Here is what makes the Gold Coast’s most popular tourist holiday destination such a great place to go

 

 

20 Reasons To Visit Surfers Paradise

Not sure whether to visit Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for your next Queensland Holiday?

Well in this post, I want to highlight 20 reasons why you should go there.

But before you start to read the article, here is a brief overview of what they are:

1. Introduction
2. Why Visit Surfers Paradise
2.1 Pristine Beaches
2.2 Thrilling Water Sports
2.3 Shopping Paradise
2.4 Vibrant Nightlife
2.5 Iconic Landmarks
2.6 Theme Parks
2.7 Delicious Dining Options
2.8 Cultural Experiences
2.9 National Parks
2.10 Events and Festivals
2.11 Gold Coast 500
2.12 Gold Coast Oceanway
2.13 Skydiving Adventures
2.14 Spa and Wellness Retreats
2.15 Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
2.16 Golfing Paradise
2.17 Waterfront Cruises
2.18 Art and Street Performances
2.19 Aquaduck
2.20 Accessibility and Accommodation
3. Final Thought
4. FAQs

After you have read this post, I hope you’ll be convinced as to why you should visit Surfers Paradise for your weekend Gold Coast travel getaway or family holiday!

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).

Read Time: 12 Minutes

 

Introduction

If you visit Surfers Paradise, you won’t be alone. Every year, over 4 million people come to this fantastic Gold Coast beach destination for fun in the sun and to rest, relax and let their hair down.

Nestled on the eastern shores of the Gold Coast, Surfer’s Paradise is one of Australia’s main tourist destinations. It is known around the world for its sun-kissed beaches, azure waters and vibrant atmosphere that pulsates seemingly all day and night.

Overall, Surfers Paradise is a place where golden sands meet a bustling cityscape with plenty of modern highrises. This offers the visitor an enticing blend of natural beauty and modern, urban amenities that few other destinations in the country can match.

For some people, enjoying a Surfers Paradise vacation is a lifelong dream. However, for others, the sheer number of visitors and the frenetic pace of life are enough to break them out into a cold sweat.

If you find yourself somewhere in the middle and aren’t sure about visiting this iconic Queensland coastal suburb, then allow me to try to convince you.

In this post, I will showcase 20 Reasons to visit Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. Hopefully, you’ll be impressed with all you can do there.

 

Why Visit Surfers Paradise

Are you wondering whether you should visit Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast in Queensland?

Here are 20 very compelling reasons why you should do so!

 

 

1. Pristine Beaches

When you visit Surfers Paradise, you simply MUST go to the beach. Stretching for around 2 km, its glistening golden sand and rolling surf is perfect for swimming, surfing, walking and sunbathing.

Overall, the beach is clean and has a good range of facilities that are well-maintained by the local council. These include toilets, showers, shaded picnic areas, and BBQs, which makes it an ideal spot to set yourself up for the day.

The section of the Coral Sea that resides at Surfers Paradise Beach is patrolled year-round by lifeguards, so if you swim between the flags you will be well looked after. Just remember to put on plenty of sunscreen and don’t stay out in the sun too long.

If you fancy a change of scene, but still want to feel the sand between your toes, there are plenty of other beaches on the Gold Coast you can head to, including the likes of Main Beach, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

 

2. Thrilling Water Sports

If you are more of a water sports lover than a sunbather, there are plenty of ways you can get your adrenaline fix when you visit Surfers Paradise.

The likes of jet skiing, parasailing, jet boat riding, paddleboarding, and kayaking are all popular activities here and you’ll be able to book any one of several locally run tours.

You’ll love the feeling of gliding across the sparkling waters of the Coral Sea while taking in panoramic views of the Gold Coast skyline. It’s an exhilarating experience that you’ll remember for a long time to come.

 

 

3. Shopping Paradise

Surfers Paradise could just as easily be called ‘Shoppers Paradise’ as there are plenty of places where you can indulge in some retail therapy.

The main Surfers Paradise shopping street is Cavill Avenue, where you’ll find a huge selection of high-end fashion boutiques, surf shops and jewellery stores, especially within the Paradise Centre, Circle on Cavill and Cavill Mall Surfers Paradise shopping malls.

Elsewhere, the Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre and The Centre Arcade, both on Surfer’s Paradise Boulevard, provide additionally options.

If you only have time to visit one of these destinations, I would suggest the Paradise Centre. It is the largest shopping mall in Surfer’s Paradise.

