The Surfers Paradise Beach

The Gold Coast's most internationally renowned beach, Surfers Paradise Beach is also easily the most popular - and busy - throughout the year regardless of season, situated in a convenient spot just across from the majority of Surfers Paradise accommodation. The name of the beach itself is rather deceiving; it's much more of a swimming beach than a surfing hotspot, and as a result surfers looking for a quality break would best be served looking elsewhere. Measuring roughly 3km in length, the beach features a nice combination of soft sand and warm ocean, along with plenty of seaside restaurants nearby from which to take in the views. Surfers Paradise Beach is very well patrolled via towers that are staffed 365 days a year by skilled lifeguards (be sure to swim between the flags!), and the beach manages to remain surprisingly clean despite its popularity. The beach's foreshore area has also been greatly enhanced, redeveloped and modernised recently, and now has clean and up to date toilets, numerous showers, plenty of seating, and various other nice design touches that make a stroll along its length much more pleasant than before its reconstruction. They're also the home of regular night markets which take place each week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 3pm to 8pm, and make for a great place to have a browse and snag both some fresh food and souvenirs. In all, this is one of Australia's signature beaches that comes with the added benefit of plenty of entertainment, shopping and food options nearby; while locals may prefer alternative beaches, if you're visiting from overseas or interstate a visit to Surfers Paradise Beach is a must.