Top 10 things to do in Surfers Paradise in the Gold Coast

It's an unavoidable fact that when most people think of <a href=“h https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/gold-coast”>The Gold Coast, what they are really imagining is Surfers Paradise – that highrise-filled, sunny-beached, party-centric hotspot that is the staple of postcards worldwide. While many people know of Surfers Paradise, that's often not the case when looking for the best things to do.

We've thus put together the below list of the “Top 10 Things to do in Surfers Paradise” with our recommendations on the can't-miss activities and attractions in “Surfers” for first timers from both Australia and abroad - all of which are within walking distance of one another.

Surfers Paradise didn't earn its name without reason, and while it might seem obvious to grab your swim gear and head straight down to the water at the end of Cavill Avenue (Surfers Paradise's main street), there's a little more to it than that. The main section of Surfers Paradise Beach is easily recogniseable due to its large “Surfers Paradise” sign that is always a popular feature in photos for visitors looking to strike a pose, and the area beyond it is a regularly patrolled beach area with vigilant lifeguards who are kept busy watching over often-careless tourists.

The beach is made even more popular due to the fact that it's within easy walking distance of most Surfers Paradise accommodation, coupled with the fact that there are many fast food and more high-end dining cafes and restaurants just across the street.

If you're looking for more of a relaxed, uncrowded beach atmosphere however (particularly if you're a family with younger kids), it's advisable to head 10 minutes' walk or so either south or north to one of the nearby patrolled – but not nearly as busy – areas of beach towards either Broadbeach or Main Beach.

While it's perhaps not the “perfect” beach on the Gold Coast as far as surf goes despite its name, Surfers Paradise beach is still a very viable spot for boarders who aren't too fussy about catching the ultimate wave, with a decent break that tends to produce waves that hover around the 3-4 foot mark most of the year. As a result, surfing lessons are hugely popular with visitors who are looking to take the first steps towards learning to surf, and the beach's relatively moderate waves make it a great place to do just that.

When in the Gold Coast, a must-visit is the Q1 building, home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck on the 77th floor. Despite not being the tallest tower, it offers unparalleled Gold Coast views, stretching from Byron Bay to Brisbane on clear days. The SkyPoint deck, reached by a speedy elevator, provides uninhibited 360-degree vistas of the hinterland, coastline, city skyline, and Pacific Ocean. With a bar and restaurant, it's great for drinks and even transforms into a nightclub at night. Since 2012, the "SkyPoint Climb" lets you journey around the glass exterior, guided by commentary. Perfect for newcomers, the deck gives a sense of the city's layout and landmarks.

One of Surfers Paradise's distinctive sights is the presence of large "duck" vehicles roaming the streets, offering an unconventional yet popular tour experience. These amphibious military vehicles, now adorned with playful duck-themed designs, take passengers through the city and onto the Gold Coast Broadwater for a different perspective. While not speedy on land, their transition into water provides a unique thrill, especially for kids who enjoy the novelty and interactive elements, like briefly steering. The Ducks, including AquaDuck, Quack 'r' Duck, and Super Duck, ensure engaging commentary, trivia, and photo opportunities, making this a family-friendly must-do in Surfers Paradise.

Surfers Paradise's canal system surpasses Amsterdam and Venice combined in length, offering an intriguing waterway route through the city's "back side" and showcasing luxurious waterfront homes. Several operators provide a range of cruises, from morning coffee tours to dinner cruises, catering to different preferences. Cruisers can admire extravagant mansions, local attractions like Sea World, Marina Mirage, and even venture to Wave Break and South Stradbroke islands for combined on-and-off-shore experiences. With diverse options, including full-day tours, meals, and entertainment, your choices depend on budget rather than variety in Surfers Paradise's cruise offerings.

Surfers Paradise has established itself as a premier party destination in Australia, boasting an array of nightclubs and bars within walking distance. The vibrant nightlife scene caters to various tastes, from laid-back venues to energetic nightclubs, concentrated on Cavill and Orchid Avenues. While entry charges vary and drinks are similarly priced across the board, selecting a club depends on personal preference, age, music taste, and relationship status. For a comprehensive guide to the best nightclubs for different demographics, check out our Gold Coast nightclubs guide.

Recommended options include Stingray Bar at the QT for an up-market experience, SinCity for a younger crowd, Melbas on the Park for an all-rounder choice, The Avenue for a middle-older crowd, and Escape Nightclub for same-sex club-goers. The bar scene offers numerous large establishments, particularly Irish-themed bars like Waxy's, Fiddler's Green, and O'Malley's on the esplanade, which stands out for its waterfront views. Keep in mind that due to regulations, clubs and bars are required to "lock out" guests after 3:00 am to promote safety. Whether seeking an energetic night or a relaxed evening with live music, Surfers Paradise's nightlife has something for everyone.

Prepare to get wet, especially if sitting on an exposed end of a row! Strapping yourself into a turbo-charged boat, you'll head out first slowly and then at an increasing pace until you're performing a variety of stunts - it's a fun and refreshing rush for hot days in that still offers inherent sightseeing opportunities. With the likes of the Gold Coast Broadwater, Stradbroke Island, Marina Mirage and the ritzy Sovereign Islands potentially on the itinerary, it's a great sampler of some of Surfers Paradise's surrounds with family-friendly fun mixed in.

Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Infinity Attraction is a captivating visual experience centered on optical illusions and sensory tricks. Geared towards young adults, kids, and teenagers, Infinity offers a series of rooms with interactive mazes and sensory-confounding exhibits, from hands-on displays to the sensation of walking through space on "imaginary bridges." Conveniently accessible by public transport and well-suited for quick visits, it's an intriguing option to appease restless kids or explore on a whim. While those seeking unique and perception-bending experiences will enjoy Infinity, individuals prone to motion sickness or claustrophobia might find it less comfortable. For those searching for something distinctive beyond the typical sightseeing options, Infinity offers an interesting choice amidst Surfers Paradise activities.

Surfers Paradise offers a diverse shopping experience, featuring a variety of boutiques and small stores offering souvenirs, brand accessories, electronics, and more. While not hosting a major shopping mall, the area boasts shopping options along Surfers Paradise Boulevard and the Hilton "High Street" complex, which houses brand stores like Versace, Prada, and Gucci. The northern end of the central district offers quirky options for mementos and bargains, while the dining scene ranges from standard cafes to upscale restaurants, providing ample opportunity for retail therapy and exploration.

From June to November, something really special happens on the Gold Coast – it's whale watching time! Humpback whales take their annual trip, and the Gold Coast is a great spot to see them. You can join a tour with special boats made for watching whales. These boats have cool equipment to help us find the whales easily. The best part is that we can watch the whales from a safe distance, and they don't get bothered by us. The tours have different times, so whether you're a morning person or like to sleep in, there's a tour for you. Imagine seeing huge humpback whales splashing around and having fun in the ocean – it's something you won't forget.

Lastly, we tip our hats to all odd things, with Ripley's Believe it or not being one of the oldest and longest-running attractions right in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Ripley's is a special place for kids who are 10 or older, because some things might be too strange for younger ones. There are cool displays about skeletons and other things that might be a little spooky. You can even try a laser maze like in spy movies, play games, and learn funny facts. They even have an app you can use on your phone to learn more about the stuff in there.

It's a fun thing to do, and you can take as much time as you want to explore. And guess what? It's not too expensive, so you can have a cool adventure without spending too much.