Surfers Paradise Beach
Surfers Paradise Beach
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The iconic skyline and golden beaches of Surfers Paradise is the Gold Coast’s postcard image to Australia and the world. Each year, millions of visitors discover an energetic foreshore precinct boasting an incredible diversity of restaurant, cafe, shopping and fashion and nightlife experiences. Restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine have made Surfers Paradise a serious dining hub, while shopping centres and arcades display top labels and the best in lifestyle and beauty. Surfers Paradise contains 50% of the Gold Coast’s accommodation – everything from five-star beachfront resorts to cheerful backpacker digs – making it the perfect base from which to explore the region. Locals and visitors are kept busy with a year-round calendar of events, highlighted by free family entertainment. And fronting it all – Surfers Paradise Beach, Australia’s iconic beach and a locale that conjures up ‘paradise’ to millions. It's "Always On" in Surfers Paradise!
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Top ways to experience Surfers Paradise Beach and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,159 within 3 miles
Attractions
186 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,975 reviews
Excellent
3,799
Very good
1,682
Average
364
Poor
73
Terrible
57
Uday Kumar H
Kolkata (Calcutta), India1,910 contributions
Dec 2019
Surfers Paradise Beach - Gorgeous, pretty, charming
We landed from flight at Brisbane airport coming from Cairns. By bus we went to Gold Coast. After lunch while coming to VOCO hotel, I got down with wife to enjoy the beauty of Surfers Paradise Beach. During our stay in Sydney and Cairns, we heard about the beach. After seeing the beach I realised that we heard less than the actual. Many birds were playing on beach and were coming to the tourists for grains. The beach is extremely popular to tourists for its multiple attractions. The sand is golden. The beach strip is long (three kilometre length), many high-rise buildings including the world famous Q1 building, with its SkyPoint observation deck. From the deck panoramic ocean and city can be viewed. There are also popular markets, several shops, cafes, diverse restaurants and lively nightclubs. I tried to take photo of the Q1 building. But I did not succeed to take photo of Q1 building due to incapability of my camera. Furthermore, I won’t feel shy to mention that neck pain developed when I tried to view the Q1. Therefore, tourists get anything they want. The “Surfers Paradise Beach” is Australia’s iconic beach. After spending about two hours we started for our accommodation in hotel VOCO. I am attaching few photos.
We landed from flight at Brisbane airport coming from Cairns. By bus we went to Gold Coast. After lunch while coming to VOCO hotel, I got down with wife to enjoy the beauty of Surfers Paradise Beach. During our stay in Sydney and Cairns, we heard about the beach. After seeing the beach I realised that we heard less than the actual. Many birds were playing on beach and were coming to the tourists for grains. The beach is extremely popular to tourists for its multiple attractions. The sand is golden. The beach strip is long (three kilometre length), many high-rise buildings including the world famous Q1 building, with its SkyPoint observation deck. From the deck panoramic ocean and city can be viewed. There are also popular markets, several shops, cafes, diverse restaurants and lively nightclubs. I tried to take photo of the Q1 building. But I did not succeed to take photo of Q1 building due to incapability of my camera. Furthermore, I won’t feel shy to mention that neck pain developed when I tried to view the Q1. Therefore, tourists get anything they want. The “Surfers Paradise Beach” is Australia’s iconic beach. After spending about two hours we started for our accommodation in hotel VOCO. I am attaching few photos.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Uday Kumar H,
Thanks so much for your review - so glad to hear you had a fabulous time in Surfers Paradise! Hope to see you again soon.
The team at Surfers Paradise Alliance
Written March 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendy G
Balmoral, Australia57 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Soft sandy beaches & great waves make this a great place to spend a sunny day! The esplanade and beaches are clean, as are the numerous public restrooms. Lifeguards are numerous and alert to surf/weather changes. When it gets a bit warm head into the cool clear water. After your beach day, enjoy a cool drink & bite to eat at one of the many food stands/restaurants and bars or shop in an air conditioned mall. We enjoyed the sand sculptures which were up through 3/1. Just pay attention to parking signs as they vary in some locations due to the evening markets.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian Lee
Semenyih, Malaysia7,190 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Wonderful evening stroll along the breezy windy beaches of surfers paradise, where many people surfs, swims and hang around the beaches with friends and family. Lots of awesome activities like 4WD ride and scuba and other water sea sports activities where here. Today the seas was as crystal
Clear beautiful sea we ever experience. Lots of cafes and bistro along the sidewalk of surfers paradise with boutiques and malls☺️
Clear beautiful sea we ever experience. Lots of cafes and bistro along the sidewalk of surfers paradise with boutiques and malls☺️
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your wonderful review x96lee26.
We are very please to hear you had such a fabulous time in Surfers Paradise. Please come back and visit us again soon!
