Surfe’s Paradise Gold Coast Australia is energetic, enthusiastic, electric, and eclectic! It is bustling throughout the day with walkers, cyclists and skateboarders taking advantage of the beachfront boulevard. Surfers Paradise has plenty of things to do from thrill seeking to very sedate, depending on what you want to do.
Partying teens and early-20-somethings head here for the clubs, bars and malls, with some beach time as a hangover remedy before it all starts again. Families head to Surfer’s Paradise for the affordable accommodations, the kid-friendly eating options, and of course for the beach.
Surfers Paradise Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Surfer’s Paradise is between April and May when the temperatures are most comfortable and there is very little rainfall. This is also going to be the least expensive time to visit Surfers Paradise. If you are a surfer looking for the best waves, January to July offers the best surfing conditions. If you are looking to participate in water sports, there is no better place than the Gold Coast. Vacationing here between April and May means you will have the best chance of sunny weather with fewer crowds and lower costs.
Best Surfers Paradise Area Beaches
Surfers Paradise Beach
Surfers Paradise Beach is the most famous beach on the Gold Coast, and the most popular. It is crowded throughout the year due to its close proximity to the main attractions and theme parks, accommodation, nightlife and entertainment hub of the Gold Coast.
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Budds Beach
Found on the exclusive and quaint strip of canal behind the manic streets of Surfers Paradise, this is a hidden nook for calm sea seekers of the northern Gold Coast. After you’ve basked in the glorious sun, head to the adorable Bumbles for a post-swim feed.
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Broadbeach
With a glitzy high-rise hotel backdrop, Broadbeach has plenty of sand to throw your towel down on. Shade is sparse, so pack your sunscreen. Head to nearby Pratten Park with it’s large playground for the kids and free BBQs.
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Main Beach
Main Beach is usually less crowded than Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, giving it a relaxing atmosphere with several nearby restaurants and coffee shops available. A good choice for families with kids who want to have a fun and peaceful day out at the beach.
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Mermaid Beach
This is a laid-back spot next to its bustling neighbor Broadbeach. There’s an eclectic blend of dining options here from modern Australian to plenty of Asian culinary experiences in which to participate.
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Best Surfers Paradise Tours & Activities by Viator
O’Reilly’s Lamington National Park and Treetop Canopy Tour
Explore the natural bounty of Queensland on this full-day tour to Lamington National Park from Gold Coast or Brisbane. Soak up spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from atop Mt Tambourine, and create your own adventure at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Encounter flocks of king parrots and other native bird species on a treetop canopy walk, and try your hand at bird feeding on a ground-level bush walk. Visit a local alpaca farm for a furry finish to the day! Learn more about the O’Reilly’s Lamington National Park and Treetop Canopy Tour.
Half Day Dolphin Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour
Start your day off right with a half-day kayak tour to South Stradbroke Island. Enjoy a great vantage point on the beaches and wildlife of the Gold Coast as you paddle at a leisurely pace, stopping to snorkel off Wavebreak Island, visit secluded beaches, and enjoy a picnic breakfast on the beach. Your expert guide shares informative commentary about the region’s ecology and animals, and provides full instruction on kayaking and snorkeling — making this tour suitable for both experienced paddlers and first-timers. Learn more about the Half Day Dolphin Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour.
Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard)
Spend a blissful day on Moreton Island exploring the beaches, snorkel sites, and enormous sand dunes during this full-day tour from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, or the Gold Coast. Travel with an experienced guide in a rugged 4-wheel drive vehicle, going from sea to sand as you snorkel at the Tangalooma Wrecks and kayak around the coral reef, then head inland to try sand boarding on the dunes. Learn more about the Moreton Island Day Trip
World Heritage Springbrook National Park Tour Including Natural Bridge
Journey into the hinterlands on this 5-hour afternoon tour of the Springbrook National Park from the Gold Coast. Explore the UNESCO-listed Goondawanna rain forests by coach, stopping to walk through the jungle, peek into ancient caves and enjoy views of Mount Warning from the Best of All Lookout. Visit natural wonders like Purling Brook Falls, Numinbah valley and Rainbow Falls, and soak up the scenery from the Canyon Lookout. Learn more about the World Heritage Springbrook National Park Tour.
