Surfers Paradise Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Surfers Paradise showing a sunset, a beach and a city
Surfers Paradise showing a beach and a sunset
Surfers Paradise showing a city, a river or creek and a sunset
SkyPoint Observation Deck which includes modern architecture, city views and a high-rise building
Surfers Paradise showing a beach and general coastal views as well as a large group of people

Visit one of Australia’s most popular holiday spots and dive in the waves, spot humpback whales, go shopping or enjoy the fun family attractions and nightlife.

Surfers Paradise is one of Australia’s favourite holiday playgrounds. Take a surfing lesson, go shopping, visit a family attraction or book a boat trip. There is plenty to do in this highly developed stretch of coastline, which is known for its consistently good surf, family fun and nightlife.

The compact stretch of canals, malls and boulevards is part of the Gold Coast: Australia’s sixth largest city. Nearly a century ago, Jim Cavill built the Surfers Paradise Hotel here, in a settlement that later was named after his hotel. Sun-kissed Surfers Paradise has been hugely popular with tourists ever since. 

Stroll along the golden beach and admire the outdoor artworks. The beach is patrolled by Australia’s iconic Surf Life Savers and you can safely swim between the flags. Take a surfing lesson and ride the waves of the warm Pacific Ocean. Make a splash during an amphibian safari, thrilling jet boat ride or river kayak trip. From May to October you can also book a whale-watching tour.

Just away from the beach is the mall, with its shops, restaurants, street performers and indoor attractions. Popular are Ripleys Believe it or Not! Odditoreum and the Timezone gaming arcade with mini golf, laser games and bowling halls.

For a picnic, take the family to Les Rogers Memorial Sanctuary, where the kids can peek into Big Foot’s cave, or the Cascade Gardens with its huge playground and oversees war memorials.

After dark, browse the market stalls on the esplanade during the Wednesday and Friday Beachfront Markets. On a Friday or Saturday night, join a lantern-led ghost tour to discover local dark secrets. Trendy “Surfers” is the nightlife precinct of the Gold Coast and you can take your pick from typical Australian pubs, luxury lounge bars or pumping nightclubs.

Surfers Paradise is serviced by public transport from the Queensland capital Brisbane and close to the Gold Coast airport. 


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Surfers Paradise Hotel Deals

voco Gold Coast by IHG
voco Gold Coast by IHG
4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is AU$194 per night from 7 July to 8 July
AU$194
7 July - 8 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"This hotel was excellent and I will recommend to my friends and family. The room was outstanding, spacious, and very clean. The eco style bathroom products were lovely. The bed was super comfortable and being on the 13th floor, was quiet from road noise. Very convenient with the tram stop right outside ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

voco Gold Coast by IHG
Novotel Surfers Paradise
Novotel Surfers Paradise
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$187 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
AU$187
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,229 reviews)
"Amazing property"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
5 out of 5
6 Orchid Ave Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is AU$229 per night from 7 July to 8 July
AU$229
7 July - 8 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"We had a fantastic stay at Hilton Surfers Paradise. The location was incredibly convenient — close to everything we needed, including the beach, shops, and restaurants. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful throughout our stay. Parking was seamless and easy to access, which made things ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

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
The price is AU$399 per night from 21 July to 22 July
AU$399
21 July - 22 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"I can say JW Gold Coast stands out as the best. The room was spotless, and every staff members greeted us warmly and provided excellent service. The pool was just as amazing as we had heard, and throughout our 3-day stay, we enjoyed great dining options and convenient concierge support. It truly ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
5 out of 5
38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is AU$473 per night from 10 July to 11 July
AU$473
10 July - 11 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (571 reviews)
"Great location nice and private and fantastic rooms"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
5 out of 5
86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is AU$173 per night from 27 July to 28 July
AU$173
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (889 reviews)
"The view from our room is beautiful."

Reviewed on 25 Jun. 2025

Meriton Suites 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Surfers Paradise

Southport which includes a sandy beach, swimming and tropical scenes

Main Beach

Main Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Tedder Avenue and Marina Mirage Shopping Centre, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Gold Coast.

Main Beach
Gold Coast which includes food, drinks or beverages and outdoor eating

Broadbeach Waters

Broadbeach Waters is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Dracula's Cabaret and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.

Broadbeach Waters
Main Beach featuring general coastal views, a skyscraper and a sandy beach

Southport

Beaches, spas and theme parks are some highlights of Southport. Make a stop by Australia Fair Shopping Centre or Gold Coast Aquatic Centre while you're exploring.

Southport
Broadbeach which includes a sandy beach, a high-rise building and skyline

Broadbeach

The stunning beaches, first-class casinos and popular shops are notable features of Broadbeach. Make a stop by The Star Gold Coast or The Oasis while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Broadbeach South Light Rail Station to get around town.

Broadbeach
Default Image

Carrara

Golf courses, restaurants and beaches highlight some of the noteworthy features of Carrara. Make a stop by People First Stadium or Carrara Sports Complex while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Carrara
Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Nobby Beach and Putt Putt Golf Mermaid Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Gold Coast.

Mermaid Beach


Surfers Paradise Travel Guide

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