10+ Things to Do in Surfers Paradise, Australia

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Surfers Paradise is a district located along the Gold Coast territory.

The whole district is characterized by a long golden beach on one side and another side which is called the broad waters where most residents can be found living along their gorgeous houses and yachts.

Nearby there are numerous cafes and restaurants as well as shopping centers.

Surfers Paradise is the true symbol of the Gold Coast area because of its more than 18 km of fine beaches.

Spending a day enjoying the sun and taking a dip in the ocean is an experience that deserves to be made!

 

Surfers Paradise

 

It is the theme park capital of the country and it has lots of attractions to explore and thrilling things to do.

Not to be missed for those who can wake up early, is the sunrise from one of the many towers of the lifeguards.

Another interesting spot is the famous Surfers Paradise Shopping Centre situated at the end of the pedestrian precinct of Cavill Ave.

It is an ideal place not only for surfers, but also for those who want to go for long walks and other outdoor activities.

Best time to Visit Surfers Paradise?

The peak season for tourism in Surfers Paradise starts from the month of December to February (summer season).

Since the country is located down under, the weather here manifests an opposite atmosphere from those in Europe and across the Pacific Ocean.

Christmas time is the height of the summer season and where most tourists and locals spend most of their time at the beach and other recreational areas here in Surfers Paradise.

The summer season is too humid (60 to 80F), but it has random moments of tropical rains that occurs mostly in the afternoon or towards the evening for a mild and tolerable temperature at night.

 

Visit Surfers Paradise

 

Another ideal time to visit is during the autumn season, which is from March to May.

It is not as hot as the summer season and the temperature ranges from 60 to 70F.

It still has strong chances of rainstorm, but not as frequent as the summer season.

You also need to bring an umbrella or raincoat for sudden chances of rain towards the afternoon.

Surfing events are mostly scheduled during the month of March.

The Easter holiday is also religiously observed by Christians usually around the first or second week of April.

The national public holiday (ANZAC Day) is also observed (April 25) and it is the best time when most of the locals spend time shopping and having barbeque picnics along the beaches of Surfers Paradise.

The Film Festival and Music (Blues) events are also observed during this season.

The whale watching season is greatly observed during the winter season (June to August).

The weather is usually warm during the day (50 t0 70F) and you can stroll around in shorts, but you need to wear a jacket and warm clothes in the afternoon because it gets colder towards the evening.

Around this time, marathon events are observed and there are more crowds on the beach and major tourist attractions of this suburban district in Queensland.

Strong winds gather its strength as August comes in and there are chances of snow in high areas.

 

Visit Surfers Paradise

 

Springtime is another ideal time to visit because the temperature (60 to 80F) is ideal for exploring the nature parks where you can see the most beautiful flowers in bloom.

The month of September is a bit windy with dry temperature.

The “Schoolies Week” (or the holiday vacation of kids from school) is observed from September to October and vacationers head out to the sea to engage in all sports activities and spend time for a mix of amusement, a little shopping adventure, and numerous forms of entertainment in Surfers Paradise.

These are the wonderful places to see and

Best Things to do in Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise Beach

What is striking when you arrive at Surfers Paradise beach is the great arch that reads and welcomes everyone: “Surfers Paradise and surf all dedicated to the great surfers who have made a difference”.

Everywhere you turn you see only the beach, all beautiful and wonderful stretch of sand with complete beach infrastructure.

It is teeming with entertainment at every corner and complemented by a stunning beach and hordes of eager surfers conquering the waves of the ocean.

The skyline view directly from the ocean is priceless and incomparable.

The Surfers Paradise Beach is the real proof that Queensland is one of the most breathtaking regions in Australia where you can spend long walks in tranquillity on the beach or on the boardwalk.

Although it is nothing exceptional, this beach is very pretty, with large and clear sand.

It exudes a nice atmosphere and the huge skyscrapers behind are truly impressive!

 

Surfers Paradise Beach

 

The lifeguards are well organized on the beach and you can also see the different sea conditions starting from the waves and currents.

Avoid school holiday seasons if you can or the “schoolies” (October to November) because everything becomes a mess and also the beach becomes quite chaotic, but for the rest of the year it is a spectacle.