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride
Enjoy the thrills, splashes, and spins of a jet boat ride on the Gold Coast Broadwater from Surfers Paradise. Zip through the scenic waterway, passing landmarks such as Southport Yacht Club, the Versace Hotel, and SeaWorld. Hang on as your expert captain takes your high-speed vessel through a series of high-octane tricks that are tons of fun. Learn more about the Surfers Paradise Jet Boat Ride
Best Surfers Paradise Restaurants
Yamagen Japanese Restaurant $11 – 30
Traditional Japanese cuisine alive in a playful Tokyo dream. An izakaya dining experience made to share for a night of vibrant refined flavors. Smoking signature kushiyaki, sushi and delicate market-fresh sashimi. Telephone: 07 5584 1266 Web: Yamagen Japanese Restaurant
The Island $11 – 30
The Island Gold Coast serves up the freshest of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week. Featuring the all new Goldie’s and the Island Rooftop, all their menus boast impressive burgers, seafood, steaks, wood oven pizzas, fresh salads and share plates. Telephone: 07 5538 8000 Web: The Island
Salt Meats Cheese $11 – 30
Salt Meats Cheese is a delicatessen, wood-fired pizzeria and Italian restaurant in a rustic, casual environment. This is a favorite among locals and tourists, with their pizza regarded as one of the best on the Gold Coast! Telephone: 07 5661 1517 Web: Salt Meats Cheese
Sandbar $11 – 30
They focus on offering quality brekky favorites, gourmet burgers, healthy poke bowls, fish’n’chips, steaks, seafood and more. Produce is sourced locally, with the freshest flavors prepared daily. Telephone: 07 5526 9994 Web: Sandbar
Edgewater Dining $11 – 30
Inspired by modern Australian cuisine, with a twist of traditional Italian style cooking, Edgewater Dining offers an ever evolving menu incorporating seasonal changes to ensure only the most creative and highest quality dishes served. Telephone: 07 5570 1624 Web: Edgewater Dining
Best Surfers Paradise Bars
The Island Rooftop
The Island Rooftop is the Gold Coast’s biggest rooftop bar. This sprawling alfresco patio has DJs, a retro-styled cocktail bar, and ample seating. They Gin & Jazz Thursdays (from 6:30pm) and Sunday sessions with cocktails, bites, DJs and live vocalists. Telephone: 07 5538 8000 Web: The Island
Aloha Bar
Aloha Bar and Dining is located in right in the heart of Broadbeach offering a laid-back Hawaiian feel and some of the best cocktails on the Gold Coast. Telephone: 07 5592 5000 Web: Aloha Bar
Elsewhere Bar
Elsewhere Bar provides a friendly relaxing restaurant and bar. Great place to unwind with a cold drink, an ideal place to watch and forget about the hustle and bustle while you enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or a snack from our affordable specials menu. Telephone: Web: 07 5592 6880 Elsewhere Bar
Stingray Lounge
Stingray mixes industrial chic with retro pop art and decor, resulting in a distinctly Californian vibe. The impressive cocktail list revolves around the bar’s equally impressive selection of 50 tequila varieties. Telephone: 07 5584 1200 Web: Stingray Lounge
The Avenue
The Avenue is also a hit among locals for screening most major sporting events live across 16 large plasma TV screens. You’ll also find a draft list of 16 craft and microbrew beers. Cocktail lovers will find a great selection as well. Telephone: 07 5592 1678 Web: The Avenue
Hello, we are so happy we came across your post about surfers paradise gold coast Australia, we are planning a trip there in a few months and we wanted to know Do you have any recommendations for a couple to visit that would have just couples no kids or young adults since we finally don’t have and kids at home anymore. LOL Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Definitely stay at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa….very romantic. You will enjoy! Please let me know if you need any additional information or help planning your vacation to Surfers Paradise. Thanks for stopping by.
helloo Leahrae, thanks alot for sharing such an amazing post with us all, i was actually doing some research online when i saw your post online and i really want to commend your effort in bringing a site like these it really has helped me a lot ive been looking for a nice place to take my family, i live here in australia so i believe these places mentioned on your article really is a nice place to take my family to, thanks alot for the info
You are so lucky to live in Australia! I am glad you enjoyed. Thanks for stopping by.
Leahrae, this is an excellent article with very valuable information for travelers about the Surfers Paradise Gold Coast Australia. Indeed, this is a place and beach attraction every tourist must consider. I can feel the bustling and enthusiastic, electric, and energetic nature of these paradises even virtually. What an amazing sight!
It offers both the sedattic as well as the thrilling feelings and experience depending on once’s goal. A beach that has everything for everyone in between is nature and tech at its best.
Another important point, I noted was the best time to visit the Paradise beaches in Australia. You stated that the best time should be between April and May. These are the period with comfortable temperatures and less expensive periods. Also, for surfers, January – July, are the best surfing conditions.
Above all, I think, I love the Main Beach, for its relaxing atmosphere. I can’t wait for the world to be unlocked and for things to come back to normal. There is much to enjoy!
Thanks for sharing.
Favorme.
I can’t wait until travel is open again too! You can travel now, there are just some places that are still not fully open. I am glad you enjoyed and learned about Surfers Paradise. I hope you can make it there soon. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Finally as things are starting to open up, I definitely need to travel. Feel like I have been living in a cave for the past 6 months because I live in the blue zone. Anyways, thanks for your tips on Surfers Paradise, it absolutely sounds like a paradise! I love the fact that there are things to do for all the age group. The Broadbeach is so beautiful!, will make sure t bring the sunscreen. Half Day Dolphin Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour Will be on my list. Salt meat cheese sounds yumm! Thanks for the itinerary!