 

4. Vibrant Nightlife

For many people, the main reason to visit Surfers Paradise is for its nightlife.

It doesn’t matter if you fancy a low-key night of sipping Mai Tais with friends or you want to bust your moves to Armin van Buuren until the sun starts to rise, the glitter strip that is Surfer’s Paradise has a venue for everyone.

Orchid Avenue is where the party really happens. Here, you’ll find high-energy nighclubs like Cocktails, Asylum, Lost Kingdom, The Bedroom and Retro, which all play banging tunes from resident DJs.

Before you hit these venues, or if you’d prefer a place where you could have a conversation, there are plenty of Surfer’s Paradise bars you can visit. One of the best is The Island Rooftop, which is the largest open-air rooftop bar on the Gold Coast. Here you can enjoy sensational cocktails and great food, as well as a happening vibe.

Other bars to consider include BOBs Beer, Hyde Paradiso, Stingray Lounge and the wonderful Steampunk.

 

 

5. Iconic Landmarks

The Gold Coast is home to some iconic landmarks, which you should add to your ‘must see’ list when you visit Surfers Paradise.

One such landmark is the Q1 Building – an architectural marvel which was once the world’s tallest residential tower. The main drawcard here is the breathtaking panoramic views of the Gold Coast it offers from the SkyPoint Observation Deck.

You’ll have to head up to the 77th floor to see it, which you can access via a high-speed elevator ride. However, on a clear day you’ll be able to see for miles and capture incredible photos of the coastline and Coral Sea. You can also enjoy this view of dinner at the onsite restaurant.

Talking of photos, the Surfers Paradise sign is something you’ll definitely want to capture for an obligatory Gold Coast holiday Instagram snap.

This famous city symbol is one of the most popular of all Surfers Paradise attractions. It is located at the end of Cavill Mall and is particularly worth heading to at sunrise, when you got a great chance of getting a money shot.

 

6. Theme Parks

If you are looking for family activities Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast have plenty of theme parks to keep you and your little ones entertained for hours.

Between them, Sea World, Dreamworld, Warner Bros and Wet’n’Wild offer the opportunity to marvel at marine life, enjoy adrenaline-pumping rides, watch fascinating animal shows and meet your favourite movie characters.

Ideally, you should try and visit all these Surfers Paradise theme parks, and these multi-day passes enable you to do so.

Some also include INFINITY Attraction, an immersive experience where you’ll navigate through a maze of futuristic worlds filled with lights, sounds and special effects.

It is renowned for being one of the best things to do if you visit Surfers Paradise with kids, especially on a rainy or very hot day.

 

 

7. Delicious Dining Options

Among the beaches, Gold Coast theme parks and outstanding nightlife it is easy to forget how good the Surfers Paradise dining options are. But if you consider yourself a foodie you should be very impressed with the overall scene.

Citrique Restaurant, Little Truffle, and Seascape Restaurant and Bar are fine dining establishments that rival anything you’ll find anywhere in Australia. While you’ll find virtually every kind of cuisine available in the venues along Surfers Paradise Esplanade and the Boulevard, as well Elkhorn Avenue and Caville Avenue.

If you love seafood lovers, you’ll be in your element with fresh catches of the day available at many establishments. Don’t forget to try Moreton Bay Bugs and Queensland prawns to get a true taste of the region.

Feasting on them at a beachfront restaurant that showcases tremendous views of the ocean is one of the best things you can do if you visit Surfers Paradise, from the perspective of eating at least.

 

8. Cultural Experiences

For all its bright lights and razzmatazz, if you visit Surfers Paradise, there is a good number of cultural experiences for tourists and visitors to enjoy.

One of the most popular venues is the Gold Coast Cultural Precinct, which is home to the Arts Centre Gold Coast. Here you can catch various live performances, art exhibitions, and cultural events all throughout the year.

Elsewhere, the City Gallery in Surfers Paradise showcases contemporary Australian and Indigenous art, while the Gold Coast Wax Museum features the likes of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Gandhi and former Australian Prime Minister, John Howard in its exhibits.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum is also a fascinating Surfers Paradise tourism attraction that features shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons.

 

 

9. National Parks

Surfers Paradise beach is lovely, but it is not the only area of outstanding natural beauty in this part of the Gold Coast. Not far away from the surf and sand are a couple of exquisite national parks which feature a gorgeous mix of hinterland, rainforests and waterfalls that make a pleasant change of scene.