The beach is strictly forbidden to dogs and other pets and made accessible to disabled people.

The area is very touristy and designed for the young crowd, plus, the shops and small bars are geared accordingly.

Do not forget to bring your sunscreen; the sun is very active and burns the skin instantly.

It has a very nice view of the ocean, perfect for surfing, but lacks amenities for relaxation like, lounges and tables with parasol.

On the other hand, it has a variety of hotels.

From quite old to the most advanced like the Q1.

All the structures are very different in design.

If the waves are not strong (which is rare), you can swim anywhere.

The shower rooms are provided in the cabanas too.

Top Surfers Paradise attractions

Sky Point Climb

The Sky Point Climb is a typical attraction in Australia where you will experience climbing all the way to the top of the building or the art of hanging from a rope at 100m from the ground.

This daring activity is best done in the afternoon and offers a clear view of the setting sun.

Remember to book well in advance because there are fewer sessions and little space provided during these sessions.

Bringing a camera, camcorder or even a sports camera is forbidden for security reasons.

It takes you to a panorama of the whole gold coast 360 degrees even from the inside.

You can wear an outdoor harness for a visit to the summit part and admire the more impressive view outside.

This is an expensive adventure ($22 for 30 minutes), but worth it if you don’t have any fear of heights.

Inside, there is a revolving restaurant where the view is magical and dinner (buffet) is excellent and varied.

 

Sky Point Climb

 

The activity is very cool and more worthwhile than just staying on the observation deck surrounded with glass.

The instructors are super attentive, explain everything properly, and will give you enough time to take the climb.

They have the highly advanced and safest equipment.

For better appreciation of the view, go on a clear day to see the entire Gold Coast region.

For those who want the feeling of being up there, without looking over the glass, try climbing the staircase on top of the building.

The activity starts with a brief seminar about safety and how to climb.

They will fit you with a special outfit and all the security apparatus to secure your position t the handrails.

You cannot bring anything that is loose like; sunglasses, cameras, or cell phones.

They will be the one to take your photos and then will try to sell you.

For those who want to take pictures with their camera, this can be done at the observation deck only.

You have the option of adding the climb to the top of the tower from the outside.

What else to do in Surfers Paradise?

Sky Point Observation Deck

Measuring 322.

5 meters, the Q1 is the tallest residential building in the world and it is really worth knowing when in Surfers Paradise.

The view at the top of the Sky Point Observation Deck is amazing and covers 360 degrees of the district, so depending on the angle you see, the landscape becomes different.

It really is lovely to contemplate the view of the Gold Coast area that is planned on different perspectives.

 

Sky Point Observation Deck

 

It is a place that you cannot fail to visit while in Surfers Paradise.

The elevator has a camera attached to the ceiling that allows you to see the way it does when looking up.

It has food and beverage options and the main attraction here is the view of the Gold Coast.

If you have enough budget, try the walk to the summit adventure; it is worth seeing the sunset from up there!

My Favorite Surfers Paradise tourist attractions

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

(Surfers Paradise)

The specialty museum has statues, tables, interesting objects and a few morbid exhibits such as, people with diseases or disorders, man with two eyelids, sects that kill people, diseases that make little people, etc.

Don’t miss the interactive part with videos, magic mirror, and other good attractions designed for children.

The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

is a great day out for the whole family.

 

Ripley's Believe It Or Not!

 

It is an excellent ride from a huge global network that highlights the most amusing and rare oddities from all over the world.

This museum is located in the heart of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast Cavill Avenue.

It is right across the heart of the Arbat stylish restaurant with enticing music, animated characters and mechanical dolls in bright colors.

Within the attractions are numerous types of interesting events and facts of life, which can be trusted and you cannot believe.

The museum has affordable entrance tickets, friendly staff, and plenty of visitors that are mostly tourists.

Surfers Paradise sightseeing

Infinity Attraction

The Infinity Attraction is an interesting place full of optical illusions, the whole journey takes about 30 minutes, and there are a lot of different levels with special effects for kids and adults to enjoy.

It is a good activity to do with friends at night in Surfers Paradise.

There is complete darkness in some rooms and it is not recommended for people with balance or vision problems.

It combines mystique and fun as you try to move from one room to another.

