Surfers Paradise Travel Guide
About Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise (also simply called Surfers) has for decades been synonymous with bronzed, buff surf lifesavers, gold bikini-clad meter maids, surf-fringed beaches, high-rise hotels and apartment buildings, laid-back lifestyle, cosmopolitan dining options, designer shopping, nighttime beachfront markets and pulsating nightlife.
Ideally positioned in the centre of Queensland's Gold Coast, Surfers is the vibrant hotspot in the heart of one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations, the state's entertainment capital that parties 24/7.
Beach:
Surfers' pristine golden sand beach extends for 3km (2 miles); it is a natural outdoor playground for those wanting to soak up the sun, play in the shallows, or learn how to surf. Bronzed surf lifesavers patrol the beach and flags indicate the surf condition. Go for the thrill of kite-surfing, paddle a kayak or jump the waves on an exhilarating jet-ski ride. Join in a game of volleyball or beach cricket, or simply people-watch. Parasailing, skydiving or scenic flights along the stunning coastline in an historic aircraft, helicopter or hot air balloon make for a memorable break.
Beyond the beach:
The Gold Coast's Broadwater runs parallel to the beach, and its calmer waters are ideal for sailing, speedboat rides or kayaking. Take in the stunning views of Surfers and the sparkling coastline from the rooftop of the Q1 skyscraper (9 Hamilton Avenue). Full and half-day reef and game fishing charters head offshore daily.
Take your pick of theme parks on the northern Gold Coast, from extreme waterslides at WhiteWater World (Pacific Highway, Coomera, 17km/10.5 miles north of Surfers), to Dreamworld's (Pacific Highway, Coomera) theme park ride extravaganza, or movie magic and behind-the-scenes action at Warner Bros Movie World (Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, Gold Coast). Sea World (Sea World Drive, Main Beach), on The Spit, offers entertainment, education and interactive fun with dolphins, sharks and penguins. Test your racing skills on go-karts at Le Mans Kart Racing (232 Old Pacific Highway, Pimpana), or follow quiet rainforest mountain trails on horseback in the Tamborine Mountains (Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain Road).
Family fun:
Thrill-seekers can get charged up at Adrenalin Park (Palm Avenue) on the spectacular collection of breathtaking amusement rides. Timezone Surfers Paradise (Level 1, Centro Surfers Paradise, Cavill Mall) has rides and attractions for all the kids. Take to the water in the amphibious Aquaduck (7A Orchid Avenue), beginning with a land trip up the Esplanade to Main Beach's opulent neighbourhood, before splashing into Broadwater for a cruise past the yacht basin and exclusive homes of millionaires. Join in a surfing lesson on Australia's most famous beach, or view the lifestyles of the rich and famous on a Wyndham waterways cruise (Tiki Village). Putt-putt golf (Pandanus Avenue) or Ten Pin Bowling (Centro Surfers Paradise, Cavill Mall) provide more family fun just minutes from the beach.
Exploring further:
Breathe in the fresh mountain air, rich with eucalyptus fragrance, in the Mount Tamborine rainforest. At Adventure Park (Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain Road), fly through the trees on flying foxes or take the treetop walk 9m (29.5ft) above the towering eucalypts. Journey underground to the glow worm caves at Cedar Creek (104 Hartley Road, North Tamborine), or stay at the Binna Burra Mountain Lodge (Binna Burra Road, Lamington National Park) and hike the trails in Lamington National Park's lush rainforest.
