Surfers Paradise Accommodation

Surfers Paradise boasts a wide range of places to eat, from beachfront cafés serving fast food to some of Australia's finest restaurants. One of the best places for family eating is Betty's Burgers, an American diner-style burger joint selling delicious, freshly cooked burgers, milkshakes, fries, and ice cream. If you prefer fine dining, try Seaduction, which has regularly changing menus based on local ingredients with a touch of molecular gastronomy magic.

If you've booked a self-catering Surfers Paradise holiday home, pick up locally produced delicacies at Bundall Farmers' Market, which takes place every Sunday morning. Stock up on fresh fruit or vegetables to make a picnic at home, or buy delicious ready-made meals, cakes, or bread for a no-fuss meal.

Surfers Paradise is a family-friendly place, and there's plenty to do with kids of all ages. One of the best places for younger members of the family is Broadwater Parklands Rockpools in Southport, where the fountains, waterfalls, paddling areas, and shallow pools make for the perfect place for cooling off on a hot day.

Older kids will also enjoy a day out at Ripley's Believe it or Not, a quirky attraction featuring weird and wonderful exhibits from around the world. At the Odditorium's fully interactive exhibits, kids can measure themselves against the world's tallest man or marvel at shrunken heads.

SeaWorld, to the north of Surfers Paradise, combines the theme park experience with wildlife encounters. The park's most popular ride is Jet Rescue, where riders are strapped into jetski seats to hurtle around a 560-metre track. In addition to trying out rides, visitors can take in dolphin shows and learn about conservation and environmental protection.

Evening fun isn't just about bars and discos at Surfers Paradise. If you're visiting with children, check out the town centre's Timezone attraction, a mini indoor theme park. It's open until midnight, offering post-dinner dodgems, ten-pin bowling, laser tag games, and mini golf. Other good evening options include the Beachfront Markets, which happen every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday night near Cavill Mall. Browse over 100 different stalls selling jewellery, art, crafts, and homewares, all of which make the perfect souvenirs.

When it comes to clubbing, Surfers Paradise has some of Australia's best. Underground is one of the Gold Coast's most famous clubs, packing crowds in with DJs playing hip hop, RnB, and dance classics. There's no shortage of bars in Surfers Paradise, either – what could be better than sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over the Pacific?

Most people come to Surfers Paradise for the 3km stretch of golden sand. Although there's plenty of space for everyone, the central sections can get crowded. For a quieter experience, head south to part of the beach bordering Burleigh Head Park, or north beyond SeaWorld.

If you want to get a little more active between lying on the sands or paddling in the waves, there are lots of watersports on offer, from high-adrenaline jet skiing or parasailing through to gentler pursuits such as kayaking and paddleboarding. And if you're a complete beginner, not to worry – tuition and equipment hire are widely available.

Away from the beach, there are plenty of other things to do in Surfers Paradise. Take a trip up to the 77th floor of Skypoint's observation deck, where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramas of Surfers Paradise. If you're feeling brave, book a space on the SkyPoint Climb experience to be roped onto the side of the building and climb up the exterior to 270m above ground.

Get your breath back after your climb with a visit to the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens in Benowa to relax amid elegant rose gardens, local plants, and butterfly gardens.

Surfers Paradise Kids Week is one of the Gold Coast's best family-friendly festivals and takes place each year during the September school holidays. Boasting an awesome assortment of fun things to see and do, some of its most exciting attractions include jumping castles, beach sports, zorb balls, wildlife shows, kids' dance parties, and loads of live entertainment.

With its fairground rides and dazzling firework show, Surfers Paradise New Year's Carnival has the reputation of being one of Australia's top celebrations for welcoming in the new year. Other great annual events are the Christmas in Surfer's Paradise Festival, Australian Street Entertainment Carnival, Sand Safari Arts Festival, and SeaFire, a vibrant two-day celebration of music, light, and entertainment. Shopping enthusiasts will also love the iconic Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, that are held each Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday night, from 4pm until 9pm.