Lamington National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. There, you can hike through one of the largest subtropical forests in the world, and if you go on this tour you will also be able to enjoy a treetop canopy walk, and stop by a vineyard.

Elsewhere, Springbrook National Park is another terrific place to go to if you visit Surfers Paradise. The star attraction there is the mesmerising Natural Bridge – a stunning natural rock formation carved by a waterfall.

 

10. Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, there are plenty of Surfers Paradise events and festivals you might want to attend, if that’s your thing.

One of the most popular is the SPRINGTIME Gold Coast, a free event held on the Surfers Paradise Esplanade in September. This family-friendly jamboree features live musical performances, art installations, food stalls, and other street entertainment and is attended by thousands of people.

There are plenty of other music festivals and cultural celebrations you can attend if you plan to visit Surfers Paradise or the Gold Coast on a Queensland holiday.

You can find out more information about them here.

 

 

11. Gold Coast 500

If you happen to visit Surfers Paradise in October and you love motor sports, you might want to check out the Gold Coast 500.

This annual Supercars motor racing event is held in the streets in and around Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast and has been part of the Supercars Championship and the V8 Supercars Championship, as it was previously known, since 2010.

It is a thrilling, high-octane event that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as the vehicles zoom around the track.

 

12. Gold Coast Oceanway

If you enjoy leisurely walk, jogs or cycle rides with stunning sea views, then you won’t be disappointed.

Surfers Paradise lies within the famous Gold Coast Oceanway, a pedestrian and cyclist foreshoreway that runs for 36 km from the Point Danger lighthouse over in New South Wales to the Gold Coast Seaway.

When you visit Surfers Paradise, you can stroll along the Esplanade, watch the surfers catch waves, or simply enjoy the calming sound of the ocean. There are plenty of public amenities, including BBQ and picnic areas and public benches along the way where you can relax for a while.

 

 

13. Skydiving Adventures

If you are a bit of an adrenaline junkie at heart, then you might want to give sky diving a go when you visit Surfers Paradise.

You can choose between a tandem skydiving leap, which takes place over the Gold Coast or nearby Byron Bay, or an indoor simulator experience at iFLY Gold Coast. Both of which you can book here.

Those choosing an airplane jump will get to experience the thrill of plummeting from 12,000 feet while attached to an expert guide. Should you have your eyes open, you’ll be able to see wonderful views of the Gold Coast skyline, coastline and surrounding hinterland.

At iFLY Gold Coast you’ll get to enjoy all the high-octane energy of free-falling without having to set foot in a plane – which is perfect if you have a fear of heights!

 

14. Spa and Wellness Retreats

When you visit Surfers Paradise there will come a time when you’ll probably just want to relax and rejuvenate your soul. While a great place to do this is at the beach, there are several spa and wellness centres you can visit.

Many of the best hotels in Surfers Paradise and several shopping centres have establishments that offer everything from a deep tissue massage to a hydrotherapy pool.

If you fancy a spot of pampering you should do some research to find ones that suit your needs. However, one good option is the Endota Spa Surfers Paradise which you will find in the Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre.

 

 

15. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Australia is known around the world for its unique, native wildlife. If you visit Surfers Paradise on holiday, you can see some of its most notable species including kangaroos, dingoes and cassowaries at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Established in 1947, this Gold Coast institution also accommodates the likes of crocodiles, capybaras, red pandas and Tasmanian Devils.

Overall, you should set aside at least four hours to see all of the main exhibits. If you book this tour, you can have your photo taken with a koala and even feed loorikeets.

 

16. Golfing Paradise

If you love golf you’ll be pleased to discover there are some terrific courses you can play on when you visit Surfers Paradise.

Over on Clear Island Waters, the Surfers Paradise Golf Club is a stunning course with scenic fairways and beautiful greens that will test all handicaps. It also has a terrific clubhouse where you can enjoy meals and drinks after you’ve played your round.

Elsewhere, The Royal Pines in Benowa and The Glades in Robina, are world class golf courses that you’ll need to make a booking at.

 

 

17. Waterfront Cruises

As it is near the Coral Sea and various other waterways, the Gold Coast, and south east Queensland in general, is a terrific place to enjoy a scenic cruise.

