Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise has long been known as the party stop for the hordes of backpackers that come to Australia each year. The name is rather deceiving as the town is more a paradise for these travellers than it is for any of the Australians. In fact, this would be a more appropriate name for nearby Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta. Located on the Gold Coast, Surfers does boast an incredible beach with minor surf breaks to match. It caters for those wanting to party hard, which, teamed with it amusement parks and beautiful beaches, makes it one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.

Attractions

Surfers is packed with thrill seeking activities that will keep you entertained all day before the party starts again that night. The Australian Shooting Academy is located right in the centre of town, and is the place to practice your best shots.

Palm Avenue is home to the town’s bungee jump which, at fourteen storeys high, is not for the faint hearted. For those who are not brave enough to attempt this then the Bungee Trampoline is also available. This travels up to 130 kph in only 1.3 seconds, and promises to be the closest to flying you will ever get.

Although the waves are nothing in comparison to those found down the road in Coolangatta, Surfers does offer one of the best places to learn on the east coast. Everyday flocks of party goers come down to the beach to give it a go at this national sport. Surf schools line the beach, and touts will make sure that you always know where to go if you fancy giving it a try.

If you fancy a day of non-stop games fun, then head to Timezone. This is Australia’s largest indoor entertainment centre, and contains over three hundred attractions including classics like dodgems and mini golf, as well as a shooting gallery.

The beach at Surfers Paradise was named Australia’s cleanest in 2005, and is regularly patrolled by lifeguards. This vast expanse of golden sands stretches right round the coast to Coolangatta, making it apparent why the area got its name. Although the beach is patrolled, care should be taken whilst swimming in the water as the area is prone to strong rips and therefore you should always stick to the flags. The water is often also inhabited by marine stingers which are not dangerous but can cause discomfort if they sting.

Surfers Paradise is also home to a number of theme parks, including Wet ‘N’ Wild, which offers water filled thrills. Dreamworld’s fame lies in its “Tower of Terror” which, at a speed of 0 to 160km/h in 7 seconds, is the world’s tallest and fasted ride. Seaworld provides a slightly calmer day out of rides, animal adventures and marine attractions.

Surfers is also home to the Warner Brothers studios and there is often filming going on. Movie World has been set up to cash in on this; rides include a new Harry Potter simulator and the Wild Wild West ride. A visit to any of these doesn’t come cheap, with an adult ticket setting you back around $60, or you can purchase a discounted three park super pass.

Shopping

Surfers Paradise is also shopper’s paradise as it is the only late night, seven day shopping district in Queensland. There are thirteen shopping centres, as well as numerous other shops dotted around the town. Every Wednesday and Friday night from 5.30 p.m. until 10.00 p.m. the beachfront becomes host to a market where you can pick up jewellery, crafts and gifts.

Nightlife/Dining

Surfers is renowned for its nightlife. There are hundreds of bars and clubs, which all offer a similar kind of night. To avoid cover charges get to your venue before 10.30, and at 3.00 a.m. there is a ‘lock down’ which means that you cannot get into any other venues so it is best to stay in the one you are in if you do not wish to go home. Hostels host nightly club crawls throughout the year which take you to all the most popular venues in town. Every Friday and Saturday night between 7.00 and 9.00 p.m. Cavill Mall hosts live music. This can be enjoined from one of the many nearby bistros which are contained in the mall. You can find all types of restaurants and eateries in Surfers Paradise, from cheap backpacker deals to luxurious Sushi restaurants. Orchard Avenue offers more upmarket dining in a variety of modern Australian cuisine restaurants.

Tourist Information

Gold Coast Tourism BureauCavill Avenue Surfers Paradise PO Box 7091 Surfers Paradise Tel: 0061 1300 309 440

Email: info@verygc.comWebsite: www.VeryGC.com

Airport

The Gold Coast Airport is located on the southern end of the Gold Coast Highway at Bilinga, which is around a half an hours drive from Surfers Paradise. Domestic flights are available from the airport to Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. There are also flights to and from major cities in both islands of New Zealand.