Unlike most other lists of things to do in Surfers Paradise, this list features attractions that are actually located in Surfers Paradise! It’s my list of the ultimate things to do in our lovely sunny suburb of fun. Best of all, these attractions are suitable for young and old, and family ready!
Surfers Paradise Beachfront – it is, and always will be, the number one star attraction of Surfers Paradise. The long stretching sandy beach is one of the best in the world and provides something for everyone. It’s a photographers dream with beautiful sunrises and sunsets which also attracts loving couple for romantic strolls, it’s the place for family fun, relaxing and so much more. Remember, always be safe at the beach, protect yourself from the sun and swim between the flags.
Infinity – 30 minutes that will leave your mind blown after you experience 20 futuristic mind-bending new worlds.
Open: 10 am – 10 pm daily
Address: Ground Level, Chevron Renaissance Centre, Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd & Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
http://www.infinitygc.com.au
iFLY Indoor Skydiving – suit up and enter a high-tech wind tunnel for an indoor skydiving adventure.
Address: 3084 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
http://www.ifly.com.au
SkyPoint Climb & Skypoint Observation Deck – Australia’s highest external building climb, yes, you get to climb on top of the 270m high Q1 Tower and enjoy 360-degree open-air views of the coast! For the less adventurous, take the elevator to the observation deck.
Address: 3003 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
http://www.skypointclimb.com.au
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! – one of the longest running attractions in Surfers, it’s a museum for the weird and wonderful.
Open: 9 am – 8:30 pm (open later during summer)
Address: Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
http://www.ripleys.com/surfersparadise/
Timezone Surfers Paradise – a mega family entertainment area featuring classic arcade games, laser skirmish, mini-golf, roller coast sim, bowling and much more.
Open: 9 am – midnight
Address: Level 1 Paradise Centre, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
http://www.timezonegoldcoast.com.au
Racecentre – state-of-the-art professional driving simulators including F1, V8, Rally, Drift or Formula Ford.
Open: 10 am – 10 pm daily
Address: Within Strike Bowling Bar, Circle on Cavill, 9 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
http://www.racecentre.com
Ride the Slingshot and Vomatron – if getting flung into the air at 160km/h per hour, or going round and round in circles and hitting 4 G’s is your thing then, this is a must-visit place for you.
Open: 10 am – 10 pm
Address: 6 Palm Avenue, Surfers Paradise
http://www.funtime.com.au
Spirit of Australia Gallery – offering genuine Aboriginal arts and traditional crafts from local and prominent Australian artists.
Open: Open 7 days 9am to 9pm
Address: Shop 5, 3171 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
http://www.spiritofaustraliagallery.com
Urban Paradise – a niche art gallery featuring works from local artists.
Open: 10am to 7pm
Address: Piazza on the Boulevard, corner of Elkhorn Ave & Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
http://www.goldcoastartfestival.com.au
7D Cinema Experience – a variety of 10 different short ride movies.
Open: 9 am – 10:30 pm
Address: Shop 6/34 Trickett St, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
http://www.7dcinema.com.au
Australian Shooting Academy – one of the longest running attractions in Surfers Paradise offering the chance to experience firing real guns in a real indoor shooting range.
Open: 10 am to 10 pm
Address: Level 1, Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
http://www.australianshootingacademy.com.au
Aquaduck Tours – another of the Gold Coast’s long-running and super popular attractions, the bus takes you from Surfers Paradise on a pleasant drive to Marina Mirage where it glides into the beautiful waterway and takes you for a river cruise!
Address: 7A Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
http://www.aquaduck.com.au
King Tutt’s Putt Putt – three themed worlds of 18 hole mini golf!
Address: Corner Surfers Paradise Boulevard & Pandanus Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
http://kingtuttsputtputt.com.au
Strike Bowling Bar – tenpin bowling, music, bar, pool tables and more!
Open: 10 am – late
Address: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Blvd
http://www.strikebowlingbar.com.au
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets – featuring local arts and crafts, fashion and more. Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night.
Open: 4 pm – 9 pm
Address: Surfers Paradise Foreshore
https://www.facebook.com/SurfersParadiseBeachfrontMarkets
Surfers Paradise River Cruises – take a leisurely cruise along the serene waterways and canals of the Gold Coast.
Address: Cavill Ave Public Wharf, 63 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
http://www.surfersparadiserivercruises.com.au
Shopping – Surfers was once a shopping ghetto featuring not much more than tacky t-shirts, but not anymore. The hotspots are:
Cavill Lane – ground floor of the Hilton Hotel, offering upmarket food and fashion
Address: 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
http://cavilllane.com.au
Paradise Centre – offering specialty stores and dining. Many well-known retail brands and franchises are clustered here along with a Woolworths.
Open: 9 am to 10 pm daily
Address: 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
http://www.paradisecentre.net.au
Chevron Renaissance – recently renovated it’s now one of the hippest shopping, bar and restaurant precincts on the coast.
Open: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sundays 10am to 4 pm
Address: 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
http://www.chevronrenaissanceshoppingcentre.com.au
Soul Boardwalk – a really pleasant open-air shopping and dining area. Brand names here include Quiksilver and Roxy, Foot Locker, Hype DC, Sunburn, Ripcurl and Surf, Dive ‘n Ski. There are 10 or more dining options here and a few well-known brand name eateries such as Movenpick, Mos Burger and Hog’s Breath Cafe.
Open: 10am – 9pm Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm Sunday
Address: 4 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
http://www.soulboardwalk.com.au
Budds Beach – the secret little beach the lies on the bank of the Nerang River. A great spot to chill, away from the bustle of Surfers Paradise, enjoy the boats go by or have a picnic.
Surfers Paradise Attraction Map
Where to stay in Surfers Paradise? Check out my list of hand-picked hotels and resorts.
For nightlife in Surfers check out the list of bars and clubs here.