Surfers Paradise Guidebook
Food Scene
Rub elbows with the locals and make a new friend or two on The Island rooftop – a favourite spot for drinks on a Friday or Saturday night, or a long lazy Sunday afternoon lunch.
You’ll watch the city light up from one of the best vantage points in Surfers Paradise, with views over the CBD and the coastline from the open-air rooftop space.
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The Island Gold Coast
3128 Surfers Paradise BlvdRub elbows with the locals and make a new friend or two on The Island rooftop – a favourite spot for drinks on a Friday or Saturday night, or a long lazy Sunday afternoon lunch.
You’ll watch the city light up from one of the best vantage points in Surfers Paradise, with views over the CBD and the coastline from the open-air rooftop space.
Cotton candy skies are on the menu most nights on the Gold Coast, so choose a venue that lets you soak up the horizon. Hyde Paradiso boasts 180-degree views of Surfers and a 12-metre long bar, ideal for sampling the creative cocktail list, which includes their salted-coconut margarita.
Already an icon in L.A., Vegas, and Miama, Hyde’s first Aussie lounge in the Peppers Soul Hotel has the same heart and vibe as its predecessors, with a seasonal Mediterranian menu and bottomless brunch every weekend. Cheers to that.
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Hyde Paradiso
8 EsplanadeCotton candy skies are on the menu most nights on the Gold Coast, so choose a venue that lets you soak up the horizon. Hyde Paradiso boasts 180-degree views of Surfers and a 12-metre long bar, ideal for sampling the creative cocktail list, which includes their salted-coconut margarita.
Already an icon in L.A., Vegas, and Miama, Hyde’s first Aussie lounge in the Peppers Soul Hotel has the same heart and vibe as its predecessors, with a seasonal Mediterranian menu and bottomless brunch every weekend. Cheers to that.
Australians take their coffee seriously, and the coffee culture in Surfers Paradise is no exception. Hole-in-the-wall locals vendors and sleek, shiny newcomers all have their place in the Gold Coast’s thriving cafe scene.
And because a dose of caffeine is the ideal way to start a day of adventure, we highly recommend you make your way through this list of the best coffee spots in Surfers Paradise.
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Stairwell Coffee
3131 Surfers Paradise BlvdAustralians take their coffee seriously, and the coffee culture in Surfers Paradise is no exception. Hole-in-the-wall locals vendors and sleek, shiny newcomers all have their place in the Gold Coast’s thriving cafe scene.
And because a dose of caffeine is the ideal way to start a day of adventure, we highly recommend you make your way through this list of the best coffee spots in Surfers Paradise.
Some meals stay with you. The multi-sensory, izakaya-style experience diners are treated to at Yamagen is one of those meals.
Offering a playful take on traditional Japanese cuisine in the Gold Coast’s Q1 Hotel, Yamagen brings the electric feel of Tokyo to life, with neon lights and a buzzing atmosphere.
Tuck into authentic omakase at the 15-seater sushi counter as you watch the chefs at work, or enjoy the full menu in the main dining space. Yamagen is also home to the country’s most extensive Japanese whisky collection, with more than 65 to choose from.
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Yamagen Japanese Restaurant
7 Staghorn AveSome meals stay with you. The multi-sensory, izakaya-style experience diners are treated to at Yamagen is one of those meals.
Offering a playful take on traditional Japanese cuisine in the Gold Coast’s Q1 Hotel, Yamagen brings the electric feel of Tokyo to life, with neon lights and a buzzing atmosphere.
Tuck into authentic omakase at the 15-seater sushi counter as you watch the chefs at work, or enjoy the full menu in the main dining space. Yamagen is also home to the country’s most extensive Japanese whisky collection, with more than 65 to choose from.
Sightseeing
Want to truly go with the flow? There’s no better way to explore Surfers at your own pace than on a stand up paddle board (or SUP, as it’s known to its many fans).
Go Vertical SUP Hire offers lessons and group tours, and experienced paddlers are free to explore nearby Chevron Island and Macintosh Island Park.
First time on a paddle board? No worries. The beauty of stand-up paddle boarding is that even a beginner can get up and go, kids included. If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Surfers Paradise, a stand up paddle board session should be top of your list.
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Go Vertical Stand Up Paddleboard Hire
19 River DrWant to truly go with the flow? There’s no better way to explore Surfers at your own pace than on a stand up paddle board (or SUP, as it’s known to its many fans).
Go Vertical SUP Hire offers lessons and group tours, and experienced paddlers are free to explore nearby Chevron Island and Macintosh Island Park.
First time on a paddle board? No worries. The beauty of stand-up paddle boarding is that even a beginner can get up and go, kids included. If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Surfers Paradise, a stand up paddle board session should be top of your list.