You are welcome! I hope you enjoy your time in Surfers Paradise. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Australia has been on my bucket list for several years on places that I want to go. I live in the United States and have been to the beaches here, and when thinking of Australia, I never realized what a great coastline that it truly has.
I appreciate the great review of where to go, what to see and do, and even where to dine in this area. This looks like such a beautiful place I have to admit I’m moving Australia up on the list.
I live in Florida and we have great beaches, but they might be topped by Australia for sure. You add the different culture, the cuisine and you have a great beach vacation! I hope you head there soon. Thanks for reading my Surfers Paradise Gold Coast Australia guide.
Although I am not a surfer this sport seems to be pretty amazing, I have seen persons ride the waves and I mean really big waves and they seem to be having so much fun with this sport but there is nothing like finding the perfect spot or location where you can go surfing.
I am sure that those who are into this sport will find what you have written to be most helpful as they seek out a place like this to enjoy this sport (Surfing) that they love.
I don’t really think you need to be a surfer to head to Surfer’s Paradise, but I guess it would be a great place for a surfer 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave me comments.
As a traveler, especially one that likes to go to the beach. I thoroughly enjoyed your website. You offered different beach options with a brief description. I appreciate the information for families. When traveling to the beach, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area you want to know if the beach you have selected is family friendly or for singles. You included all the key points that a beach traveler would want: location, activities, restaurants, and lodging. The website is a concise location for all the necessary information for beach travel. Well done!
Thanks so much Theresa! Thank you for taking the time to leave me comments and for visiting my surfers Paradise Gold Coast Australia guide.
I have never been to Austrailia before, but by the way you describe Surfer’s Paradise Gold Coast I think I’ve been missing out! The beaches sound amazing and the Dolphin kayaking and snorkeling tour sounds like a ton of fun!
Also I’m from Michigan so hearing that the best time to visit is in April-May is PERFECT because the weather is still cold and rainy (and sometimes snowy), but it’s around spring break for us.
Overall it sounds like an amazing place that I definitely want to visit!
Great Coop! I think you will enjoy and that would be perfect timing for you! Thanks for taking the time to leave me comments.
Hi, Leahrae,
I loved this! I’ve always wanted to visit Australia. I’ve heard there are beautiful beaches. Out of the ones you mention, I’d like to visit Broadbeach and Main Beach. I always try to avoid crowded places when I travel.
There are also a handful of tours I might be interested in. For instance, I’d love to go kayaking and see the king parrots. I love watching animals in their natural habitat.
Dining prices are on par with American prices, maybe a little cheaper when we take exchange rates into consideration.
I’ll definitely put this on my bucket list. By the way, does Australia have any travel bans in effect at the moment?
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for visiting Enrique! I am glad you enjoyed and no, there are no travel bans to Australia. You’ll just have to take the normal precautions for the COVID-19 with face coverings and such. Please let me know if you need any other information.
This is a brilliant page. I’ve not yet been to Australia but am planning my first trip and thinking about the places I want to see. Sydney is on there, of course, and I also want to take in Melbourne, Adelaide and work my way round to Perth. I’d planned to start in Sydney but now I’ve found out about Surfers Paradise I might start in Queensland on the Gold Coast and then work my way round the South. Thanks for writing about this, it looks like a stunning location and one I’m now definitely going to include on my travels!
Sounds like you have a fabulous trip to Australia planned. Please let me know if you need any additional information. You can visit all the great beaches in Australia to visit here.
Thank you
Your article has made me smile and look forward to a time where we can once again get back to free travel and finding out more about other countries.
I have been to the Gold Coast and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the people also. However, now I have read your article I feel that I missed out so much of this area so I will be looking forward to going back which will probably be next year.
So much information in this great website of yours that I have signed up for your regular e mails and newsletters.
Greatly appreciated
Thanks Imelda, for taking the time to leave me comments. I am glad you enjoyed your visit to beach travel destinations.
Hello,
Thanks for such an informative article. I have never been to Australia but I would love to visit. I am not a surfer but I do love to swim and shop. I like the fact that you shared the best time to visit, that is a very important thing to know. I certainly wouldn’t like to have my vacation interrupted by rainfall.
Candy Benn
I agree Candy. When I go on a beach vacation, I don’t want rain either! I love being outside enjoying the sun, sand and surf. Thanks for stopping by.
These are indeed amazing destinations. The world has so many beautiful places to offer and after reading your article I now realise that surfing can be a big deal for some people when they travel. The Edgewater dining seems to be my kind of thing and is affordable too. Costings are also important for a unique travel experience. Thank you for sharing this.
You are welcome. My son is a surfer, so yes it is a big deal to him 🙂 This is not just a destination for surfers though. Anyone who loves the beach, would love vacationing here. Thanks for taking the time to leave me comments.