When most people envision the Gold Coast, they likely picture Surfers Paradise. A towering skyline, golden bikini-clad meter maids and – of course – barrelling waves are all quintessential Surfers Paradise icons, but there’s plenty more to explore in the bustling suburb.
SHOP
Looking for national and international retailers? You’ll find them in Surfers. Some of the many shopping centres in the area include Soul Boardwarlk (more on that in a moment), Circle on Cavill, Paradise Centre and Cavill Mall, boasting brands like Universal Store, Cotton On, Platypus Shoes and Adidas Originals.
While bricks and mortar stores abound in Surfers Paradise (especially down its main drag, Cavill Avenue) it’s the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets that offer a memorable Surfers Paradise experience. Held each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, there are about 130 stalls along this 800m absolute foreshore stretch. The wide variety of stall holders is impressive – you can score Dad that cane toad wallet he’s always wanted or get your own hand made into a wax sculpture. Of course, there are many more mainstream retailers there too, offering fashion and jewellery, exotic shells, art, unique homewares, artisan foods and more.
EAT
If you’re after beachfront dining with a variety of restaurants to suit every age and budget, you can’t go past Soul Boardwalk. Home to food stops like Gringo Loco Cantina, Vapiano and Seascape Restaurant and Bar, they’ve got something for everyone – and all just steps away from Surfers Paradise’s famous beachfront. Ride a wave, fill up on giros then wash it down with a schooner… and repeat. They don’t call it ‘Soul’ Boardwalk for nothing.
A little further afield, other soon-to-be favourites await. Just take Hyde Paradiso (found in Peppers), which offers great cocktails and share plates – not to mention a killer view. There’s also Sandbar which, with its beachside position and diverse menu, offers a contemporary take on some old classics. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Sandbar captures the salty seaside spirit while staying deliciously affordable. A must-do when you’re in Surfers.
PLAY
The unofficial capital of Gold Coast entertainment, there’s no better place to run wild and free than through the streets of Surfers Paradise. Get lost in the lights and lasers of the Infinity attraction, have your mind blown at every turn in the mad museum that is Ripley’s Believe it or Not, or simply lay down a towel and soak up the South-East Queensland sun on this most iconic stretch of sand.
The world’s your oyster in Surfers Paradise, especially when you see it from above. SkyPoint Climb, atop the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise, is one of Australia’s highest external building walks at 270 metres! Starting on Level 77 of SkyPoint Observation Deck, climbers enter the open-air walk dressed in a full body suit and harness. Stunning 360-degree views of the Gold Coast await climbers – if you’re brave enough.