33 Things to do in Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is one of Australia’s foremost tourist cities, with an abundance of adventure activities and no shortage of attractions for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re looking for things to do in Surfers Paradise, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Surfers Paradise has held a special place in the heart of Queenslanders for many years and the iconic town seems to symbolise the most prominent features of the laid back Queensland lifestyle.
It might come as a surprise to many of the region’s visitors that the area has quite a rich history, which spans centuries and can still, be seen today. In fact, it was over 200 years ago, in 1799, that John Oxley landed his boat ‘the Mermaid’ on what is now called Mermaid Beach. Europeans settled the area around forty years afterwards and took advantage of the abundant logging and agricultural opportunities throughout the region. Before this, Indigenous communities were thriving on the plentiful natural resources of the area, including the fantastic fishing.
The beaches and estuaries of Surfers Paradise have been admired for centuries, by the diverse and various cultures that have called them home. Even the name ‘Surfers Paradise’ is a strong indicator of what the area is like – it is quite literally a paradise for surfers and beachgoers alike. Surfers Paradise is situated approximately 80km south of Brisbane, on either side of the Nerang River, just south of the famous Broadwater. With extensive artificial canal systems winding their way from the Nerang River into the surrounding residential areas, it is not surprising that the area is home to some of the best boating, fishing and leisure opportunities in Queensland. This is not all they offer, however. The canals stemming from Surfers Paradise offer a unique perspective of the region, from the multi million-dollar homes of Paradise Waters, to the glamorous shops and luxury yachts of Marina Mirage.
Here at Quack’rDuck, we know that Surfers Paradise needs to be seen from land and sea and we have the perfect solution! Book one of our famous amphibious Gold Coast duck bus tours to see Surfers Paradise in style. Our Quack’rDuck tours take you through some of the roads around the main attractions of Surfers Paradise, before splashing into the water and seeing the best sights Surfers Paradise has to offer, from a unique and incredible perspective. If you’re wondering what to do in Surfers Paradise, Quack’rDuck is the answer!
Things To Do In Surfers Paradise
Being one of the most exciting tourist cities in Queensland, Surfers Paradise has a wide range of activities to suit every traveller. There are numerous adventure activities throughout the Surfers Paradise area, for those who are looking to let loose and try something new. Check out our comprehensive list of activities below. If you're still planning your Gold Coast holiday, we've put together the ultimate Gold Coast visitor guide here.
What To Do In Surfers Paradise First?
Making The Most Of Your Visit
With such a vast array of things to do and places to see, you might struggle to decide on what to do in Surfers Paradise first. Even with our list of the top 25 things to do in Surfers Paradise, you are still faced with the challenge of finding enough time to see them all. To help you see the best of Surfers Paradise, we suggest taking some time to familiarise yourself with the area, before working out what interests you most so that you can divide your time and make the most of this amazing area.
Read our guide on what to do when you first arrive in Surfers Paradise here!
#1 Quack’rDuck Tours
Do a one-hour amphibious tour of the Gold Coast for a great introduction to one of the most beautiful places on earth. Book your duck bus tour here.
#2 Surfers Paradise main beach
Visit the world-famous Surfers Paradise beach! There's free volleyball available along the dunes. Play with your friends, make new friends, or watch amateurs and professionals show off their skills.
Or take a leisurely walk along the soft sand at sunset or sunrise, enjoy some fish and chips while watching the surfers hit the waves, or go for a run along the beach.
Of course, you can also swim at the beach! Just make sure you swim between the yellow and red flags.
#3 Sky Point Climb
If you like thrills, this is the climb for you. Take in the Gold Coast’s stunning views from a very high perspective, on top of the Q1 tower!
#4 iFly Indoor Skydiving
Another unique thrill. Experience skydiving all year round and no matter what the weather is outside. Indoor skydiving provides an extra safe environment to get the rush that real skydiving provides.
#5 Infinity Attraction
Ignite your perceptive and visual senses in this crazy-cool theme park. Take your time through each room and get lost in the different futuristic worlds to really enjoy the experience.
#6 Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Plenty of delicious things to eat and beautiful products to buy. There isn’t a shortage of stalls that offer things from jewellery and clothing to art, skincare and souvenirs.
Great for date nights and family outings. Browse the markets before a nice dinner at one of the many great restaurants in Surfers or finish off your day at the beach with a leisurely stroll through the stalls.
The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are held on the Foreshore every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm.
