Surfers Paradise Beach Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Surfers Paradise Beach featuring a sandy beach, modern architecture and skyline
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Surfers Paradise Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland


This stretch of beach is known for its regular sets of rolling waves, with high-rise hotels and bustling nightlife along the sandy shore.

Take a swim, surf the waves, get your kicks on a jet-boat ride, spot whales, browse the market and shops, and then join the crowds for a drink at one of the night clubs or pubs. Compact Surfers Paradise has accommodation, shopping, nightlife and the beach all within walking distance.

The first European settlers named this coastal settlement Elston in 1889. Hotelier Jim Cavill built the Surfers Paradise hotel in 1925, and eight years later he succeeded in having the town renamed for promotional purposes. Cavill Avenue and Cavill Mall are now locations for shopping and indoor attractions, such as the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum.

The landscaped shore provides a scenic esplanade for jogging. Surfing schools are everywhere, whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your board skills.
Sunset kayaking tours on the inlets around Chevron Island take you past decadent private estates. Take a jet-boat ride through the waves at speeds of up to80 kilometres per hour (50 miles per hour), or soar above the water on a parasail.

Ride the Q1 Residential Skyscraper elevator 230 metres (755 feet) up to the SkyPoint observation deck and enjoy a cocktail and dinner with a great view. Book a SkyPoint Climb to reach the very top of Q1, some 40 metres (131 feet) higher than the observation deck. See if you can spot misty sprays on the horizon, a sign that humpback whales are around. For a closer look, book a whale-watching tour departing from Surfers Paradise from May to October. If you’re lucky, you might capture a whale breaching on camera or feel the spray as a pectoral fin slaps the water surface.

Wednesday and Friday nights mean market time on the esplanade. Enjoy the sea breeze and check out the local art, fashion, jewellery and produce. Grab a bite to eat at one of more than 100 stalls, or visit a restaurant. Surfers Paradise is always fun, with year-round surfing events, festivals and beach entertainment.  

Surfers Paradise is located between Broadbeach and Main Beach along the Gold Coast Highway. Rooms in high-rise hotels provide panoramic views of the Coral Sea.

Plan a trip to see Surfers Paradise Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
H Luxury Residence Apartments - Holiday Paradise
Azzura Greens Resort
Circle On Cavill Surfers Paradise Apartments-Holiday Paradise

Tours & day trips

See all 129 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 32 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 20 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 17 activities

Winter activities

See all 11 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Surfers Paradise Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

voco Gold Coast by IHG

voco Gold Coast by IHG

4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
voco Gold Coast by IHG
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

5 out of 5
6 Orchid Ave Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise

Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise

5 out of 5
86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
QT Gold Coast

QT Gold Coast

5 out of 5
Cnr Gold Coast Highway And Staghorn Ave, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
QT Gold Coast
Mantra on View Hotel

Mantra on View Hotel

4.5 out of 5
22 View Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Mantra on View Hotel
Novotel Surfers Paradise

Novotel Surfers Paradise

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Novotel Surfers Paradise
Q1 Resort & Spa

Q1 Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Q1 Resort & Spa
Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

5 out of 5
8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Surfers Paradise Beach

Surfers Paradise Beach on the Gold Coast is a vibrant hub for beach life, offering stunning golden sands and ideal surf conditions for all skill levels. Enjoy thrilling surfing lessons or simply relax by the shore. For a memorable day trip, explore the nearby hinterland, featuring lush rainforests and scenic walking trails. With a mix of sun, surf, and adventure, Surfers Paradise is the perfect destination for a fun-filled holiday.

Shopping

At Surfers Paradise Beach, enjoy the vibrant Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, just 483m away, perfect for local crafts and souvenirs. The Oasis and Marina Mirage Shopping Centre, both 3.2km away, offer a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment for the whole family.

Recreation

At the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, enjoy family-friendly swimming and exhilarating water activities, just 3.2km from Surfers Paradise Beach. Experience the camaraderie of lawn bowling at Broadbeach Bowls Club, also 3.2km away, or tee off at Southport Golf Club, where outdoor sports create a refreshing atmosphere.

Adventure

At Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast, located 14.5km from Surfers Paradise Beach, experience thrilling water slides and wave pools for a fun-filled day. Enjoy high-speed racing at Go Karting Gold Coast, only 8.0km away, or explore the underwater wonders at Cod Hole, situated 6.4km away, perfect for adventure seekers.

Nightlife

Surfers Paradise Beach boasts a vibrant nightlife, with venues like Infinity Attraction and Racecentre, both 483m away, offering thrilling arcade experiences. Timezone, located 644m away, adds to the family-friendly adventure vibe, making it perfect for an exciting evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Surfers Paradise Beach

Surfers Paradise Beach offers a vibrant mix of attractions perfect for all travellers. Whether you're looking for a stunning beach experience, family-friendly activities, or exploring the lively urban park, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the heart of Surfers Paradise, where you can soak in the local culture and enjoy the beautiful beach. This destination promises memorable adventures and relaxation for all visitors.

  • Cavill Avenue: Just 805m from Surfers Paradise Beach, Cavill Avenue is the bustling heart of the Gold Coast, brimming with shops, cafes, and nightlife. Experience vibrant city vibes as you explore trendy boutiques and enjoy delicious local cuisine.
  • Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre: Located 3.2km away, this venue is a hub for events and conferences. Immerse yourself in the business vibes and explore the modern architecture while attending exhibitions or simply enjoying the surrounding area.
  • SkyPoint Observation Deck: At 1.1km from the beach, this modern tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Gold Coast. Experience the city vibes while sipping a coffee at the café and taking in the stunning skyline and ocean vistas.

Best time to go to Surfers Paradise Beach

The best time to visit Surfers Paradise Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February75.6°F (24.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
June62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
July61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
August62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September65.5°F (18.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
December73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Surfers Paradise Beach

To save money on your trip to Surfers Paradise Beach, consider visiting in February, June, or August when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, and aim for a Tuesday stay for the cheapest rates. Use Expedia to compare prices, find last-minute deals, and consider package deals for flights and activities. Take advantage of free activities at the beach and nearby parks to keep costs down. Remember to look for hotels with free cancellation options to stay flexible with your plans.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Surfers Paradise Beach are February, June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Surfers Paradise Beach about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Surfers Paradise Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Surfers Paradise Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Surfers Paradise Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.