Splash into Surfers Paradise

by Kirsty Wallett, Australia

Surfers Paradise, the sky rise hub of the Gold Coast, is known as a place of sun, sand, surf and sometimes...tackiness.

Its long-held stereotype as a Mecca of partying, Meter Maids and surfer bums has been around for many years. However, recent visitors to Surfers Paradise will see a new feel emerging, making it a place you don't want to miss if you visit to the Gold Coast.

One of the best things about Surfers Paradise is its geographical location. The city centre of the Gold Coast is nestled between one of the world's best stretches of long, white beach to the east, and kilometres of winding man-made canals to the west. The result means just about no matter where you stay in Surfers Paradise, you'll have a view of the water, or at least be within a very short walk.

If you're keen to get some nightlife action while travelling, Surfers Paradise is the perfect location. It boasts more than 40 venues, from cocktail bars to Irish pubs, all within a few minutes walk.

Busy pubs like the Surfers Paradise Beer Garden, located in Cavill Mall, host live bands every Friday and Saturday night, before the live music area morphs into a nightclub dance floor. The bar's balcony area provides refuge for smokers, and there are plenty of pool tables to mill around.

If a cocktail is more to your liking you might like to head to Q Bar, on the 77th floor of the towering Q1 building. With 80 floors, Q1 is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere. Apart from providing amazing 360-degree views of the Gold Coast, Q Bar serves up scrumptious cocktails. A visit to the observation deck, like most other building tours around the world, will cost you. It's normally around $30 per person at sunset and that includes a cocktail. Q1 is also home to a five-star resort, and while you might not be able to afford to stay there, you can always enjoy a cocktail with an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean!

To experience the funky, bohemian side of Surfers Paradise, make the trip a little south of Cavill Avenue to Swingin Safari, located on Surfers Paradise Boulevard. It's an award winning restaurant and bar, set in an old Queensland beach shack, with some crazy yet clever interior design.

If a night club is more your style, many options line the well-known and busy Orchid Avenue, including The Bedroom, where you can rest between dance floor tracks on actual beds!

If you prefer your entertainment a little more relaxed, the revamped ‘Circle on Cavill' piazza is a great place to experience the cosmopolitan side of Surfers Paradise. The area boasts a large TV screen and forecourt area. Circle on Cavill is lined with restaurants, shops and bars, and plays host to many events during the year, including the Tropfest film festival.

The Surfers Paradise Festival, the first of which was held last year, features the best of the city's entertainment and arts events. The four-week event is held in June/July, which is typically low season for tourism providers. For travellers that translates into some great deals on accommodation. The festival features the A La Carte in the Park event, which combines jazz music, good food and wine. Best of all - it's free!

When you're recovering from your partying you can take a walk along The

Esplanade. The area lines the famous Surfers Paradise beach, and it's the perfect place to take a beachside stroll. Every Wednesday and Friday evening you'll find the Surfers Paradise Beach Front Markets, featuring more than 100 stall peddling wares like jewellery, clothing arts, crafts and home wares.

When planning your trip to Surfers Paradise, it's good to keep in mind that the city is host to several major events each year, including the Gold Coast 600, a V8 Supercar race, and ‘Schoolies Week'.

The Gold Coast 600 is a three-day event usually held over the last weekend of October, with the streets of Surfers becoming the actual racetrack. The race has a party atmosphere and is a great event for racing fans. However, if it's not your cup of tea, it's probably best to plan your trip for another time.

‘Schoolies Week' is held each November, anytime from the second week onwards, where tens of thousands of high school graduates descend on Surfers Paradise to party. You might want to check the exact dates before planning a trip, as the majority of Surfers Paradise accommodation is usually very expensive or totally booked out during both these events.

FACT FILE

Surfers Paradise event information
www.surfersparadise.com