Surfers Paradise Beach

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Surfers Paradise Beach which includes skyline, modern architecture and a high-rise building
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Surfers Paradise Beach featuring a beach and general coastal views
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland


This stretch of beach is known for its regular sets of rolling waves, with high-rise hotels and bustling nightlife along the sandy shore.

Take a swim, surf the waves, get your kicks on a jet-boat ride, spot whales, browse the market and shops, and then join the crowds for a drink at one of the night clubs or pubs. Compact Surfers Paradise has accommodation, shopping, nightlife and the beach all within walking distance.

The first European settlers named this coastal settlement Elston in 1889. Hotelier Jim Cavill built the Surfers Paradise hotel in 1925, and eight years later he succeeded in having the town renamed for promotional purposes. Cavill Avenue and Cavill Mall are now locations for shopping and indoor attractions, such as the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum.

The landscaped shore provides a scenic esplanade for jogging. Surfing schools are everywhere, whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your board skills.

Sunset kayaking tours on the inlets around Chevron Island take you past decadent private estates. Take a jet-boat ride through the waves at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour), or soar above the water on a parasail.

Ride the Q1 Residential Skyscraper elevator 755 feet (230 meters) up to the SkyPoint observation deck and enjoy a cocktail and dinner with a great view. Book a SkyPoint Climb to reach the very top of Q1, some 131 feet (40 meters) higher than the observation deck. See if you can spot misty sprays on the horizon, a sign that humpback whales are around. For a closer look, book a whale-watching tour departing from Surfers Paradise from May to October. If you’re lucky, you might capture a whale breaching on camera or feel the spray as a pectoral fin slaps the water surface.

Wednesday and Friday nights mean market time on the esplanade. Enjoy the sea breeze and check out the local art, fashion,jewelry and produce. Grab a bite to eat at one of more than 100 stalls, or visit a restaurant. Surfers Paradise is always fun, with year-round surfing events, festivals and beach entertainment.

Surfers Paradise is located between Broadbeach and Main Beach along the Gold Coast Highway. Rooms in high-rise hotels provide panoramic views of the Coral Sea.

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Private & custom tours

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Classes & workshops

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Winter activities

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

voco Gold Coast by IHG

voco Gold Coast by IHG

4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
voco Gold Coast by IHG
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

5 out of 5
6 Orchid Ave Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise

Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise

5 out of 5
86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
Mantra on View Hotel

Mantra on View Hotel

4.5 out of 5
22 View Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Mantra on View Hotel
Q1 Resort & Spa

Q1 Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Q1 Resort & Spa
Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

5 out of 5
8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise
QT Gold Coast

QT Gold Coast

5 out of 5
Cnr Gold Coast Highway And Staghorn Ave, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
QT Gold Coast
Novotel Surfers Paradise

Novotel Surfers Paradise

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Novotel Surfers Paradise
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Surfers Paradise Beach

At Surfers Paradise Beach, indulge in thrilling activities like boogie boarding on the waves or enjoying a scenic boat ride along the stunning coastline. For those seeking adventure, join a treasure hunt for a unique experience. After a day of excitement, explore the vibrant shopping scene, where you'll find everything from boutique stores to larger retail outlets, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, located 186m away, offer vibrant local crafts and souvenirs. The Oasis, 1.2km away, features a mix of shops and eateries. If you're up for a drive, visit Marina Mirage Shopping Centre, also 1.2km away, for a more upscale shopping experience.

Recreation

Experience the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for family-friendly swimming and water activities, perfect for relaxation and fun. For a more active vibe, the Broadbeach Bowls Club offers a lively atmosphere for lawn bowls, while the Southport Golf Club invites you to enjoy a round of golf in stunning outdoor surroundings.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast, a waterpark 5.6km from Surfers Paradise Beach, featuring exhilarating slides and family fun. For karting enthusiasts, Go Karting Gold Coast, located 3.1km away, offers adrenaline-pumping races. Dive into adventure at Cod Hole, an underwater sports venue 2.5km from the beach.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Surfers Paradise Beach is vibrant and exciting, perfect for families and adventurers alike. Visit Infinity Attraction, a thrilling arcade just 186m away, or enjoy Timezone, located 249m from the beach. Racecentre, also 186m away, offers an adrenaline-fueled experience.

Find the best attractions near Surfers Paradise Beach

Surfers Paradise Beach offers a delightful mix of attractions for every type of traveller, featuring beautiful beaches, urban parks, and family-friendly spots. You can explore the main beach, immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Surfers Paradise, and visit the bustling beachfront markets. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or relaxing family experiences, this destination promises a memorable holiday on the Gold Coast.

  • Cavill Avenue: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cavill Avenue, a bustling street packed with shops, cafés, and nightlife. Just 311m from Surfers Paradise Beach, it’s the perfect spot for shopping and people-watching in the heart of the Gold Coast.
  • Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre: Located 1.2km away, this impressive venue hosts a variety of events and conferences. With its modern facilities and professional ambience, it’s a hub for business and entertainment, attracting visitors from around the globe.
  • SkyPoint Observation Deck: Situated 435m from the beach, SkyPoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Gold Coast skyline and beyond. Ascend to this modern tower for an unforgettable experience, especially at sunset.

Best time to go to Surfers Paradise Beach

The best time to visit Surfers Paradise Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Surfers Paradise Beach falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Surfers Paradise Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February75.6°F (24.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
June62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
July61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
August62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September65.5°F (18.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
December73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Surfers Paradise Beach

To save money during your visit to Surfers Paradise Beach, consider travelling in February, June, or August when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, preferably on a Tuesday, to secure the best rates. Keep an eye out for last-minute deals on Expedia and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and location to find the most affordable options. Additionally, explore free activities along the beach to make the most of your trip without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Surfers Paradise Beach are February, June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Surfers Paradise Beach about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Surfers Paradise Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Surfers Paradise Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make use of Expedia’s handy search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Surfers Paradise Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.