#7 Gold Coast 7D Cinema Experience
Become part of the movie you watch. It’s a one-of-a-kind theatre experience with not only 4 but 7 state-of-the-art special effects movie-goers are treated to. Strap yourselves in and enjoy the action in this interactive simulation ride at Ripley's 7D Moving Theatre. They also might have some special discounts available on certain holidays.
#8 Jet Boat Ride From Surfers Paradise
Get your need for speed filled with an exciting jet boat ride on the waters of the Gold Coast. As exciting as a rollercoaster ride and incredibly safe, enjoy the spins and super speed twists through the waterways as your jet boat driver navigates the mangroves and sandbanks with ease. A great activity for team trips and group experiences.
#9 Putt Putt Mermaid Beach
Just a short drive from Surfers Paradise, Putt Putt Mermaid Beach is fun for the whole family. Challenge yourself on one of three mini-golf courses plus enjoy the video games arcade, licenced 19th hole refreshments and barbecue zone. Open 7 days and nights from 9am to 10pm.
#10 Ripley’s ‘Believe It Or Not' Museum
Visit Ripley's and explore hundreds of unbelievable (but true) exhibits and artefacts. There are movies to be seen, interactive games to be played, and crazy gadgets to be touched. This is a Surfers Paradise icon and not to be missed during your visit!
#11 Whales In Paradise
See the dolphins and whales that inhabit the Gold Coast waters. It’s a cool experience seeing those beautiful animals in their natural habitat. With a 100% whale sighting guarantee (or a free return cruise), bring your camera along and see these incredible (and massive) creatures in action during their annual migration. Whale watching season occurs around end of May to early November but can vary each year. Check their website for season updates!
#12 Surfers Paradise River Cruises
Take a leisurely cruise at noon with a delicious buffet lunch or do a morning tea cruise. Sunset cruises are also relaxing, and you can have a drink on the sundeck. Operating 7 days a week and great value.
#13 Go Ride A Wave
It’s called a surfer's paradise for a reason.
Learn how to surf and enjoy the great waves that Surfers Paradise offers! There are plenty of learn-to-surf schools that will teach you the basics and get you standing up on a surfboard by the end of your first lesson.
If you’re already an experienced surfer, you can simply hire a board and hit the waves at your choosing.
#14 FREAK Racing Simulation
Race your friends and family in your dream car in this ultra-realistic race experience. Become the ultimate driver and enjoy the action in the fast-paced, technically advanced, virtual reality racing simulation at FREAK VR,
#15 Fly Board Extreme
Learn to fly like Peter Pan by taxiing, turning, flying, and falling using jet ski propulsion. After your instructor provides a safety and training briefing, you'll be kitted out with a wetsuit, helmet and lifejacket before getting in the water and learning basic manoeuvrs like taxiing through the water, turning left and right and standing up on the fly board.
A fun activity that gets you in the sun and sea!
#16 Hot Air Ballooning
Go for a breathtaking scenic flight aboard a hot air balloon with a champagne breakfast included and sweeping views of the Gold Coast.
A hot air balloon ride will take you up through the Hinterland where you can see the glittering ocean from above. The perfect activity for couples, family and friends.
#17 Restaurants & Nightlife
There is an endless choice for food and activities to do at night. Check out TripAdvisor for the people’s choices of cheap or luxury eats and the best activities to do in the evening at the Gold Coast. There is a variety of dining options with flavours from all over the world, including Japanese, Persian, Thai, Korean, American, Mexican and Italian (to name a few), plus dozens of great burger places, seafood, pizza, ice cream and more.
To continue your evening you can grab a delicious cocktail or beverage from one of the many great bars or pubs that are peppered throughout Surfers Paradise.
#18 Go Bowling!
Great for a group or families with kids. A game of 10-pin bowling is a great way to spend the afternoon! Surfers has a few different bowling options, all of which boast some extra fun like bumper cars, laser tag, arcade games or escape rooms!
With food options available as well, hire a lane or two, get your bowling shoes on and hit the lanes for some classic fun!
#19 QT Surfers Paradise Hotel
Cute boutique hotel with an outdoor pool if you’re not into swimming at the beaches. It’s even got tennis courts.
Enjoy dining at one of several fantastic restaurants and cafes, including the popular High Tea option, or indulge in some pampering at SpaQ.
