7 reasons to visit Surfers Paradise

Situated on the Gold Coast, this resort is famed for its beach where golden sand is lapped by azure water. This water is dotted with surfers riding the waves and backed by towering high-rise buildings. It offers the best of both worlds, a lively city but with a coastline that provides a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle.

If that’s not enough to tempt you, here are seven reasons you should visit Surfers Paradise:

Relax on Surfers Paradise Beach

Walk through the arched Surfers Paradise sign at the heart of the Gold Coast and you’ll be on Queensland’s most famous beach. Here, about 3 kilometres of soft golden sand leads down to the Pacific Ocean. Lay your towel down and relax as you soak up the sun and get stuck into a good book before cooling down with a dip in the designated swimming areas.

Learn to surf

As the name would suggest this part of the coastline is a paradise for surfers. If you are going to ride the waves anywhere in Australia, it needs to be here. Newbies can hire a board and learn the basics in a surf lesson before they head out to catch waves in the designated area. While more experienced surfers can make their way to the outer bar for offshore winds and a moderate swell.

Browse the beachfront markets

On Esplanade at the end of Cavill Mall you’ll find an open-air night market with more than 120 stalls. You can browse the stalls from 5pm to 10pm, on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Live music provides entertainment as you pick yourself up a souvenir or you can watch local artisans as they create masterpieces before your eyes. You’ll also find a number of stalls you can participate in and if you’re feeling peckish, there are stalls selling fresh local produce and delicious desserts for those with a sweet tooth

To take in the view from Skypoint

The iconic Q1 Building, at the heart of Surfers Paradise, is among the most recognisable landmarks in Queensland. From here you can enjoy 360-degree views of the Gold Coast. Head to the bar for a bite to eat or just a cold drink against the most breathtaking backdrop.

Alternatively, adrenaline junkies might like to experience the Skypoint Climb. This 90 minute open-air climb will take you to a height of 270 metres, making it the highest external building climb in the country. You can do this during the day, at night or for a more magical experience head here for sunrise or twilight.

Visit the five star Palazzo Versace hotel

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Surfers Paradise but there is one that stands out among the rest. If you don’t have the budget to stay at this five star hotel, it’s worth popping in to see the luxurious decor. You might recognise this fashion-inspired hotel if you have watched I’m a celebrity get me out of here! It is where the contestants stay after they have been on the show. Walk in their footsteps as you enjoy a drink at the bar or take a photo for social media.

Explore the lively Cavill Avenue

If you fancy a spot of retail therapy, wander along Cavill Avenue where you’ll find shops selling a range of products. If you enjoyed your surfing lesson, you may like to purchase your own surfwear or perhaps you’ll pick up something a little dressier for the evening. You can change into this before heading back here for dinner at the restaurants and dancing the rest of the night away at one of the clubs. Make sure you stop to watch the street entertainers too.

Experience Infinity

Mind-blowing special effects and illusions coupled with sounds and aromas make this a unique experience you do not want to miss while you are here. This interactive attraction, which is the first of its kind in the world, aims to ‘challenge your senses and ignite your imagination.’ It’ll take you around half an hour to wander through the 20 multi-sensual environments.

Now you know why you should go to Surfers Paradise, you just need to start planning your trip.

This is a contribution from one of our contributing writers.