Surfers Paradise Beach Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Surfers Paradise Beach featuring a sandy beach, modern architecture and skyline
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Surfers Paradise Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland


If you like to spice up your sunbathing with a spot of surfing and a LOT of shopping, then Surfers Paradise will really live up to its name!

The enterprising hotelier Jim Cavill, who built the first hotel on the coastal settlement of Elston in 1925, would barely recognise the place now, but his foresight in lobbying for the town to change its name to the more publicity-friendly Surfers Paradise has really paid dividends. Today this popular resort between Broadbeach and Main Beach is one of the hotspots of the Gold Coast, with a wide range of accommodation, great shopping and plenty of nightlife to keep the crowds coming back for more.Its man-made charms aside, the beach is still the jewel in Surfers Paradise’s crown. This long stretch of fine golden sand is enhanced on one side by a scenic esplanade which is popular with walkers and joggers, and on the other by some of the best rollers in the Pacific. Not surprisingly, there are plenty of surfing schools catering for all comers, from absolute beginners to confident surfers looking to pick up tips from the pros. You can also book jet boat or parasail rides or take a sunset kayaking tour to Chevron Island, sneaking a quick peek at some of the lavish private estates tucked away on its inlets as you paddle past.For one of the best views in the area, take the Q1 Residential Skyscraper lift to the SkyPoint observation deck, where you can sip a cocktail and dine with the lights of the coastal strip snaking into the distance and the sparkling Coral Sea spread at your feet 230 metres below. If that’s not quite high enough, book a climb to the very top of Q1, another 40 metres above the observation deck. If you’re lucky, you might spot the tell-tale spray of a humpback whale on the horizon. Whale-watching tours leave from Surfers Paradise from May to October when the migration season brings these graceful leviathans closer to the shore.Shopping is another big draw to Surfers Paradise, and all the big names are to be found in Cavill Avenue and Cavill Mall, along with other indoor attractions including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum. On Wednesday and Friday nights, the esplanade springs to life as the setting for open-air markets selling local arts and crafts, fashions, jewellery and food. This lively resort hosts a year-round programme of surfing competitions, festivals and other entertainment, so there’s never a dull moment!

Plan a trip to see Surfers Paradise Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Gold Coast Private Apartments
Circle On Cavill Surfers Paradise Apartments-Holiday Paradise
Dorchester on the Beach

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Classes & workshops

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Winter activities

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Reviews of Surfers Paradise Beach

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1622
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
1497
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
247
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
25
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

go early

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

So much to do in surfers paradise

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Markets along the beach were really nice

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Water was too cold

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

No parking anywhere!

5/5 - Excellent

Sharon

Beautiful and clean

Popular places to visit


Top Surfers Paradise Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Novotel Surfers Paradise

Novotel Surfers Paradise

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Novotel Surfers Paradise
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
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
Mantra on View Hotel

Mantra on View Hotel

4.5 out of 5
22 View Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Mantra on View Hotel
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise

Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise

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

Mantra Legends Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd. & Laycock St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Mantra Legends Hotel
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences

5 out of 5
38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
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

Surfers Paradise Beach offers a vibrant array of activities for visitors, including a thrilling skating rink and live music performances that create a lively atmosphere. Shoppers can explore numerous retail options, while the iconic ferris wheel provides stunning views of the coastline. Additionally, local attractions enhance the experience, making it a perfect destination for a memorable holiday on the Gold Coast.

Shopping

For shopping in Surfers Paradise, visit The Oasis, a vibrant centre with entertainment and family vibes, just 3.2km away. The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, only 483m away, offer unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, check out Marina Mirage Shopping Centre, also 3.2km away, for more options.

Recreation

Experience the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for family-friendly aquatic fun, complete with pools and leisure activities. For a unique outing, head to Broadbeach Bowls Club for a game of lawn bowls, or enjoy a round of golf at Southport Golf Club, surrounded by lush greenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast, a waterpark located 14.5km from Surfers Paradise Beach, featuring exhilarating slides and family fun. For speed enthusiasts, Go Karting Gold Coast, 8.0km away, offers adrenaline-pumping racing, while Cod Hole, 6.4km away, invites you to explore underwater sports adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Infinity Attraction, only 483m from Surfers Paradise Beach, where adventure awaits. Just 644m away, Timezone offers exciting arcade fun, while Racecentre, also 483m away, promises thrilling racing experiences. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and unforgettable entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Surfers Paradise Beach

Surfers Paradise Beach offers a stunning ocean and picturesque beach views, perfect for those seeking a blend of urban and outdoor experiences. Families can enjoy the vibrant beach atmosphere, while the nearby urban parks provide a lovely escape. Whether you're soaking up the sun or exploring the local attractions, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained in this iconic Queensland destination.

  • Cavill Avenue: Experience the vibrant heart of Surfers Paradise on Cavill Avenue, where bustling shops, trendy cafes, and lively street performances create an electric atmosphere. It's the perfect place for shopping, dining, and soaking up the local culture.
  • Sea World: Dive into a world of marine adventure at Sea World, where thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and incredible animal encounters await. It's a fantastic day out for families, combining fun and education in a stunning seaside setting.
  • Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre: This state-of-the-art venue hosts a variety of events, from conferences to exhibitions. With its modern facilities and strategic location, it’s a hub for business and networking in the heart of the Gold Coast.

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.

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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
September65.5°F (18.6°C)No RainMostly 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

When planning your trip to Surfers Paradise Beach, consider visiting in February, June, or August for lower accommodation prices. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can yield savings, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's filtering tools to find eco-friendly options and compare prices effectively. Additionally, consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for better rates. Don't forget to explore free beach activities to maximise your savings.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Surfers Paradise Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by combining your Surfers Paradise Beach hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia