The aptly named Surfers Paradise tempts wave riders from around the world and is the perfect spot to stock up on new surf gear. Treat yourself to a night out at the Gold Coast’s dining districts and casinos or take a trip into the hinterland to experience the subtropical rainforest and tumbling waterfalls.
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Beach. Sea World is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) away.
Just a 150-meter walk to the nearest beach, this hotel in the heart of Surfers Paradise is surrounded by beaches, iconic theme parks, and an energetic nightlife.
This family-friendly Surfers Paradise aparthotel is located near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Beach. Sea World is 3 mi (4.8 km) away.
Mantra on View Hotel is located a block from the beachfront Esplanade, one of Surfers Paradise's entertainment hotspots. A daily shuttle connects guests to Warner Bros. Movie World, SeaWorld, and Dreamworld within a half-hour. Jupiters Casino is a 15-minute drive south.
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of SkyPoint Observation Deck and Surfers Paradise Beach. Cavill Avenue is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) away.
Situated amid the bars, restaurants, and shops of The Strip, Hilton Surfers Paradise Residences is a 5-minute walk from the waves. Within a 20-minute drive of the hotel and bustling beachfront esplanade, 6 theme parks offer everything from thrill rides to kid-friendly waterslides.
Situated by the ocean, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and Surfers Paradise Beach. Timezone and Cavill Avenue are also within 3 mi (5 km).
This family-friendly Surfers Paradise hotel is located on the Strip, within a 5-minute walk of SkyPoint Observation Deck and Surfers Paradise Beach. Cavill Avenue is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) away.
Situated in the entertainment district, this hotel is steps from Draculas Haunted House and Cavill Avenue. Sea World and Surfers Paradise Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, a short stroll from the famous beach - this luxury hotel puts a range of shopping, dining, entertainment and leisure activities right at your fingertips.
Located in Surfers Paradise, this beachfront apartment building is in the city center and within a 5-minute walk of Infinity Attraction and Surfers Paradise Beach. Sea World and Cavill Avenue are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Just 200 meters from the beach and 1 km from the center of Surfers Paradise, this hotel provides 5-star facilities and is also perfectly positioned close to the major shopping precincts.
See all Hotels in Gold Coast
$73
Venture into Tamborine National Park as evening falls and the rainforest comes to life. With the Southern Cross high in the night sky, trek to a secluded
$345
The ultimate romantic getaway to your own island paradise. Enjoy a spectacular flight over the Gold Coast before arriving at your destination and settling
$80
Tamborine Mountain has a little bit of everything—wilderness adventures, rainforest treks, amazing wildlife, and plenty of shops and eateries filled with
$139
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's legacy is your playground as you discover amazing wildlife and spectacular entertainment at Australia Zoo. Travel in style and
$159
A journey into the Australian bush shows you the ancient natural wonders of the Gondwana Rainforests for a spectacular day of sightseeing in the wild. This
$119
Double the excitement and thrills at Dreamworld and WhiteWater World theme parks with unlimited entry for 7 days. Conveniently located next to each other, you
$50
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on this serene cruise on the Gold Coast waterways. Get the most of the sights of the city on a spacious boat equipped with an
$149
Make your next Gold Coast holiday full of fun and family adventures with a Super Pass. Get unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and
$129
Make your next Gold Coast holiday full of fun and family adventures with a Three Day Pass. Get unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and
$38
Take advantage of the Con-X-ion Roo pass which provides flexible transfer options for airport and theme park transfers. The Gold Coasts best value pass! The
$109
Enjoy 3 days of family-friendly thrills at 2 of Australia's most exciting theme parks. Discover an array of attractions at your own pace with a 3-day pass
$2699
Discover the allure of Australia's East Coast and get an authentic taste of its most exciting experience on this 12-day tour from Sydney to the Whitsunday
$88
Explore the tropical rainforest on a 4-wheel-drive excursion, trek to a waterfall hidden within the trees and enjoy wine tasting and shopping in the
$55
Explore the world in and above the treetops of Tamborine National Park in the thrilling rope courses of TreeTop Challenge. Tackle the climbing, balancing, and
$25
Our afternoon sightseeing river cruise is a great way to unwind and have a drink on the sundeck while cruising the canals of Gold Coast. In addition our
$22
Acquaint yourself with the Gold Coast waterways on this evening river cruise. Depart from the wharf in Surfers Paradise to see the city from a boat equipped
$30
Unlock the charms of the Gold Coast from the land and the water during a memorable tour aboard an amphibious sightseeing vehicle. Discover the glittering
$199
Gain access to some of Australia's premier destinations with the Multi-City Flexi Attractions Pass. Unlock the treasures in a single Australian city or travel
$149
Hop on board the Croc Express and ride to the Australia Zoo—made famous by Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. Explore the zoo at your own pace and see plenty of
$50
Act like a true local and try your hand at surfing the waves at the scenic southern end of the Gold Coast. With professional fully qualified surf instructors,
$139
Visit Queensland's capital city, take a relaxing cruise along the Brisbane River, and spend the afternoon leisurely discovering the city highlights at your
$129
Explore Brisbane's rich history and tropical charm on this guided morning tour of the capital. Learn about the city's 19th-century convict roots and its rise
$139
Explore Brisbane's historical roots, vibrant city center, and tropical charm on this full-day guided tour of Queensland's capital. Learn about the town's
$110
Take a day trip to Byron Bay—Australia’s premier resort town. Relax on the beach, stroll past the shops and cafes, take in panoramic views from the famous
There's nothing quite as blissful as driving along the Gold Coast with the wind down and the breeze in your hair. Car hire options range from compact and economy cars to SUVs, so claim that experience and ride off into the sunset.
