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Surfers is a much-loved destination for kiwi holidaymakers, and with good reason. The Gold Coast's 70km stretch of golden sands are a short jaunt from Brisbane airport, with a gorgeous coastline and year-round sunshine. For surfers and beach lovers it's, well, paradise. For explorers, the Hinterland, islands and wildlife beckon. And while the many theme parks are a mecca for thrill-seeking families, there's plenty of nightlife on offer too. Of course, if all the excitement gets too much, there's a plethora of chilled-out beachfront bars...
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While there's plenty to do on any budget, this guide looks at the most popular attractions, and how you can make your holiday dollar go further.
We'll be expanding our guides to include suggestions from LayAway travellers. So email us your recommendations for great deals, attractions and dining out in Surfers Paradise! |
| Things to do | Dining | Nightlife | Getting around | Shopping |
Things to do, places to go
Beachers
What trip to the Gold Coast would be complete without some serious sand time! With 35 patrolled beaches in the area, you're spoilt for choice. Grab your sunscreen and swim safely between the flags. Or grab a surf lesson - the Cheyne Horan school (lessons daily) caters for beginners, and even guarantees you'll stand up in your first lesson!
http://www.cheynehoran.com.au/schoolofsurf.html
Theme Parks
The Gold Coast is a theme park heaven. If you're planning on visiting several theme parks, combo-ticketing will save you money. Choose the pass that suits you: from unlimited entry to all Gold Coast parks, to two day/three park passes. The biggest thrills are at Warner Bros. Movieworld. It's a massive park, with several movie-themed zones and rides galore. Our other favourites are Dreamworld, with rides, a water park, IMAX, wildlife presentations, Tiger Island and much more, and Wet 'n' Wild Water World: the name says it all. Water slides, water rides, a wave pool, aquatic playground... don't expect to leave here dry - and remember your sunblock!
www.myfun.com.au
Q Deck
Take the life to level 78 (or climb 1,331 steps!) for breathtaking 360 degree views from Brisbane to Byron bay. Our favourite time to visit is sunset. Adults $18.50, kids $10
http://www.qdeck.com.au
Lamington and Springbrook National Parks
Explore the animal life and natural beauty of the Hinterland. If you're really keen, guided tours are available: Bushwacker Ecotours know the area like the back of their hand and can take you to rainforests, abseiling and even to see glow worms! Or take a night tour to see kangaroos, koalas and possums in their natural setting. Tours vary in length and price, and leave from the Gold Coast.
http://www.bushwacker-ecotours.com.au
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
27 hectares and Australia's largest collection of native animals makes a great day out. You can get up close and personal with many animals, including cuddly koalas - although they keep the crocs at a safe distance. Adults $39, kids $23, family passes $140. Book online for a 10% discount on single passes.
http://www.cws.org.au
David Fleay Wildlife Park
Cheaper than Currumbin, and just as fun, we reckon! See platypus, crocs, wallabies, kangaroos, possums, dingoes, wombats, emus, cassowaries and more - all roaming free in walk-through habitats. Volunteers also give free guided tours throughout the day. Unlike Currumbin, they don't allow critter-cuddling. Kabool Rd, West Burleigh Admission $15 adults, Kids $7.20, $39 family pass.
Hinterland vineyards
A guided tour will set you back $95 or more, but with a designated driver and a budget rental car (around $30 per day), you can enjoy the Hinterland's renowned vineyards for much less. This scenic area is heaving with wineries - it's a little cooler on the plateau, too. Enjoy cellar door tastings - start at Mt Tamborine winery, one of the largest in the region. Splurge with a lunch at one of the superb local restaurants, or pack a picnic, before heading back to the coast.
http://www.mttamborinewinery.com
Internet
Gloria Jeans Coffee, 3195 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise has a free WiFi hotspot - or there are plenty of internet kiosks at hostels, or at Backpackers World Travel.
Dining
If you want to splash out, head straight for the wine bars and upscale restaurants on Tedder Avenue, Main Beach. For family dining, Broadbeach Mall has casual options and a handy kid's playground nearby. There's a wealth of won't-break-the-bank options at Surfers itself, and great seafood is pretty much available everywhere. Our fave? You can't go past the surf lifesaving clubs for tasty meals and the bonus of a superb view. Visit www.hellogoldcoast.com.au for print-out discount coupons redeemable at restaurants in Surfers.
Nightlife
From relaxing pubs to chic clubs to thrilling casinos, there's something for everyone. Surfers Paradise, Tedder Avenue and Main Beach are buzzing bar areas. Grab a quiet drink at the esplanades - where you'll find open-air, beachfront bars to relax in. Otherwise, try out a few of these famous options:
The Rose and Crown, Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise
A party crowd, with entertainment and dancing in a relaxed atmosphere.
O'Malley's, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Right on the Esplanade, this is the perfect spot for a Guinness - friendly, relaxing and with a great view over the water
Broadbeach Tavern, Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
With live bands and regular Wednesday comedy nights, Broadbeach Tavern is always packed and buzzing.
http://www.broadbeachtavern.com.au
Qbar, Level 77 of Q1, Surfers Paradise Blvd
For something truly unique, grab a drink 230m above the sea!
http://www.qdeck.com.au/QBarNights.aspx
Conrad Jupiter's Casino, Broadbeach Island, Gold Coast Highway
Gaming, entertainment, dining... you name it, Jupiter's has it.
http://www.jupiterscasino.com.au
Melbas, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The veritable Grande Dame of Surfers' clubs, Melba's is open every night until dawn, with plenty of space to dance.
http://www.melbas.com.au
Shooters Saloon Bar, The Mark Complex, Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
If you're wondering where all the surfers go after dark, check out Shooters.
Cocktails & Dreams
Another of Surfers' oldest clubs - this is the place for floor-filling dance tunes and cheap drinks, right in the heart of Surfers.
http://www.cocktailsnihtclub.com.au/
Gold Coast Arts Centre
Check them out for comedy, live jazz and the art house cinema.
http://www.gcac.com.au/
Getting around
Airport terminals offer a wide range of car hire companies catering for all budgets, at competitive rates (from around $30 per day, plus petrol). Hiring a car is a great option if you want to explore the Hinterland and other coastal towns.
If you'd rather use public transport. Surfside Buslines is a great network servicing the Gold Coast. There's a stop about every 300m along the Gold Coast Highway, with 24-hour bus services running. Just jump on and pay the driver - make sure you carry some small change. Or buy a Freedom Pass: great value, with transfers to and from Collangatta Airport, plus unlimited travel on Surfside Buslines, and door-to-door travel to and from the theme parks. Freedom Passes are for 3-10 days, starting at $58 (adults) and $29 (kids). Buy a pass from the driver.
And for $2, give the kids a treat with a ride on the monorail, connecting Jupiters Casino, the Grand Mercure and Oasis Shopping Centre.
Shopping
Shopping centres, markets, high end boutiques - it's all here. Start at the trendy stores and duty-free shopping on the Surfers stretch of the Gold Coast Highway. On Tedder Avenue you'll find plenty of boutiques and outdoor cafes. Around Jupiters Casino, Pacific Fair and Oasis Shopping Centres shopping centres are worth checking out. And if you want to get away from the malls, the Hinterland offers crafts, antiques and galleries. And from 8am every Sunday, the beachfront bustles with arts, crafts and souvenirs markets. Locations rotate between Broadbeach, Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads, or check out the Lantern Markets, between 6pm and 10pm every Friday in the Broadbeach Mall (September - May). |