#20 Nightclubs & Bars
Surfers is well known for its nightlife options with many great bars and nightclubs scattered throughout. Some of the top picks include Cocktails Nightclub, The Avenue, Lost Kingdom, Asylum, SinCity, Stingray, the Surfers Paradise Beergarden and The Island Rooftop.
#21 Cavill Avenue Mall
Stroll along Cavill Avenue Mall where the shops are open late and there’s something to see and do for everyone. Grab some ice cream, buy a souvenir, and sometimes you can enjoy the shows put on by street performers, from acrobatics to live music.
#22 Slingshot Gold Coast
Want to know how a rock feels like when being shot out of a slingshot? Here’s your chance, and it’s all caught on camera. You’ll fly about 90 metres high at a velocity of 18 kilometres per hour!
The Slingshot is a Gold Coast icon and a fun way to experience some thrills during your stay in Surfers Paradise.
#23 Holey Moley Golf Club
Get ready to tee off at this mini golf venue that's like no other!
Enjoy exploring 18 unique holes while enjoying music, drinks and food from the kitchen and full-service bar. In addition to putt putt, you can also try your hand at arcade games, bowling, karaoke and challenge rooms.
There are 2 separate Holey Moley venues in Surfers.
#24 Sea World
See the cool marine mammals, oceanarium, and go for exciting rides in the theme park. You’ll learn a lot about ocean wildlife and see the conservation efforts of their staff.
Sea World has a great selection of rides and marine attractions, stunt shows and a dedicated kid's precinct.
#25 Dreamworld
The largest theme park on the Gold Coast. There are thrill rides for the big kids and other family friendly rides. There is also a waterslide park that delivers a whole lot of fun.
#26 The Wax Museum
The Wax Museum is located in the heart of Surfers Paradise. It is home to the largest collection of authentic wax figures in the Southern Hemisphere.
See famous people who made history - Scientists, Explorers, Villains and World Leaders - these wax figures are so lifelike you'll find yourself speaking to them.
#27 Gold Coast Iceland
Iceland Gold Coast Ice Skating is home to the best ice skating rink on the Gold Coast, offering people of all ages a chance to strap on a pair of skates and experience the magic of gliding on the ice.
#28 House of Brews
Indulge in the ultimate trifecta of Rock, Brews, and BBQ at our esteemed establishment!
With 32 beer-tap locally crafted beers available on tap, House of Brews also offers a rooftop cocktail bar with mouthwatering American-style food and urban classic decor.
Whether you seek refuge to quench your holiday thirst or desire a venue for your corporate gathering, birthday parties, hens and bachelor parties look no further.
#29 Escape Hunt
Escape Hunt is the Gold Coast's FIRST unique real-life escape-room game.
These 60-minute escape rooms will test your problem-solving skills with suspenseful, timed experiences where you have to find and decipher clues to solve a mystery with a group of friends.
#30 Jetski Tours
Get your friend or partner to hop on a jet ski tour through the Gold Coast waterways. Feel the adrenaline pumping through your body, and enjoy the sun on your skin.
You’ll be able to get close to the nearby islands, like Wavebreak or South Stradbroke Island where you’ll even be able to get off and refresh at the local cafe.
#31 Timezone Surfers Paradise
Visit the world’s largest Timezone in Surfers Paradise.
Enjoy 5,000sqm of activities, including:
- Nearly 300 arcade games, from pinball to virtual reality.
- Glow-in-the-dark mini golf.
- Laser tag battles.
- Bumper cars and mini bowling.
- Challenge your friends, family, or date to a game.
Redeem prizes at the Winner’s Vault or grab a snack at the cafe and bar.
It’s a great spot for fun and entertainment, day or night with heaps of fun for kids and adults.
#32 Ghost Tours Surfers Paradise
Explore the darker side of Surfers Paradise with a spine-tingling ghost tour.
Discover eerie stories, haunted locations, and chilling legends as you walk through the city’s shadowy streets. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours combine history and mystery for an unforgettable experience.
Perfect for thrill-seekers and anyone curious about the paranormal.
#33 Macintosh Island Park
Escape the city hustle at Macintosh Island Park, a tranquil oasis in Surfers Paradise.
Stroll along peaceful walking paths, relax by the ponds, and enjoy the calming sound of waterfalls. Spot peacocks roaming freely and take advantage of picnic areas and playgrounds.
Perfect for families or anyone seeking a quiet retreat in nature whilst spotting some interesting animals in the wild.
