Are you looking for a beach destination that has it all? Whether you want to surf, swim, shop, dine, party, or explore, Surfers Paradise in Queensland, Australia, has something for everyone. Surfers Paradise is the heart of the Gold Coast, a 57-kilometre stretch of coastline that boasts some of the best beaches, attractions, and nightlife in the country. In this article, we will show you how to make the most of your visit to Surfers Paradise, from the best things to do, to the best places to stay, eat, and drink. You will also learn about the best time to visit, the nearby places to explore, and the events and festivals to enjoy. Read on to discover how to enjoy Surfers Paradise like a pro!
Things to do in Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is a playground for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and fun seekers. Here are some of the best things to do in Surfers Paradise, grouped by categories:
Natural attractions
Surfers Paradise is blessed with stunning natural attractions, such as the golden sand beach, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and the lush hinterland. You can enjoy these natural wonders in various ways, such as:
Surfing: Surfers Paradise is a surfer’s paradise, as the name suggests. You can catch some waves at the iconic beach, or join a surf lesson with a professional instructor. There are surf schools and surf shops along the beachfront that cater to all levels of experience and ability.
Swimming: Surfers Paradise beach is patrolled by lifeguards all year round, making it a safe and enjoyable place to swim. You can also swim at the public pools, such as the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets Pool, or the Aquaduck Pool, which is part of a land and water tour that takes you around the city and the waterways.
SkyPoint Climb and Observation Deck: If you want to see Surfers Paradise from a different perspective, you can climb to the top of the Q1 building, the tallest residential tower in the Southern Hemisphere. The SkyPoint Climb is a 90-minute adventure that takes you to the summit of the 270-metre-high building, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, the ocean, and the hinterland. You can also visit the SkyPoint Observation Deck, which is located on the 77th and 78th floors of the Q1 building, and offers stunning views from the comfort of an indoor lounge and bar.
Theme parks and attractions
Surfers Paradise is home to some of the best theme parks and attractions in Australia, such as:
Warner Bros. Movie World: Warner Bros. Movie World is a movie-themed park that features thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on your favourite characters and movies. You can meet Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and other superheroes, or experience the adrenaline rush of the DC Rivals HyperCoaster, the tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a museum of the weird and wonderful, where you can see and interact with hundreds of exhibits, artefacts, and oddities from around the world. You can also enter the Ripley’s Impossible LaseRace, a maze of lasers that challenges your speed and agility.
Infinity Attraction: Infinity Attraction is a mind-blowing journey through a series of futuristic worlds, filled with special effects, illusions, and interactive features. You can experience the feeling of flying, falling, and floating, as you explore the 20 multi-sensory environments that stimulate your senses and imagination.
Family fun
Surfers Paradise is a great place for families, as there are plenty of activities and attractions that cater to kids and adults alike, such as:
Timezone: Timezone is the largest indoor family entertainment centre in Australia, with over 200 games and attractions, such as bowling, laser tag, mini golf, bumper cars, arcade games, and more. You can also win prizes and redeem them at the prize shop, or enjoy a snack or a drink at the café.
King Tutts Putt Putt: King Tutts Putt Putt is a mini golf course that features three themed courses, such as Ancient Egypt, Jurassic, and Tutt’s Challenge. You can putt your way through pyramids, dinosaurs, mummies, and more, while having fun and challenging your skills.
Slingshot and Vomatron: Slingshot and Vomatron are two of the most extreme rides in Surfers Paradise, that will test your nerves and adrenaline. The Slingshot is a giant catapult that launches you 80 metres into the air at 160 kilometres per hour, while the Vomatron is a giant spinning wheel that rotates you 45 metres above the ground at 120 kilometres per hour.
Where to stay in Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and resorts, to budget hostels and apartments. Here are some of the best places to stay in Surfers Paradise, grouped by budget, location, and amenities:
Luxury
If you want to splurge on your stay in Surfers Paradise, you can choose from some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the city, such as:
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel and Residences: Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel and Residences is a five-star hotel that offers spacious and stylish rooms and suites, as well as self-contained apartments, with stunning views of the ocean, the city, or the hinterland. The hotel also features four pools, a spa, a fitness centre, a restaurant, a bar, and a lounge.
Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise: Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise is a five-star resort that offers elegant and modern apartments, with floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, and ocean views. The resort also features an outdoor pool, a spa, a sauna, a steam room, a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a bar.
QT Gold Coast: QT Gold Coast is a five-star hotel that offers quirky and colourful rooms and suites, with balconies and views of the ocean or the river. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a spa, a tennis court, a fitness centre, a restaurant, a bar, and a café.
Mid-range
If you want to save some money on your stay in Surfers Paradise, you can choose from some of the most affordable and comfortable hotels and resorts in the city, such as:
Novotel Surfers Paradise: Novotel Surfers Paradise is a four-star hotel that offers cosy and contemporary rooms and suites, with balconies and views of the ocean, the city, or the hinterland. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness centre, a restaurant, a bar, and a café.
Mantra on View Hotel: Mantra on View Hotel is a four-star hotel that offers spacious and stylish rooms and suites, with balconies and views of the ocean, the city, or the hinterland. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a bar.
Vibe Hotel Gold Coast: Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is a four-star hotel that offers bright and modern rooms and suites, with balconies and views of the ocean, the river, or the city. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a bar.
Budget
If you want to spend as little as possible on your stay in Surfers Paradise, you can choose from some of the most cheap and cheerful hostels and apartments in the city, such as:
Budds in Surfers Backpackers: Budds in Surfers Backpackers is a hostel that offers dorms and private rooms, with shared bathrooms and facilities. The hostel also features an outdoor pool, a barbecue area, a lounge, a kitchen, and a laundry.
Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort: Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort is a hostel that offers dorms and private rooms, with ensuite bathrooms and balconies. The hostel also features an outdoor pool, a tennis court, a barbecue area, a lounge, a kitchen, and a laundry.
Surfers Paradise YHA: Surfers Paradise YHA is a hostel that offers dorms and private rooms, with shared bathrooms and facilities. The hostel also features a lounge, a kitchen, a laundry, and a tour desk.
Where to eat and drink in Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is a foodie’s paradise, as it offers a variety of dining and nightlife options, from fine dining restaurants and cafes, to pubs and clubs. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Surfers Paradise, grouped by cuisine, price, and atmosphere:
Fine dining
If you want to treat yourself to a gourmet meal in Surfers Paradise, you can choose from some of the most exquisite and elegant restaurants in the city, such as:
Seaduction Restaurant + Bar: Seaduction Restaurant + Bar is a restaurant that offers contemporary Australian cuisine, with a focus on seafood and local produce. The restaurant also offers a stunning view of the ocean, a wine cellar, and a private dining room.
Clifford’s Grill & Lounge: Clifford’s Grill & Lounge is a restaurant that offers modern Australian cuisine, with a twist of Asian and European influences. The restaurant also features a wood-fired grill, a cocktail bar, and a live music lounge.
The Island Rooftop: The Island Rooftop is a restaurant that offers Mediterranean cuisine, with a selection of tapas, salads, pizzas, and mains. The restaurant also boasts the largest open-air rooftop bar in the Gold Coast, with a view of the skyline, live music, and cocktails.
Casual dining
If you want to enjoy a relaxed and affordable meal in Surfers Paradise, you can choose from some of the most popular and diverse restaurants and cafes in the city, such as:
Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co.: Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. is a restaurant that offers classic burgers, fries, shakes, and frozen custard desserts, known as concretes. The restaurant has a retro and fun vibe, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Sandbar: Sandbar is a restaurant that offers modern Australian cuisine, with a focus on seafood and burgers. The restaurant also has a beachfront location, a craft beer bar, and a live music stage.
Elston: Elston is a restaurant that offers a fusion of Australian and international cuisine, with a range of dishes, such as tacos, burgers, salads, steaks, and pizzas. The restaurant also has a cosy and chic atmosphere, a cocktail bar, and a coffee lounge.
Nightlife
Surfers Paradise is a party paradise, as it offers a variety of nightlife options, from pubs and clubs, to bars and lounges. Here are some of the best places to drink and dance in Surfers Paradise, grouped by vibe and style:
The Avenue: The Avenue is a pub and club that offers live entertainment, comedy, and karaoke, as well as a restaurant and a sports bar. The Avenue is one of the oldest and most iconic venues in Surfers Paradise, with a history of hosting local and international acts.
SinCity Nightclub: SinCity Nightclub is a club that offers a glamorous and sophisticated experience, with VIP booths, bottle service, and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. SinCity Nightclub is one of the most popular and exclusive venues in Surfers Paradise, with a dress code and a guest list.
House of Brews: House of Brews is a bar and lounge that offers a selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wines, as well as a menu of American-style food, such as ribs, wings, and burgers. House of Brews also features a rooftop bar, a live music stage, and a happy hour.
Events and festivals in Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is a lively and festive destination, as it hosts some of the best events and festivals in Australia, such as:
Surfers Paradise LIVE: Surfers Paradise LIVE is a music festival that features local and national artists, performing live on multiple stages along the beachfront. The festival is free and open to all ages, and showcases a variety of genres, such as rock, pop, indie, and folk.
Sand Safari Arts Festival: Sand Safari Arts Festival is an art festival that features spectacular sand sculptures, created by local and international artists, along the beach and the streets of Surfers Paradise. The festival also includes interactive workshops, exhibitions, and competitions.
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets is a market that offers a range of products, such as arts, crafts, jewellery, clothing, homewares, and souvenirs, made by local artisans and vendors. The market is open every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday night, and also features live entertainment and street performers.
Best time to visit Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is a year-round destination, as it enjoys a subtropical climate, with warm and sunny weather, and mild and pleasant winters. However, some of the best times to visit Surfers Paradise are:
Spring (September to November): Spring is a great time to visit Surfers Paradise, as the weather is warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The spring season also coincides with some of the major events and festivals in Surfers Paradise, such as Surfers Paradise LIVE, Sand Safari Arts Festival, and Gold Coast 600, a motor racing event.
Summer (December to February): Summer is a popular time to visit Surfers Paradise, as the weather is hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C. The summer season also attracts many beachgoers and surfers, who enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. However, summer is also the peak season, which means higher prices and crowds, as well as the possibility of tropical storms and cyclones.
Autumn (March to May): Autumn is a good time to visit Surfers Paradise, as the weather is mild and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C. The autumn season also offers some of the best surfing conditions, as well as lower prices and crowds, compared to the summer season.
Winter (June to August): Winter is a pleasant time to visit Surfers Paradise, as the weather is cool and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 11°C to 21°C. The winter season also offers some of the best whale watching opportunities, as well as some of the best events and festivals in Surfers Paradise, such as Surfers Paradise Festival of Lights, a light and art show, and Gold Coast Marathon, a running event.
Places nearby Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is a central and convenient location, as it is close to some of the best places to visit in the Gold Coast and beyond, such as:
Broadbeach:
Broadbeach is a suburb that is located about 3 kilometres south of Surfers Paradise, and offers a more relaxed and sophisticated vibe, with a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, such as The Star Gold Coast, a casino and hotel complex, Pacific Fair, a shopping centre, and Kurrawa Beach, a patrolled beach.
Burleigh Heads:
Burleigh Heads is a suburb that is located about 10 kilometres south of Surfers Paradise, and offers a more laid-back and natural vibe, with a range of outdoor activities and attractions, such as Burleigh Heads National Park, a coastal park with walking trails and wildlife, Burleigh Beach, a popular surfing spot, and Burleigh Art and Craft Markets, a market that sells local products.
Brisbane:
Brisbane is a city that is located about 80 kilometres north of Surfers Paradise, and offers a more cosmopolitan and cultural vibe, with a range of landmarks, museums, and galleries, such as South Bank, a riverside park with a beach, a ferris wheel, and a cultural centre, Queen Street Mall, a shopping and dining precinct, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, a wildlife park with koalas and other animals.
Surfers Paradise, Queensland, is one of the best destinations in Australia, as it offers a variety of attractions, activities, and experiences for all kinds of travellers. Whether you want to enjoy the beach, the nature, the culture, or the nightlife, Surfers Paradise has something for you. You can also explore the nearby places, such as Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, and Brisbane, and discover more of what the Gold Coast and beyond have to offer. Surfers Paradise is a place that you will never forget, and that you will always want to come back to.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Surfers Paradise today, and enjoy Australia’s beach paradise like a pro! For more information and tips on Surfers Paradise, visit Tripoto, the ultimate travel guide and community. Happy travels!