As soon as the door is closed, you’ll find yourselves in another world where the laser light is the king.

It’s like being in space walking around with a third dimension.

Famous Surfers Paradise activities

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets is a typical craft market with a great selection of local products to buy, a place to take pictures with animals, and go people watching on the beach promenade.

It is a nice market that is quite okay in terms of the large number of stuff you can buy in any store, but also a lot of handmade things.

The market is a fun place for unique souvenirs locally made in Surfers Paradise.

It is open until ten in the evening with a variety of items to sell like; photo frame souvenirs, cookies baked by local people, dolls for children, and souvenir shirts about Surfers Paradise.

Centro Surfers Paradise

The Centro Surfers Paradise is the place where you can mostly find men and women’s clothes, two pharmacies, a Woolworth supermarket in the basement, and Time Zone for kids.

It is a convenient shopping place for tourists who are in the city center.

It has a good commercial outdoor beachfront where you can eat and shop.

The central part of Surfers Paradise is also right across a huge white beach that is several kilometers long and worth visiting.

Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre

The Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre is lined with different shops and restaurants that are all pretty standard.

If you live nearby (it is located near the two most famous hotels in Surfers Paradise), it makes sense to go for groceries in Coles.

It is a large retail chain that is found all throughout Australia with acceptable and reasonable prices.

The shops here are well distributed, very neat and properly maintained.

It has practically everything you need starting from; supermarket, pharmacy, restaurants, and fancy shops.

You can also hang out with your friends in the promenade area and central square.

Top attractions in Surfers Paradise

Timezone Surfers Paradise

The Timezone Surfers Paradise is a very good place to have indoor fun with a great variety and choice of games like; the great bowling alley, laser tags, hammer strength tester, bumper car, slot machine and many others.

There are also games for grownups and children of all ages.

The Timezone in Surfers Paradise is located in a strip mall in the city center.

The range of games is huge and it even has an 18-hole mini-golf course.

There are games for everyone regardless of age.

In order to play at the slot machine, you have to get a code card and the cashier will charge it with money.

The only drawback of this system is, it there is an existing remaining credit, and it cannot be paid or refunded when leaving the gaming rooms.

This is a bit unfortunate, but technically this should not be a problem for heir very attentive staffs.

In the game room, it is quite noisy and every weekend it gets filled with families with children.

With just AUS$ 15 per person you are entitled to 10 games (20 balls) and a lot of fun.

Whales in Paradise – Gold Coast Whale Watching Pty Ltd

The staff is competent and the three people stationed on the boat decides everything, including the distribution of bags for vomiting and selling travacalm which helps people not to get sea sick during the adventure.

Visitors to Surfers Paradise during the winter (also known as the whale spotting season) should do the Whales in Paradise- Gold Coast Whale Watching Pty Ltd in the morning or afternoon ride to watch the beautiful spectacle of the passing whales.

 

Whales in Paradise

 

Just do not forget to buy the pills for prevention of nausea that the staffs provide.

The expectations are too high for what you get, but there is a guaranteed 90% chance of seeing the whales and capturing everything with your camera.

Most fun things to do in Surfers Paradise

The Wax Museum

It can be found in the heart of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast and along the central routes leading to the Ferny Avenue.

It is a very popular place with the locals and tourists.

The detached building has friendly staff, a large collection of wax figures (from famous celebrities to political figures) and other art objects, inexpensive tickets, and a good place for other cultural activities celebrated in Surfers Paradise.

 

The Wax Museum

 

Why visit Surfers Paradise?

If you’re staying on the

Gold Coast and all weekend do not miss

making the detour to the nearby Surfers Paradise.

Staying at the resorts and luxury hotels overlooking the beach is really great and is one of the reason why you should definitely visit Surfers Paradise.

 

You can see lots of surfers, markets; concerts so on and so forth.

There are also pretty local restaurants and it is not too expensive to spend the evening.

The climate is good all year round.

What makes it a nice place to stay and spend a holiday is it is easily accessible from anything you need.

Having everything at hand in a not so huge district makes it even more beautiful.

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Born & raised amidst the gators and orange groves of Florida, I’ve waded through the Everglades and braved the dizzying heights of Orlando’s roller coasters.

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