbane location is at LIV Anura on Skyring Terrace, Newstead. The team has announced its grand opening for Thursday 15 October 2026 from 1 pm, with the first 500 complimentary cups in a four-week opening giveaway. The offer is for Rewards members, with a $10 limit per cup; the details are below.

A room built around choosing

The room made an impression as soon as we walked in. The colours felt calm and pleasing, while the warm lighting and gold fittings gave the space an elegant, European feel.

The photographs explain some of that response: mint-coloured seating, cream patterned tiles, curved counters and gold-edged mirrors. Above them, hanging lights pick up the warm tones of the fittings.

The gold-coloured containers holding the toppings were a particular highlight. On the white counter, they give each ingredient its own place. Labels visible in our photographs include macadamia, pistachio, hazelnut and gummy bears.

For us, the interest was not simply that there were plenty of things to add. It was the freedom to decide how they belonged together, and whether they belonged below the gelato or on top.

More room for your own combinations

The larger shop is intended to make room for more choice. According to the representative, Luma's Mooloolaba store has eight flavours and 27 toppings; the plan for Newstead is twelve flavours and 34 toppings.

Our wide photograph shows six self-serve machine units arranged in three illuminated alcoves, with two labelled flavour positions per unit.

Names visible on the boards include strawberry and cream, Biscoff cheesecake, hazelnut and pistachio.

Another detail that stood out was the separate sparkling-water station. Its gold-coloured tap fitted the room as neatly as the topping bowls. Along with the tile patterns and complementary colours, it was one of the smaller features that made the experience feel carefully considered.

What sits behind the choices

Asked what Luma meant by making its gelato fresh in-house, the representative described using the business's own recipe with milk and cream, pasteurising the mix and making it in the back according to consumption.

The representative also emphasised consistency across the flavours and toppings, alongside introducing customers to the experience.

Asked why Newstead, the representative pointed to development in the neighbourhood, its proximity to James Street and a wish to become part of the community. There is an ambition to take Luma beyond two stores, too, although no further locations or timetable were given in our conversation.

What stayed with us was more immediate. The interior gives customers plenty to look at, but the clearest idea is inside the cup: you do not have to leave all the interesting bits until the end.

Grand opening and complimentary gelato

Luma has announced its grand opening for Thursday 15 October 2026 from 1 pm at Tenancy 4.1, LIV Anura, 60 Skyring Terrace, Newstead. A DJ and photo moments are planned for the celebration.

The opening promotion is 2,000 complimentary LUMA cups across four weeks, released as 500 each week. The first 500 are due to be available from 1 pm on opening day.

• The offer is for LUMA Rewards members only.
• Each complimentary cup covers up to $10; customers pay any amount above that.
• There is one redemption per member, not a promised free cup every week.
• Luma says the registration link, full redemption terms and later weekly release details will be shared on its social media.

Check Luma's official Instagram for registration and release updates before heading over. Its announced regular hours are 10 am to 10 pm daily, subject to opening updates.