HOLIDAY Destination: Surfers Paradise
With the warm Pacific Ocean on one side, the deep blue Nerang River on the other, and more shops, restaurants, high rise resorts and attractions squeezed in between than probably any other peninsula on earth - Surfers Paradise is the undisputed tourist capital of Australia, and some would even argue the world.
A mere 50 years ago 'Surfers' was a small beach resort typical of the Australian coast, but in the 21st century, the city is now the pulsing heart of one of the biggest tourism machines in the Southern Hemisphere. Surfers Paradise is home to many attractions, with everything from bungee jumping & mini ice skating to the Armor All Gold Coast 600 and Schoolies Week. There are also countless restaurants, night clubs & bars to entertain during the night.
Surfers - Holiday Capital of Australia
Surfers Paradise gets very busy during peak holiday periods (Christmas and Easter), but despite the crowds it's still an incredibly beautiful, safe and happy city with great weather and unlike many resort towns around the world, tourists are welcomed with big open arms, big Queensland smiles and bright Queensland sunshine.
Holiday makers are attracted to the neon lights, endless high rise buildings, golden sand, sunny atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle.
You can be comfortable in a tuxedo eating at a five star restaurant or walking down the street in your swimmers.
But they don't call it a "surfer's paradise" for nothing, so it's not surprising the main drawcard is the 150m wide stretch of sand that extends for almost 10km in each direction. The beach is patrolled year round and it's safe to swim - so jump in, but make sure you swim between the flags!
Things to do in Surfers Paradise
Tourist Attractions
Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, Surfers has one of the largest selections of tourist attractions and activities on the Gold Coast, from Ripley's Believe it or Not, Sporting Hall of Fame, Infinity, Funtasia, Wax Museum and bowling to name a few!
Surfers is also home to many tour operators including Jet Boat Extreme, the Aqua Duck and day tours.
The Surfers skyline also features Q1, the tallest residential building in the world. Take the world's fastest elevator to level 77 and experience the SkyPoint Observation Deck - views from the hinterland out to sea, you'll be able to take in the beauty of the Gold Coast in it's entirety.
If looking through glass isn't exciting enough for you, the SkyPoint climb should satisfy your adrenaline cravings, being Australia's highest external building walk (at 270m above sea level).
Nightlife & Entertainment
Surfers in known amongst locals to be THE place to go for a big night out, with the majority of the Gold Coast's nightclubs, bars and pubs located in and around Orchid and Cavill Avenues.
The scene can be a bit less glamourous late on a Saturday night (well... Sunday morning) but if you're looking for a place (or 20) to wet your whistle then this is the place to go - and because there's so many holiday accommodation options in Surfers, you'll typically be able to walk back to your hotel rather than wait in a taxi line.
There's lounge bars, hip hop venues, dance clubs and Irish pubs, find a Beer Garden, cafe of Hard Rock and a Swingin 1970's beach house - there's plenty of choices - the Surfers Paradise Alliance website has a good list of nightlife venues here.
If clubbing isn't your scene, there's plenty of restaurants to choose from as well as buskers and street performers in the mall to keep you entertained while you dine. Otherwise, make your way a few minutes south to Broadbeach and check out Jupiters Casino.
Shopping in Surfers
There are two extremes in Surfers. At one end of the scale, you'll find all the typical souvenier shops and discount stores for the real touristy stuff (if you want to take a stuffed koala home or find a t-shirt with a boomerang on it).
The other end of the scale oozes high fashion, with big name designer labels like Guess, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Chanel, and boutique stores lining the street from brands including Zimmerman and Billabong. These boutique stores are mainly in and around High Street (a new precinct beneath the Hilton hotel), Circle on Cavill and Elkhorn Avenue. In the middle, find everything else you'll need with the normal shopping centre experience and stores at Centro and Chevron Renaissance.
The beachfront markets are incredibly popular with both locals and tourists, and are held every Wednesday and Friday night (weather permitting).
You can find yourself some unique treasures for souveniers and gifts from the locals who made them, and you're always bound to spot something unusual.
Surfers Paradise Map - Interactive Version
More Surfers Paradise Information
- Surfers Paradise accommodation
- Suburb profile of Surfers Paradise
- Surfers Paradise photo tour
- Main tourist attractions