Prepare to be awe-inspired.
Standing 270 metres above sea level with sweeping 360 degree views of the Gold Coast’s coastline, the Sky Point Climb on top of the iconic Q1 building is a Surfers Paradise experience that will stay with you long after you’re back on solid ground. And the view you choose is totally up to you: Sky Point Climb offers sunrise, twilight, night, and day climbs.
If you’re chasing the view without the effort, visit the Sky Point Observation Deck, the only beach-side observation deck in Australia. Located on the 77th floor of Q1, it’s a great option for the whole family.
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Mirador SkyPoint
9 Hamilton AvePrepare to be awe-inspired.
Standing 270 metres above sea level with sweeping 360 degree views of the Gold Coast’s coastline, the Sky Point Climb on top of the iconic Q1 building is a Surfers Paradise experience that will stay with you long after you’re back on solid ground. And the view you choose is totally up to you: Sky Point Climb offers sunrise, twilight, night, and day climbs.
If you’re chasing the view without the effort, visit the Sky Point Observation Deck, the only beach-side observation deck in Australia. Located on the 77th floor of Q1, it’s a great option for the whole family.
Experience the thrill of a freefall flight without the danger at iFly Gold Coast – an indoor skydive centre. You’ll take flight inside a five-metre-wide glass chamber powered by a giant vertical wind tunnel.
Based in the heart of Surfers, iFly is a family friendly activity, with kids as young as three able to ride.
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iFLY Gold Coast
3084 Surfers Paradise BlvdExperience the thrill of a freefall flight without the danger at iFly Gold Coast – an indoor skydive centre. You’ll take flight inside a five-metre-wide glass chamber powered by a giant vertical wind tunnel.
Based in the heart of Surfers, iFly is a family friendly activity, with kids as young as three able to ride.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Surfers Paradise, Ripleys Believe It Or Not! Odditorium takes the cake. With 9,000 square feet to explore, the ‘odditorium’ showcases the strange, the shocking, and the beautiful, with genuine artefacts, illusions, interactive exhibits, life-size figurines, and stories of magic and mystery from around the world. Goosebumps are guaranteed.
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Ripley's ¡Aunque usted no lo crea! Surfers Paradise
Cavill AvenueIf you’re looking for unique things to do in Surfers Paradise, Ripleys Believe It Or Not! Odditorium takes the cake. With 9,000 square feet to explore, the ‘odditorium’ showcases the strange, the shocking, and the beautiful, with genuine artefacts, illusions, interactive exhibits, life-size figurines, and stories of magic and mystery from around the world. Goosebumps are guaranteed.
From June to November, humpback whales make their way up the Queensland coast and circle back with their newborn calves. Catching a glimpse of these friendly giants is an experience that few can forget.
On board a luxury catamaran, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the whales breaching and splashing in the Gold Coast’s waters during a three-hour Whales in Paradise tour.
Whales in Paradise maintains a 100% daily sighting record and offers a free cruise if you don’t spot any whales.
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Whales In Paradise | Gold Coast Whale Watching Pty Ltd
10a Cavill AveFrom June to November, humpback whales make their way up the Queensland coast and circle back with their newborn calves. Catching a glimpse of these friendly giants is an experience that few can forget.
On board a luxury catamaran, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the whales breaching and splashing in the Gold Coast’s waters during a three-hour Whales in Paradise tour.
Whales in Paradise maintains a 100% daily sighting record and offers a free cruise if you don’t spot any whales.
Leave the buzz of the strip behind and slip into the slow lane on a river cruise. Enjoy spectacular views from the decks of one of the Surfers Paradise River Cruises boats as you explore the beautiful waterways, canals and rivers of the Gold Coast.
With sightseeing tours available for morning, midday, afternoon, and sunset cruises, this is a perfect way to enjoy the stunning natural surrounds and glittering skylines of the Coast without lifting a finger.
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Surfers Paradise River Cruises
63 Cavill AveLeave the buzz of the strip behind and slip into the slow lane on a river cruise. Enjoy spectacular views from the decks of one of the Surfers Paradise River Cruises boats as you explore the beautiful waterways, canals and rivers of the Gold Coast.
With sightseeing tours available for morning, midday, afternoon, and sunset cruises, this is a perfect way to enjoy the stunning natural surrounds and glittering skylines of the Coast without lifting a finger.
Rest and Recreation
Indulge in a spa experience at spaQ, the vibrant day spa space in the QT Hotel.
SpaQ has reimagined the average day spa fit-out with their 50’s-inspired décor. Throw on a soft robe and lounge in a bold green armchair before a decadent ‘head-to-heel’ treatment. We love the Pure Gold signature experience, complete with a warm oil massage, custom facial and mini mani-pedi.
