Ultimate Guide to Surfers Paradise Beach

Surfers Paradise Beach is one of Australia's most popular coastal destinations. These are the best things to do and places to stay to make the most of your visit.

Boasting 2km of scenic coastline, Surfers Paradise beach is the star attraction of Queensland’s Gold Coast.
 

Attracting sun-seekers year-round, Surfers Paradise is one of Australia’s most famous beachside towns, playing host to more than 4 million visitors each year.
 

The skyscrapers end where the sand begins, and the waves provide not only a playground for surfers and swimmers but also a picturesque vista for those dining in the waterfront bars and restaurants.
 

Whether you’re planning your first visit to Surfers Paradise or returning to what has become a beloved holiday spot, this guide to Surfers Paradise Beach will help you make the most of your trip.

Attractions at Surfers Paradise Beach

Surfers Paradise Beach is located in the centre of the Gold Coast. This stretch of beach is a popular spot for enjoying the sun and swimming in the ocean.

 

The beach is also a scenic drawcard for nearby hotels, restaurants, and bars, many of which have waterfront views.  

Activities to Enjoy at Surfers Paradise Beach

Swimming

No visit to Surfers Paradise Beach is complete without a swim in the ocean. Be sure to be surf safe and only swim between the red and yellow flags, and always pay attention to any instructions from the lifeguards that patrol the beach.

Water Sports

Surfers Paradise Beach is a popular place to enjoy water sports including surfing and parasailing. Surf lessons are also available to book at Surfers Paradise Beach if you’re new to surfing and would like to get started with some professional instruction.

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

If you’re visiting Surfers Paradise on a Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday, be sure to head down to the beachfront markets that happen on the foreshore from 4pm until 9pm.

 

You can find loads of great food stalls as well as handcrafted arts, jewellery, fashion, and more. The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are a great spot to pick up a gift or souvenir.

Dining Near Surfers Paradise Beach

Hyde Paradiso

Hyde Paradiso is located at Peppers Soul, directly across from Surfers Paradise Beach. This popular Surfers Paradise restaurant features floor to ceiling windows that showcase the ocean. Stop in for a meal or enjoy a cocktail and tapas.

 

Hyde Paradiso is open for breakfast daily, and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday. You can make a reservation and check the latest opening hours on the Hyde Paradiso website.

Sandbar Surfers Paradise

For casual beachfront dining, check out Sandbar Surfers Paradise on the Esplanade opposite the beach. Enjoy the atmosphere of Surfers Paradise as you dine al fresco under the shade of the blue and white striped umbrellas.

 

Sandbar has a menu with breakfast options as well as a lunch and dinner menu with a wide range of beach classics, seafood, pizza, burgers, salads, and a kids menu to keep the young ones happy too. Sandbar is a licensed venue making it a great spot to toast to your Surfers Paradise holiday with a beachside cocktail.

Surfers Paradise Beach Accommodation

One of the best things about a holiday on the Gold Coast is how close you’ll be to the beach. There’s so many great hotels and apartments at Surfers Paradise within walking distance of the beach, and there’s something for whatever style of traveller you are.

Luxury Surfers Paradise Accommodation

If you like your holidays with a touch of luxury, check-in to Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise.

 

This premium Gold Coast hotel features ocean view apartments and penthouses with access to onsite facilities including a restaurant and bar, swimming pool, fitness centre, and secret garden.

Family-Friendly Surfers Paradise Accommodation

Enjoying a family holiday on the Gold Coast? If you’re travelling with children, they’ll love the lagoon-style pool at Mantra Crown Towers Surfers Paradise.

 

It has a sandy beach, waterslide, and even a pirate ship for the young ones to play on. And for the adults, there’s plenty of space to relax and unwind on one of the poolside deck chairs.

 

Mantra Crown Towers Surfers Paradise has 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments equipped with private balconies and kitchen facilities.

Apartment Style Accommodation at Surfers Paradise

When travelling with a group, be it family or friends, apartment style accommodation is an ideal choice. Offering more space than a traditional hotel room, and with communal areas to gather and dine, a hotel with apartment accommodation is a great choice for a comfortable and convenient trip to Surfers Paradise.
 

Mantra Circle on Cavill Surfers Paradise is centrally located apartment accommodation with 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments that come with private balcony and kitchen all within walking distance of the beach.

 

When you stay at Mantra Circle on Cavill Surfers Paradise you’ll enjoy access to the lagoon pool as well as the indoor heated pool, plus the gym, sauna, and steam room. As a fun bonus feature, this Surfers Paradise hotel has its own 12 seater theatrette so you can enjoy a private movie night during your stay!

Tips for Visiting Surfers Paradise Beach

Beautiful one day, perfect the next... so said the slogan of Queensland’s long-running tourism campaign. And a trip to Surfers Paradise will show you why that’s true.
 

There’s no such thing as a bad time of year to visit Surfers Paradise and the broader Gold Coast region. Summer is peak season with the warmest weather of the year. And school holidays are always busy as families head to the coast to visit the beaches and theme parks the Gold Coast is famous for.

Here’s a few of our top tips for planning your visit to Surfers Paradise Beach:

  • Book accommodation early so you get your pick of stays within walking distance of the Surfers Paradise Beach
  • Be sun safe and make sure you wear sunscreen and a hat when visiting Surfers Paradise Beach
  • If you’re going for a swim at Surfers Paradise Beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags and pay attention to instructions from lifeguards

Beaches Near Surfers Paradise Beach

If you’d like to explore more of the Gold Coast, there’s plenty of great beaches close to Surfers Paradise Beach.

Main Beach

Main Beach on the Gold Coast is located just north of Surfers Paradise Beach. If you’re visiting the Gold Coast from overseas, you can have yourself an authentic Aussie beach experience by heading to the Main Beach Pavilion Café at Southport Life Saving Club for a takeaway potato scallop or two to enjoy on the beach.

Broadbeach

For a more laidback Gold Coast experience, head to Broadbeach. You’ll find Broadbeach south of Surfers Paradise. If you’re up for a walk, there’s a coastal path connecting the beaches so you can enjoy 3km of beachfront views while getting in your steps. 
 

There’s plenty of fun in the sun to be had on the beach and in the surf at Broadbeach, and if you’ve had your fill of sandy spots – there’s also a large beachfront park with plenty of shaded lawn to relax. For lunch, head into the bistro at Kurrawa Surf Club for waterfront dining and a menu that caters for a wide range of cuisines and dietary requirements.

Know Before You Go: Surfers Paradise Beach FAQs

Where is Surfers Paradise Beach located?

Surfers Paradise Beach is located at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. This Queensland beach is one of the most popular in Australia attracting holidaymakers from across Australia and around the world.

How long is Surfers Paradise Beach?

Surfers Paradise Beach is 2km long and is located between Main Beach and Broadbeach on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

How can you make the most of your day at Surfers Paradise Beach?

If you’re planning a day at Surfers Paradise Beach, be sure to plan to be sun and surf safe. You’ll want to ensure you have sunscreen as well as a hat and clothing to protect your skin from the sun. Consider pre-booking any activities you might like to participate in such as surf lessons. You might also like to make a lunch reservation at a restaurant near Surfers Paradise Beach like Hyde Paradiso.

What are the best family-friendly activities near Surfers Paradise Beach?

Besides having fun at the beach itself, there are plenty of family-friendly activities near Surfers Paradise Beach, including visiting SkyPoint Observation Deck for a 360 degree view of the Gold Coast or kayaking or stand up paddleboarding on the Nerang River.

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