Things to Do in Surfers Paradise: The Ultimate Gold Coast Guide

Surfers Paradise is the Gold Coast at its most iconic, with golden beaches, buzzing bars, family-friendly attractions and plenty of ways to fill your holiday with fun. Spend your days swimming in the surf, exploring the waterways, chasing thrills high above the city or discovering the best spots to eat, drink and play. From free things to do to late-night adventures, this guide covers the best things to do in Surfers Paradise, so you can make the most of every moment.

Adrenaline Attractions

If you’re chasing some high stakes, high speed adventures, Surfers Paradise is the perfect destination. From scaling skyscrapers to rocketing across the Broadwater in a jetboat, there are plenty of ways to get the adrenaline pumping.

Take on Australia’s highest external building climb at SkyPoint Climb to see the city from 270m above sea level, whizz through the waterways on a jetboat adventure, or learn how to levitate at iFly Indoor Skydiving.

Family-Friendly Activities in Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is packed with fun for the whole family, from beachside adventures to indoor activities that keep the kids entertained whatever the weather. Challenge the family to a round of mini golf on quirky courses at Holey Moley. At Prison Island, step into a world of interactive challenge rooms filled with games, puzzles and playful surprises, perfect for families who love a little friendly competition.  

Timezone is a must, with arcade games, laser tag and prizes up for grabs. For kids 8+, Infinity (pictured below) is a mind-bending adventure through immersive multi-sensory rooms with special effects, lasers, mirrors and more. There's also TRICKD - an  immersive illusion experience where you senses are challenged with optical illusions, sound effects, mixed reality and spaces that mess with your perception. And if you like the weird, wonderful and downright odd, head to Ripley's Believe It Or Not to marvel at hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with interactive experiences.

And when it’s time to call it a day, Paradise Resort is a fantastic accommodation option for families with young kids, thanks to its family-friendly facilities, kids’ club and on-site water park.

Nightlife in Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise knows how to party! Honky tonk bar, Rowdy Ranch, is a good time for country-themed dinner, drinks and dancing. Some of the best rooftop bars on the Gold Coast are found  in Surfers Paradise - The Island and Lulu are local favourites. Fig ‘n’ Fox is a British pub serving Sunday roasts, perfect pints, sports and live music. Cali Beach Club is a rooftop pool club hosting events, DJs and Vegas style pool parties day and night. 

 

Explore Cavill Avenue

At the heart of Surfers Paradise, Cavill Avenue is where the action happens. This buzzing pedestrian strip is lined with cafés, restaurants, bars and shops, making it an easy place to spend a few hours soaking up the atmosphere. Grab a coffee, browse the stores, watch the street performers or settle in for a spot of people-watching. By night, the energy ramps up, with neon lights, live entertainment and plenty of places to grab dinner or kick off a big night out.

 

Free Things to Do in Surfers Paradise

The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night from 4pm - 9pm. With over 100 stalls showcasing local growers, makers, characters and creators you can shop for souvenirs, gifts, jewellery, handmade wares, fresh produce, gourmet provisions and more in a very cruisy, scenic setting. 

HOTA (Home of the Arts) is the Gold Coast’s cultural precinct with a whole roster of fabulous free activities. Explore five levels of visual art, installations, sculpture and touring exhibitions in the world-class HOTA Gallery, and enjoy spectacular city views from the top. The gallery is location in Evandale Parklands - a serene, shady parklands centered around a lake where you can swim, splash and play. It’s the perfect picnic location and you can take a stroll around the grounds following the outdoor sculpture trail. You can catch the HOPO Ferry to HOTA from the end of Ferny Ave.

Surfers Paradise Beach

The main attraction doesn’t cost a cent - the incredible coastline. Join the locals for a sunrise swim, learn to ride waves with a surf school or stroll along the shoreline. Always swim between the red and yellow flags at beaches patrolled by Gold Coast’s surf lifesavers.

The Gold Coast Oceanway is a wide flat coastal pathway that runs for 36km alongside the beach, the route dotted with playgrounds, peaceful parklands, BBQ huts and viewing platforms. Walk it or go for a beautiful beachside ride on a Lime Bike.

Explore the Waterways

The Nerang River winds its way throughout Surfers Paradise and exploring its pretty waterways is an excellent way to see the city. Hire a self-drive electric picnic boat for a charming afternoon, or eat, drink and be merry on a buffet dinner cruise. Kids will love a ride on the Aqua Duck - an amphibious vehicle that drives through the streets of Surfers Paradise before splashing into the water for a river tour.

 

Where to Eat in Surfers Paradise

Come hungry, because Surfers Paradise serves up everything from laid-back beachside bites to destination-worthy dining. Grab a casual lunch after a morning in the surf, settle in for fresh seafood with ocean views or explore the lively dining precincts around Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue. Check out some of the best local restaurants and cafes here.