Surfers Paradise Travel Guides

Surfers Paradise spotlight

Where to Stay in Surfers Paradise - From High-Rise Luxury to Rustic Retreats

There's so much accommodation in and around Surfers Paradise that visitors can afford to be extremely picky. Those looking for large, modern hotels with plenty of amenities will find them in the city centre, while visitors on tighter budgets are well served by the motels in nearby suburbs such as Mermaid Beach. Inland, characterful bed-and-breakfasts and luxury lodges abound.

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Shopping in Surfers Paradise - Iconic Locations and Mega Malls

Surfers Paradise is not a shopping destination in its own right (open-air activities are the area's primary drawcards), but there are still a few good options for those in need of retail therapy. Malls dominate the scene, ranging from large complexes that offer everyday services, to smaller venues specializing in fashion and food. There are some atmospheric outdoor locations, too.

What to See and Do in Surfers Paradise - Urban Thrills, Waterborne Fun, and Eco Retreats

This extroverted waterfront suburb in the heart of Queensland’s buzzing Gold Coast is known for its oversized attractions, from big-and-bold restaurants and sprawling nightclubs, to soaring hotel towers - as well as one of Australia’s largest, and most impressive beaches. But there are plenty of quieter activities in the vicinity too, including enlightening wildlife experiences, and charming markets.

The Essential City Guide to Surfers Paradise

Visitors to sun-soaked Surfers Paradise can sample everything that's great about Australia in one compact, easily navigable area. This vibrant suburb on the Gold Coast has relaxed hotels, fine dining with an Asian twist, and plenty of bronzed locals exuding famed Aussie charm. Nearby, you'll find wildlife sanctuaries, lush rain forests, and adrenaline-fuelled amusement parks. Then there are the beaches, with their golden sand and crisp, blue surf.

Nightlife in Surfers Paradise - From Booming Clubs to Upscale Bars

A youthful energy dominates the nightlife scene in Surfers Paradise. There are countless clubs and pubs that cater to backpackers and recent college graduates, offering affordable drinks, loud music, and relaxed dress codes. Those in search of a calmer, dressier night out can try the bars at the area's luxury hotels. Families looking for evening fun have several cinemas and theatres to choose from.

Family-Friendly Fun in Surfers Paradise

For families vacationing in Surfers Paradise, the decision probably won’t be what to do, but where to begin. On top of unbeatable beaches, the Gold Coast is brimming with theme parks, zoos, and aquariums - a host of family activities packed into one very compact and easy-to-navigate area.

Arts and Culture in Surfers Paradise - From Historic Sites to Modern Art

Residents of the Gold Coast are the first to admit that the area has not traditionally been an arts hub. But for visitors with a taste for culture, a fresh crop of venues is now providing alternatives to the sun and surf - as long as you know where to look. From contemporary performance to visual art, there's a bit of everything on offer.

Where to eat in Surfers Paradise - Bountiful buffets and Honest Aussie fare

Surfers Paradise attracts an eclectic mix of holidaymakers, and the culinary scene reflects this diversity. It’s easy to spend substantial sums at flashy restaurants, but there are also plenty of characterful places that offer quick bites at reasonable prices. Seafood dominates menus, and for good reason: the local catch is amongst the most impressive in the country. Australia’s culinary love affair with Asia is also well represented.

Good to Know - Travel Tips for a Surfers Paradise Vacation

From a sugarcane plantation in the late 1800s, to one of Australia's most visited destinations, Surfers Paradise encapsulates the sea-and-sand lifestyle that is so integral to Australian culture. Its iconic skyscrapers - many of them hotels - tower over a wide beach perpetually lapped by rolling Pacific surf and dappled in the southern sun. A plethora of theme parks and activities make for a fun and varied vacation.

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