Surfer's Paradise
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Place to Shop,
Good Place to Shop,
Swim & Snorkel,
Swim & Snorkel,
Water Sports,
Water Sports,
Beach,
Beach,
Town / City,
Town / City
Surfer's Paradise is a bit of a byword in Australia for all that glitters but is not gold. It's tacky, loud, shiny - and an immense amount of fun. But then, what do you expect from a town that took its name from an entrepreneur?
Back in the day, Surfer's (as it's known Australia-wide) was known as the more prosaic Elston, but the owner of the Surfer's Paradise Hotel lobbied for its name to be changed to lure tourists. And boy, did it work.
Cut to the present day, and a still idyllic beach is overshadowed (literally, as the sun sets) by a small forest of skyscrapers. Condominiums, boutiques and hotels are more plentiful than palm trees.
That said, Surfer's is a lot of fun, if you like your party to run eight days a week and don't expect the tone to be set too high. The shopping will have you busting your excess baggage cap in no time and the nightlife - while often aimed at the backpacker end of the market - will keep your evenings fizzing along.
Latest Reviews
Review by Mel, New Zealand, April 2013
Doing what: Island Swim and Snorkel Cruise from the Gold Coast
I was travelling by myself and still had an amazing time.
Review by Rachel G, January 2013
Doing what: Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride: 55-minutes
Amazing!! So much fun! Went out on a Thursday afternoons and had an awesome time!! Be prepared to get VERY wet!! Will definitely do again!!
Review by Rachel G, January 2013
Doing what: Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride: 55-minutes
Amazing!! So much fun! Went out on a Thursday afternoons and had an awesome time!! Be prepared to get VERY wet!! Will definitely do again!!
Practical Info
Surfer's Paradise is about an hour's drive south of Brisbane. If you don't have your own wheels, you can catch a Greyhound bus.
