For years, Surfers Paradise has been synonymous with Australia’s Gold Coast – even today, almost half of all visitors to the Gold Coast head to Surfers Paradise.
Over decades, visitors have flocked to this entertainment capital, named ‘Surfers Paradise’ by developers in 1933 to reflect the beach and surf conditions that lured residents and holiday makers from the north and south for weekend retreats. From these early beginnings, Surfers Paradise quickly grew and established itself in the 1950’s and 1960’s as Australia’s favourite party destination with the famous ‘pyjama parties’.
While the attractions and physical landscape of Surfers Paradise have evolved in line with modern tastes, it still remains Queensland’s entertainment capital that plays 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Modern day Surfers Paradise is alive and surprising. Its calendar of year-round events keeps tourists, athletes and celebrities returning time after time. Internationally famous racing car drivers can been seen on the streets during the Lexmark Indy 300 while the heroes of the Tour de France race through Surfers Paradise during the International Cycling Grand Prix each December. There’s something on every week in this glitter strip with everything from Beach Cinema to Australia’s only night beachfront markets.
The excitement doesn’t end when the sun goes down. With more than 31 nightclubs bars and pubs open late each night, and late night shopping seven days a week, you can burn the candle at both ends. For a romantic twist, view the lights of the Gold Coast from the top of the world’s tallest residential tower, Q1 or soak up the night-time atmosphere with a horse-drawn carriage ride through Surfers Paradise.
A major shopping and dining precinct, there’s exclusive fashion labels – Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Bally and Escada amongst well-known national brands - duty free shopping and the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Night Markets every Wednesday and Friday evenings (5.30pm to 10pm). Cuisine ranges from five-star formal to authentic Asian eateries with more than 150 food and beverage outlets.
Flanking the iconic wall of high-rise buildings is Surfers Paradise Beach, twice voted one of the ‘World’s Best Beaches’ by the Discovery Channel. Enjoyed by millions each year, it was also awarded the title of ‘Queensland’s Cleanest Beach’ in 2005.
Surfers Paradise is vibrant and alive. Bare chested bronzed Aussie surfers wander with surfboards slung under their arms down the main street, families frolic in the surf and couples enjoy cappuccinos at alfresco cafes. High-rise meets sand, meets parks and gardens. Nearby McIntosh Island has picnic areas and calm water swimming.
Accommodation is plentiful and varied – more than 79 accommodation venues including five star high-rise, hotels, guest houses, backpacker hostles and self-contained apartments. The Gold Coast Tourism Visitor Information Centre in Cavill Mall can help you squeeze maximum enjoyment from your visit.
Location: Central
Orientation: Broadbeach to the south, Main Beach to the north
