Surfers Paradise is an iconic destination on the Gold Coast, known for its high-rise skyline alongside a long beach of golden sand. It is a lively seaside resort with shops and cafes during the day, and nightclubs in the evening. Is Surfers Paradise worth visiting? Depending on what you’re looking for, you may want to skip it or absolutely have it on your must-see list.
Is Surfers Paradise the same as the Gold Coast?
Not really. Surfers Paradise is the largest suburb of the Gold Coast City Council, which is the second most populous local government area in Australia after Brisbane. The Gold Coast stretches from the south of the Logan River to the New South Wales border, 60km south as the crow flies. More than 600,000 people live in the City of Gold Coast, which includes areas inland, such as Springbrook National Park and the Currumbin Valley, for a total area of 1,334 km². In comparison, Surfers Paradise is only 24 km² with a population of 23,000 people.
The Gold Coast Airport, also known as Coolangatta Airport, is approximately 30 minutes by car south of Surfers Paradise.
Why should you visit Surfers Paradise?
If you want to see all the facets of Australia during your trip
Surfers Paradise is an iconic destination that is easy to reach and a popular stop on the Brisbane to Sydney road trip. Many visitors will be able to add it to their itinerary without making a long detour. The South-East Queensland region has a lot to offer, so it might be worth taking a peek at Surfers Paradise while in the area if you’re curious and want to tick it off your list.
Surfers Paradise is iconic in Australia for its skyscrapers next to the beach. Many visitors like to go to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the top of the Q1 tower to admire the views of the city and the ocean.
It’s also a lively place with a mix of people, from those wearing tuxedos to a chic restaurant to party-goers in board shorts and thongs, as well as families with young kids.
If you’re into beach and fun holidays
Surfers Paradise is all about the beach and fun. There and nearby places on the Gold Coast can be described as a hub for entertainment near the beach.
During the day, the beach is patrolled, and red and yellow flags signal the area for swimming. It’s also easy to hire a surfboard or book lessons* to enjoy the waves. And with over 300 sunny days per year and an average temperature of 25°C, it’s almost possible to have a beach day every day.
In the evening, it’s very lively with restaurants and nightclubs. If things often close early in Australia, it’s different in Surfers Paradise. Some even say it’s Australia’s nightlife capital.
If you like shopping
I don’t know much about shopping in Surfers Paradise, to be honest. But it’s a famous destination for shopping as Surfers Paradise has shops that cater to everyone’s needs, from top-end designers to beachfront markets.
If you don’t want to spend time planning your holidays (including for families)
Surfers Paradise is made for all types of tourists and has holiday options to seduce groups of young people, couples and even families.
It’s easy to get there, and you’ll only need to book accommodation in advance to organise your trip. You can even choose a resort with a pool and a restaurant if you don’t want to think at all about what to do during the day.
And should you wish to visit the nearby region, which I highly recommend, you can simply book tours.
If you like beach volleyball
For beach volleyball lovers, Australia is one of the world’s best countries for beach volleyball, and they will find some of the best volleyballers in Surfers Paradise. You can watch athletes and amateurs play on the courts along the beaches, and the public can even play for free on Friday afternoons.
Beach volleyballers also meet regularly at Kurrawa Beach, just south of Surfers Paradise in Broadbeach. Check out Beach Volley Ball Gold Coast website to find out what’s happening.
If you like life after dark
While I may not be the biggest fan of partying or going out at night, there’s something about the vibrant energy that fills the streets, especially after the sun sets, that I truly love. Surfers Paradise happens to excel in providing this lively atmosphere.
To enjoy nice hotels with a view
Surfers Paradise offers a variety of accommodations, including luxurious resorts with stunning ocean views (like The Langham* and Peppers Soul*), as well as captivating hinterland and river views for sunset lovers (like Mantra Circle on Cavill*).
Why I don’t particularly like Surfers Paradise
I prefer natural, authentic destinations
Surfers Paradise doesn’t appeal to me as I don’t find a beach with skyscrapers attractive. Instead, I prefer a natural, peaceful environment where I can connect with nature and learn from my visit. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting nearby Burleigh Heads, which should absolutely be on your list if you’re spending time on the Gold Coast. Fingal Head in New South Wales, located very close to the Gold Coast, is one of my favourite beaches in the area.
There are better places for surfing
Surfers Paradise attracts crowds. Many other spots in Australia have excellent waves and a lot fewer people in the water. Surfers Paradise isn’t even the best surfing beach on the Gold Coast. Many prefer Snapper Rock.
I find Surfers Paradise beach boring
I know it’s strange to say that about the destination famous for being an entertainment hub, but I’m just not into the activities Surfers Paradise is known for.
Even though I’m a nature and ocean lover, I don’t enjoy spending my afternoons on the beach and in the water (unless I’m snorkelling or scuba diving). If I go to the beach, I want to enjoy serenity and character. White-sand beaches can be beautiful, but they can become repetitive. I’m much more attracted to rocky coastlines or beaches with wildlife.
However, beach volleyball is growing on me, and it is fun to be able to join social games!
Tip: avoid Surfers Paradise from mid-November to early December
Tens of thousands of young Australians go to Surfers Paradise around mid-November to early December for schoolies. Obviously, it’s not fun for families and older visitors to be there at the same time.
The schoolies is an Australian tradition, like a rite of passage, for students who’ve just graduated from high school. The Gold Coast is where the tradition first started and is still the most popular destination for young Australians for their week of partying.
What do you think? Is Surfers Paradise worth visiting? Share your experience in the comments below!
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