Overall, there are several different types of excursions you can book when you visit Surfers Paradise, including sunset cruises, river cruises, night-time dinner cruises and even whale-watching during the migration season.

Any of them will add a unique dimension to your Surfers Paradise holiday experience.

 

18. Art and Street Performances

If you visit Surfers Paradise you will soon realise that it is a hub for artistic expression and street performances.

Just by walking up and down Surfer’s Paradise Boulevard and the Esplanade, as well as Cavill Avenue, you will see plenty of talented street performers, musicians and artists showcasing their skills.

Watching them is one of the best forms of free entertainment you can get during your Gold Coast vacation. There are also several murals and public art installations you can check out.

Here is a list of some of the best of them.

 

 

19. Aquaduck

They say there are two ways to explore the Gold Coast – by land or sea. Well for those who want to do both, the Aquaduck is the best of all Surfers Paradise guided tours you can book.

During the course of a one hour trip you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of the city and a river cruise. It is a terrific way to get your bearings, especially if you visit Surfers Paradise for the first time or only have a short time available to you.

You can find out more details about the Aquaduck tour here.

 

20. Accessibility and Accommodation

Surfers Paradise is easy to get to from most parts of Australia, with the Gold Coast and Brisbane Airports both being an hour’s drive away or less.

In addition, the suburb offers a wide range of Surfers Paradise accommodation options to suit various budgets. This includes everything from luxury resorts and beachfront apartments to cosy hostels and family-friendly hotels.

What this means is that, unlike other holiday destinations in Queensland, if you plan to visit Surfers Paradise you should have no trouble either getting there or finding the perfect place to stay.

 

 

Final Thought

I hope the 20 reasons I outlined above have inspired you to visit Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

As you can see there is plenty of things to do in this part of the Gold Coast. So, whether you want to enjoy swimming, swimming, surfing and water sports, the legendary Surfers Paradise nightlife and dining scene or enjoy a relaxing activity like a cruise or museum tour, you’ll find something suitable for you.

So why not start your Surfers Paradise holiday planning right now?

 

FAQs

My post on is Surfers Paradise worth visiting answers some of the most common questions asked about the destination. But here are a selection that didn’t make that post.

 

Is Surfers Paradise Family Friendly?

Rest assured, if you visit Surfers Paradise you will find it to be a very family friendly destination. This fantastic Gold Coast holiday destination has something for all the family, including tons of beach activities like swimming, surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. There are also plenty of Surfers Paradise entertainment options, events, restaurants and attractions you can enjoy.

 

What are the main Surfers Paradise landmarks you can visit?

If you visit Surfers Paradise you'll be able to check out several must-visit landmarks.

Some of the most popular and interesting of them include the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach, the Q1 Building with its SkyPoint Observation Deck, the Surfers Paradise Sign and the distinctive Soul Surfers Paradise tower.

You can also choose to walk along the Gold Coast Oceanway, visit the Gold Coast Wax Museum or play a round of golf at several fabulous golf courses including the Surfers Paradise Gold Course and the Royal Pines.

 

What Surfers Paradise transport is there?

The Gold Coast offers a range of transport options, so if you visit Surfers Paradise you should find it easy enough to get around on your Queensland holiday.

One of the most popular ways to do this is via the Gold Coast Light Rail (G:link) which connects the area to neighbouring regions. Another is the extensive number of bus services Translink runs.

You'll also find rideshare services and taxis readily available, while you can also book a Surfers Paradise car rental from a number of companies in the area.

Additionally, depending on where you are going water taxis are also a good option, as they might be quicker than if you tried to get there by road.

 

What is Surfers Paradise weather like?

Throughout the year, the Surfers Paradise weather is pretty good. In fact, the Gold Coast receives over 300 days of sunshine every year. So it is somewhere you can go whenever you want to.

Generally speaking, the summer temperatures tend to average around 25-30°C, while in the winter its more like 11-21°C. Its worth noting that the months of December to February are classed as the storm season. Therefore, there is a good chance it could rain if you visit Surfers Paradise during those months.

 

What are popular Surfers Paradise day trips?

If you visit Surfers Paradise on a Gold Coast holiday it offers various exciting day trip options.

One of the most popular of them is an exploration of the lush rainforests of Lamington National Park. However, the charming hinterland villages of Mount Tamborine is also a feature of several Surfers Paradise holiday packages.

Other destinations to visit on a day trip are Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast or Byron Bay in New South Wales.