The bright lights of Surfers Paradise have a way of beckoning even the most zen travelers. The precinct’s appetite for attention is legendary and it’s consistency for updating itself is what keeps millions coming back for more. Allow yourself to get swept up in it. Feel the energy that pulsates through this vivacious hub dedicated to delighting it’s visitors.
COFFEE IN PARADISE
Start the day with a mocha latte at the Crazy Cat Café. Yes, this is a café with 16 resident kitties you can pat and play with. Purrfect if you’re missing your own ball of fluff during your holiday. For great coffee with a little less ‘meow’ drop in to Paradox Coffee Roasters for a fresh roast and all-day breakfast, or Sandbar on the Esplanade for a beachfront cuppa.
CAVILL MALL CHECKLIST
You should probably make a checklist before you hit Cavill Mall as it’s packed with stuff to do. Let the interactive Infinity attraction bend your mind with illusion-based special effects or try simulated skydiving at iFly – it’s much less daunting than the real thing. Recover with some good ol’ fashioned gaming at Timezone. If you’re in shopping mode you’ll find plenty of bargains, and hungry peeps can choose from a smorgasbord of restaurants, cafes and bars.
TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE FLOWERS
Take a load off with a stroll along the boardwalks of the oasis that is the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens. Just a 10 minute drive from Surfers will have you lost among 31 hectares of native plants, mangroves, flowers and butterflies – a perfect way to balance out the games excitement.
SHOPAHOLICS PARADISE
Who doesn’t love hitting the shops while on holiday? The Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre is a mecca for boutique fashion brands and health & beauty services. If markets are more your thing check out the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets that run every Friday and Saturday from 4:00pm-9:00pm (updated as of July 2020).
SCALE SKYPOINT
SkyPoint Observation Deck atop the Q1 is a must-do when you’re visiting Surfers – even if you’re afraid of heights. How else are you going to see spectacular 360 degree views of the Gold Coast from 77 stories up? Grab a coffee or a cocktail from the bar and feast your eyes on vistas from Byron Bay, across the mountains, up to Stradbroke and out to sea. The extra-brave can get harnessed up to climb even higher on a guided 90 minute adventure to the crow’s nest. See if you can spot any whales while you’re up there.
BAR-HOP
Surfers Paradise has always been known for its nightlife and yes – it is pumping. Start your evening at QT Gold Coast for scrumptious Japanese at Yamagen. Then see where the night takes you. Locals love The Island Hotel and Rooftop Bar, where you can sit back under the stars with coconut cocktails. The House of Brews is where it’s at for beer, whisky and rock’n’roll. Steampunk is quirky fun, the Avenue is a Surfers Paradise classic – bar hopping sounds like a good idea to us.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.