Roll up in style with a private airport transfer. Shared shuttles are also available for large groups and budget-savvy solo travellers. Great if you're arriving in the wee hours of the morning, or if you'd like to be delivered straight to your door.
Gold Coast Airport is the best option for domestic travellers and flights to and from NZ. Touch down in Coolangatta, and you'll be a 27km drive to Surfers Paradise (about 30 mins by car). There's also the Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle and bus options.
The public transport system runs throughout the Gold Coast with bus lines and Queensland Rail train routes. The tram service (G:Link) is also available with Gold Coast Light Rail. Some of the suburbs on the waterfront are walkable, but plan your trip with transport options in mind for beach-hopping.
GC weather is mild, making any time perfect for outdoor adventures. In September, the Swell Sculpture Festival fills Currumbin Beach with 3-D colour. Supercars Gold Coast 600 revs up Surfers Paradise each October. Oh and, for three weeks each November, Gold Coast hosts the biggest Schoolies in Australia. You may want to plan your holiday for a different time if you're not keen on being part of the celebrations.
Togs and sunnies are essentials for the GC. Add these to your bag, too:
Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast
Need a break from the salt and sun? If downward dogs and sun salutations are your thing, the Gold Coast is overflowing with quality yoga and pilates studios to give you an indoor workout. Essence of Living in Mermaid Beach is renowned for their mind-clearing and core-strengthening yoga, pilates and barre classes.
Gold Coast, Queensland
There's no shortage of beaches, parks, bike tracks and walkways on the Gold Coast, but for all of the above, you can't get much better than the Burleigh Esplanade. If you kick off from North Burleigh Surfing Club, you'll have a 3km stretch to do some people-watching, dog-patting, beach admiring, and some exercise too (if that's your thing).
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
We were at Surfers Paradise in time to see people practicing for a world competition. Really impressive. So we wanted to try it. We actually just paddled around on boards in gentle waves but it was nice to imagine...
Gold Coast, Queensland
We saw mobs of kangaroos in zoos and in the wild all along the coast. When we got close the joeys would climb in the moms' pouches. But these weren't little babies. Large hopping animals that seemed they were almost half as big as the moms would jump in head first. Then their legs would protrude like sticks out of the moms' pockets. Very strange.
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
Do yourself a favour and experience the change faces of Melbas; it's quite the eye-opener. Drop in for a hearty pub lunch and draught ale, have fun on the slots in the gaming lounge and stick around to dance 'til dawn in the raucous nightclub.
Gold Coast, Queensland
The GC is not all waves and wetsuits! Yes, you might have to hire a car or join a Gold Coast Hinterland tour, but the drive is worth it if you're an fitness or nature buff. Lamington National Park has over 320km of walking trails to choose from, including O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk (steel walkways suspended under a rainforest canopy - yeah, it makes for great photos).
Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, Springbrook National Park is a must for hikers. Animal lover? Spend a day at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with some cuddly (and not so cuddly creatures). When it's time to get in the water, check out Burleigh Heads, known for its pristine beach, stellar parks, and scenic creek.
The name says it all. The Gold Coast is known for its beach holiday vibes and long stretches of glittering surfer-ready beaches. Lately, the region has stepped up as more of a cultural and family-friendly community.
You can top up your Go Card three ways. The most convenient method is online-once you register your card with TransLink, manage your payments on your mobile. You can also stop by a number of spots, including 7-Eleven, Queensland Rail Station ticket offices, and G:link and fare machines.