The team at Surfers Paradise Alliance
Written April 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
STEPHEN N
Brisbane, Australia23,221 contributions
Dec 2020
We caught the train from Central Brisbane to Surfers Paradise on Monday 28/12/20 via Helensvale Station.
Noticed many changes around Surfers Paradise since my last visit in 2002.
A short stroll walking around the Beach Area & Shops after visiting Skypoint.
An Interesting day & very impressed with the rail network system for a smooth comfortable train trip from Brisbane CBD.
Used our Travel Link travel cards for the entire trip.
Noticed many changes around Surfers Paradise since my last visit in 2002.
A short stroll walking around the Beach Area & Shops after visiting Skypoint.
An Interesting day & very impressed with the rail network system for a smooth comfortable train trip from Brisbane CBD.
Used our Travel Link travel cards for the entire trip.
Written January 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
genev4
Geneva, Switzerland30 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We’be been there to see how this world famous place looks like and we’ve been really disappointed.
Too much people, McDonalds and other fast foods everywhere... If you want something more juste go à but southern to Miami, Burleigh heads or tallebudgera.
Too much people, McDonalds and other fast foods everywhere... If you want something more juste go à but southern to Miami, Burleigh heads or tallebudgera.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Nicolas R - Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Surfers Paradise is a very popular tourist destination and Christmas and New Year's is the busiest time to visit. There are many reasons it's so popular: the great range of family-friendly attractions, excellent eating options to suit all tastes and budgets, our beautiful clean and safe beach, the iconic Beachfront Markets and excellent shopping.
We're sorry to hear that you didn't find what you were looking for.
The Team at Surfers Paradise Alliance
Written January 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eyekaytoo
Leverkusen, Germany3,174 contributions
Nov 2022
I came here one morning and, after breakfast in one of the many cafes on the main boulevard leading to the famous beach, I took my time to explore the lay of the land. The beach itself was relatively quiet despite it already being a hot and beautifully sunny day. What I appreciated were the main references to keeping safe and ensuring that you kept an eye on your mates in the water. Of course, there are plenty of lifeguard posts on this stretch of the beach as well as loads of freshwater showers, changing rooms, free restrooms. I made good use of the many park benches to just sit, enjoy the atmosphere & views of the surf and partake in that essential activity of people watching.
I decided to go on a long walk - in fact longer than I had anticipated all the way up to the Spit. On the way, I encountered some of the more exotic birdlife (the avian variety) and I was intrigued to see how many high-rise buildings were being constructed. In fact, when you look at this stretch of coastline those of us from Europe may be tempted to make the comparison with Benidorm. But I, for one, felt that this area was a little more up market, much cleaner and organised and certainly not quite so tacky.
All in all, I'm pleased that I can tick this one off my extensive bucket list.
I decided to go on a long walk - in fact longer than I had anticipated all the way up to the Spit. On the way, I encountered some of the more exotic birdlife (the avian variety) and I was intrigued to see how many high-rise buildings were being constructed. In fact, when you look at this stretch of coastline those of us from Europe may be tempted to make the comparison with Benidorm. But I, for one, felt that this area was a little more up market, much cleaner and organised and certainly not quite so tacky.
All in all, I'm pleased that I can tick this one off my extensive bucket list.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belle Laurens
Brisbane, Australia16 contributions
Sep 2021
It is a much better experience if you choose a less 'popular' beach where there will still be lifeguards but without the crowds or the drunk idiots. The Gold Coast is kind of like South-East Queensland's tacky tourist spot so, it attracts a lot of young adults who aren't necessarily the nicest age group to share your holiday with. Try Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Waters or my personal favourite (Tallebudgera Creek). Whatever you do, DO NOT go to the Gold Coast in the final week of November, typically between the 20th to 30th of November depending on when the days fall. This is 'Schoolies week' where recent high school graduates from all over Queensland gather at the Gold Coast for a week of drinking and partying.
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonya O
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Couples
Do not come to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for a holiday nothing is open here it's a ghost town.
My husband and I have been coming here at least 3 times a year for the last 10 years. It's the first time that nothing is open or going anywhere. The rain doesn't usually stop anything from going here!! There shops are open less some from 10 till 2pm. It's miserable here no customer service at the shops that are open for a small amount of time. It's 2 weeks till christmas and no decorations nothing. Do not waste your time and money were going to hang at Tweed Heads (NSW) as everything is open!! and head back home to our part of NSW early very disappointed we won't be back again!!
My husband and I have been coming here at least 3 times a year for the last 10 years. It's the first time that nothing is open or going anywhere. The rain doesn't usually stop anything from going here!! There shops are open less some from 10 till 2pm. It's miserable here no customer service at the shops that are open for a small amount of time. It's 2 weeks till christmas and no decorations nothing. Do not waste your time and money were going to hang at Tweed Heads (NSW) as everything is open!! and head back home to our part of NSW early very disappointed we won't be back again!!