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QT Gold Coast
7 Staghorn AveIndulge in a spa experience at spaQ, the vibrant day spa space in the QT Hotel.
SpaQ has reimagined the average day spa fit-out with their 50’s-inspired décor. Throw on a soft robe and lounge in a bold green armchair before a decadent ‘head-to-heel’ treatment. We love the Pure Gold signature experience, complete with a warm oil massage, custom facial and mini mani-pedi.
Flea Markets
The Foreshore comes to life every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night with the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, with over 100 stalls selling wares from local artisans and fresh local produce.
From 4pm ‘til 9pm, lap up the sea breeze and stroll through the line-up as the stars come out. Watch artisans at work, admire bespoke artworks, and find a treasure to keep forever.
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Surfers Paradise Beer Garden
Orchid AvenueThe Foreshore comes to life every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night with the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, with over 100 stalls selling wares from local artisans and fresh local produce.
From 4pm ‘til 9pm, lap up the sea breeze and stroll through the line-up as the stars come out. Watch artisans at work, admire bespoke artworks, and find a treasure to keep forever.
Arts
Art, theatre, cinema, dance and entertainment come together at Home of the Arts: a cultural precinct complete with indoor and outdoor event spaces, a gallery and a cinema. Enjoy live performances with the Surfers Paradise skyline as the backdrop, or simply take a stroll around the lake and explore the beautiful precinct.
Home of the Arts hosts events and screenings suitable for all ages.
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Home of the Arts Park
Art, theatre, cinema, dance and entertainment come together at Home of the Arts: a cultural precinct complete with indoor and outdoor event spaces, a gallery and a cinema. Enjoy live performances with the Surfers Paradise skyline as the backdrop, or simply take a stroll around the lake and explore the beautiful precinct.
Home of the Arts hosts events and screenings suitable for all ages.
Fun and Games
Combining a mini golf course and karaoke bar, Holey Moley is a completely unique Surfers Paradise destination.
Put your putting skills to the test on 18 unique and zany holes, complete with pop culture references and shark infested waters, then retreat to a private karaoke room to test out your lung power.
A great option for groups, Holey Moley has a fully equipped cocktail bar slinging quirky cocktails, and the mini golf course is open to all ages.
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Holey Moley Golf Club Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise BoulevardCombining a mini golf course and karaoke bar, Holey Moley is a completely unique Surfers Paradise destination.
Put your putting skills to the test on 18 unique and zany holes, complete with pop culture references and shark infested waters, then retreat to a private karaoke room to test out your lung power.
A great option for groups, Holey Moley has a fully equipped cocktail bar slinging quirky cocktails, and the mini golf course is open to all ages.
Leave everything behind you when you whip around the Broadwater and Gold Coast Seaway in a 650-horsepower jet boat at speeds up to 80kms per hour with Jetboat Extreme.
Don’t expect a leisurely 55-minute cruise. You’ll take power slides, ride along waves and do 360-degree spins. If you’re lucky you’ll spot a curious dolphin – they’re known to gallivant beside the boat.
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Jet Boat Extreme
30-34 Ferny AveLeave everything behind you when you whip around the Broadwater and Gold Coast Seaway in a 650-horsepower jet boat at speeds up to 80kms per hour with Jetboat Extreme.
Don’t expect a leisurely 55-minute cruise. You’ll take power slides, ride along waves and do 360-degree spins. If you’re lucky you’ll spot a curious dolphin – they’re known to gallivant beside the boat.
Pool Beach Bars
Cali Beach is Australia’s largest day and night entertainment precinct bringing you the ultimate experience!
Come for the day or come for an hour, we offer free admission to all guests so you can enjoy pools, sun lounges, sporting areas and a variety of drinking and dining options whilst looking over the venue, skyline or ocean.
Each week we feature choreographed shows and the biggest DJ residency line up in the country, with acts like Hot Dub Time Machine, Sneaky Sound System, The Stafford Brothers, Bag Raiders, Will Sparks plus more, you won’t want to miss a weekend at Cali Beach.
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Cali Beach
21a Elkhorn AvenueCali Beach is Australia’s largest day and night entertainment precinct bringing you the ultimate experience!
Come for the day or come for an hour, we offer free admission to all guests so you can enjoy pools, sun lounges, sporting areas and a variety of drinking and dining options whilst looking over the venue, skyline or ocean.
Each week we feature choreographed shows and the biggest DJ residency line up in the country, with acts like Hot Dub Time Machine, Sneaky Sound System, The Stafford Brothers, Bag Raiders, Will Sparks plus more, you won’t want to miss a weekend at Cali Beach.