Written December 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravellingSurfer
Sydney, Australia58 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Fantastic time of year to stay and get away from cold, wet Sydney.
20-22 degrees every day, water 21degrees, small swell fanned by fine offshore wind, perfect for us older surfers.
Water was crystal clear, the sand fine and clean. Life guards on duty almost every 200 meters every day so those of you with kids have safe places to swim. Wish we were still there.
And when hunger hits, cafes everywhere including the surf clubs.
You can also walk for miles.
20-22 degrees every day, water 21degrees, small swell fanned by fine offshore wind, perfect for us older surfers.
Water was crystal clear, the sand fine and clean. Life guards on duty almost every 200 meters every day so those of you with kids have safe places to swim. Wish we were still there.
And when hunger hits, cafes everywhere including the surf clubs.
You can also walk for miles.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tommo
Melbourne, Australia55,980 contributions
Jan 2020
I unfortunately visited this world famous beach on a cloudy day.
This is a beach I frequented numerous times as a child and adult as I lived in Brisbane for many years.
This is very touristy and you woill find lots of hotels bars and restaurants in walking distance.
A great family friendly beach and quite safe if one swims between the flags.
This is a beach I frequented numerous times as a child and adult as I lived in Brisbane for many years.
This is very touristy and you woill find lots of hotels bars and restaurants in walking distance.
A great family friendly beach and quite safe if one swims between the flags.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi tommomelbourne,
We love hearing that you keep coming back to Surfers Paradise! We agree, there are so many great things to see and do as well as great places to grab a bite to eat.
The lifeguards do a great job at keeping the beach family friendly and safe for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you on your next visit.
The team at Surfers Paradise Alliance
Written April 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello there I would like to take some great scenic photos in surfers paradise with the background of all the tall buildings/hotel at the back with the beach, where is the good spot to take pls? (Sorry I dont have a car)
Written September 4, 2023
Mark Garmadon
California
Are there Saltwater Crocodiles around the Gold Coast or Surfer’s Paradise? Because I want to mainly visit there but I’m pretty scared of Crocs
Written March 13, 2022
Hello, thinking of coming in august. Will it be warm enough to enjoy the beach. Is it worth it to come in August ?
thank you
Written January 9, 2020
Hi Audreyma - You can definitely visit Surfers Paradise beach all year round and people do swim and surf year-round. It depends on how warm you like the water to be. In August, the water temperatures are at their coldest as we are in winter and will range around 19-22 degrees celsius. It's lovely to walk on the beach as we have many beautiful sunny days.
We hope that helps!
Written January 9, 2020
Sonali B
55 contributions
Can I go for a bike ride on that beach? I want to go from one end of that beach to other end of that beach on bike!
Written April 19, 2019
Hi Sonali B
The Gold Coast Oceanway is a 36km stretch of pathways from The Spit to Coolongatta and which will go along the Esplanade at Surfers Paradise. The views are amazing and will be beautiful by bicycle - enjoy!
The team at Surfers Paradise Alliance
Written August 1, 2019
Sonali B
55 contributions
Any stingrays on that beach?
Written April 8, 2019
Haven’t seen any.
The waves are pretty high, they don’t like that environment.
You can find some at Sea World though.
Not to swim with, but look, feed, take pictures.
Written April 9, 2019
Excursion452508
North Vancouver, Canada
We were thinking of going to Cairns instead of surfers Paradise. Which do you think has more activities to do?
Written March 2, 2019
Hi there Excursion452508
Definitely Surfers Paradise! There is always something on in Surfers Paradise, from great free events, The Beachfront Markets, fun family attractions, and an array of dining and accommodation options to suit all budgets. And you can't beat Surfers Paradise Beach!
We hope to see you soon.
The team at Surfers Paradise Alliance
Written August 1, 2019
Hi Iseult007
The closest public bbqs to Surfers Paradise Beach are at: Eileen Peters Park, Trickett Street.
Thanks
The team at Surfers Paradise Alliance
Written August 1, 2019
Sonali B
55 contributions
Has anyone seen a shark near that beach at day time or night time?
Written April 29, 2018
No, there are shark nets up the entire coast of this area.
Written August 30, 2018
Hi, I’m planning on travelling by train for a day trip from Brisbane and will be solo, are there any lockers nearby that I can rent to leave my mobile etc if I wanted to go for a swim?
Written February 13, 2018
There are lockers near 'go ride a wave' surf school which is next to mcDonald at surfer paradise. I believe you can use them.
Written April 2, 2018
Showing results 1-10 of 20
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing