The boom in Surfers Paradise began in the 1950s, when the first highrise apartments began to go up. Growth continued at a frantic pace right through the sixties and by the seventies, "Surfers", as everyone calls it now, was one of Australia’s hottest pieces of real estate. It remains so today and is still the lifeblood of the entire Gold Coast.

What is the attraction of Surfers Paradise? The truth is, the waves are not that great as compared to many other coastal destinations, but nowhere else will you find such a long, wide beach, fronted by an esplanade is lined with so many places to see and great places to stop in at for a bite to eat. The beach strip was what lured developers, residents and tourists alike, but the businesses that sprang up to cater to the millions of visitors are its real attraction.

If you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife, then look no further than Surfers Paradise. Every night is party night in the many clubs, discos and bars in town. If it’s entertainment, you’re after, there is always a show to see, whatever your tastes may be. You can see world famous superstars in one of the bigger clubs in town or watch a local band jam in an intimate pub setting. If it’s shopping you want to do, then shop till you drop on Cavill Avenue or in one of the mega malls nearby.

For a fantastic family holiday, make Surfers Paradise your base. You could spend weeks in and around the area just exploring the theme parks that are at your doorstep. Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld and Sea World are the largest ones and many visitors choose to stay at a resort within these parks for the duration of their stay on the Gold Coast. Most though, choose to stay in Surfers and take day trips to these mega theme parks.

You won’t want to overlook the other family attractions in and around Surfers Paradise, either. If all the excitement is getting to you, travel just a few minutes south to the tranquil Currumbin Sanctuary and view the largest collection of native Australian wildlife in the world. That might inspire you to take a drive or tour of the hinterland. Within minutes, you will be in the middle of pristine nature and it might be hard to imagine that Surfers Paradise is so close by.

Ever since James Cavill opened the first Surfers Paradise Accommodation, they have continued to be added to the landscape. Whether you’re looking for a cozy boutique hotel or a 5 star resort, you will find what you want, at a price you can afford.

Here you will find one of Queensland’s biggest shopping centres, the Pacific Fair. The suburb is also home to Conrad Jupiter’s Casino, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the Oasis Shopping Centre. In addition to these, Broadbeach has some really interesting attractions.

One of the most popular events that attracts thousands of visitors every year is the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival. This event began in 2002 as a platform for Australian musicians to show off their talents. Over the years, it has developed into an acclaimed affair that features international acts as well as locals.

Entrance to the event is free. If you’re on holiday with the family, this is a wonderful festival because there’s loads of entertaining activities for the kids to enjoy. The relaxed atmosphere of this musical celebration goes hand-in-hand with the chilled-out mood of Broadbeach.

Every Sunday, from 8.00am to 2.30pm, an arts and crafts market is held on the Gold Coast. Wander through 200 fascinating stalls that offer a variety of handmade mementos, gifts and souvenirs. Broadbeach is the venue on the 1st Sunday of the month, and Coolangatta is the venue on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Broadbeach is the venue again on the 3rd Sunday, and on the 4th Sunday, Burleigh serves as the venue.

If you want a dining experience that you will never forget, book a table at Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant. You will shriek with fear, and thrill with excitement! Get on board Dracula’s weird ghost train and take your seats in the Theatre of the Vampire. You’ll be attended to by ghoulish servers and entertained by a variety of weird and wonderful acts.

The quick, witty acts include devilish puppetry, macabre comedy, and rock ‘n roll music. The entertainment culminates in the famous ‘FX Horror Show’ which is a dazzling cacophony of sinister stage effects and eerie lighting. A delectable three-course dinner presented by weird servers will complete this extraordinary experience.

The GCCEC (Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre provides a state-of-the-art venue for any business conference. An area called the Arena houses tiered rows that can seat 6,000 people. The centre can cater for conventions of 200 up to 6,000 delegates and can provide a banquet for over 3,000 people. Having won the ‘Best Venue Over 500 Delegates’ award three times in a row, the centre has been included in the Meeting and Events Australia Hall of Fame.

Calypso Plaza Apartments in Coolangatta

Coolangatta is situated right above the border between Queensland and New South Wales. Visitors can go and take photos at the state’s border between Coolangatta and Tweed Heads (NSW). Warning: time differences will change if you decide to stay at a Tweed Heads restaurant/motel for a while in between your visit to the Gold Coast during daylight savings.

Here are the top 5 things to do when in Coolangatta:
1. Visit the Queensland/New South Wales Border
Because what kind of good holiday wouldn’t involve you spreading your legs over two sides of a line and doing star jumps saying, “I’m standing over two states!”

2. Visit the Point Danger Lighthouse
For a bit of heritage education and for the fun of visiting a lighthouse. Captain Cook had sailed past Coolangatta in 1770, and the lighthouse was erected to warn ships of potential rock hazards in the area.

3. Take surfing lessons
The beaches are far less populated in this area compared to Surfers Paradise, and usually lessons may be one-on-one, allowing for extra attention, detail and guidance.

4. Attend the Coolangatta Gold surfing tournament in October.
It is one of the most challenging races held in the world, and now is hosted annually in Coolangatta. The event covers over 40 km of racing combined, and was traditionally held for surf life savers only. Now the event is open to athletes the world over, so if you’re a sporting fan, you might just be able to spot some of your favourite names. (Or if not, you’ll probably become a fan after watching one of these incredible races).

5. Go on a helicopter ride.
The most spectacular experience that Gold Coast may possibly offer. Only number 5 on the list due to price. Packages may start from $55 for 6 minutes.

There are plenty of great places to stay in Coolangatta. ‘Book it Now’ has great apartments and hotels in Coolangatta with great rates that can be booked online.

Coolangatta, Gold Coast by Nicole Chiu

Mermaid Beach Apartments

Mermaid Beach is a quieter alternative to Surfers Paradise of even Broadbeach (though technically ‘next door’). There are some developments in the area, however, and the buzz is that it is soon to see a boom in high-rises.

The reputable Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is right on Hooker Boulevard in the neighbouring Broadbeach area. Here you can experience the vibe of local Gold Coast teens as they hang out all over every corner of the shopping space. Not just for teens only of course, there are also plenty of families, couples, seniors and anyone and everyone. From shops such as City Beach to Sussan, to Williams shoes to Swarovski Crystals.

Next to Pacific Fair is also Putt-Putt Mini Golf Course. Look out for discount vouchers when you pick up tourists maps from Information Centres as they give you 2 games for the price of 1.

Mermaid Beach itself is known of high-priced real estate on the Gold Coast, especially north-facing and nearer to the beach.

There are hostels, motels, hotels and furnished apartments. For a quieter more ‘local’ feel, I do highly suggest this suburb. As it does not have the hoards of drunken German/American/Japanese/Chinese/British/Canadian/etc tourists out at night.

However, if you want the drunken mob experiences then definitely go hang out at Surfers Paradise at night.

As the beach is more quiet compared to Surfers Paradise, it is also much less polluted and provides a serene experience. Perfect for couples on their honeymoon or a family retreat.

For great holiday apartment and hotel accommodation in Mermaid Beach, visit our Book it Now website where you can also find information on activities, tours and travel information in the Gold Coast region.

Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast by Nicole Chiu

Aerial view of Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads is home to the Billabong surf company, and though company tours are not available, there is a nearby factory outlet with plenty of bargains.

The beach itself in the Burleigh area is host to some of Australia’s most exciting surfing competitions such as the Quicksilver Surf Pro Tournament. Waves are high and winds may be strong.

Nearby Burleigh Heads National Park provides a gorgeous view of the coastline when you reach the lookout point.

Some local delights include – oddly enough – Montezuma’s Mexican Restaurant. The servings are huge and service quite friendly. With plenty of nacho top-ups upon request.

For more sophisticated dining experiences with a beachside view, try OSKARS. Plenty of fresh seafood and gourmet selections with pristine views of Burleigh Heads Beach.

Burleigh Heads beach also provides plenty of picnic and barbeque areas. Dogs are allowed around with a leash. Watch out for the screaming children running around holding an ice-cream.

Enjoy a day at the nearby Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with plenty of opportunities to feed and pet the kangaroos. The birds show is highly spectacular as they tend to enjoy landing on bald men’s heads and making very small children fear for their lives.

When travelling to Burleigh Heads and looking for great hotels and apartments, why not take a look at ‘Book it Now’ for great accommodation deals. You can also find plenty information about tours, activities and other travel information there too.

Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast by Nicole Chiu

Apartments and Hotels along Main Beach

Main Beach is located north of Surfers Paradise and many attractions may be easily reached via bus or car. Home to Gold Coast’s Palazzo Versace, as well as Sea World Nara Resort, Sheraton hotel, Marina Mirage, Australia Fair Shopping Centre and many more attractions, here’s a list of the top 5 things you must do when in Main Beach.

1. Visit Sea World, if you haven’t already
What’s not to love about a theme park filled with one of Australia’s most spectacular dolphin shows and other water sport demonstrations, as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins? Careful of weekends and public holidays, however, as the lines do get very long. Best times to go are off-peak seasons.

2. Mariner’s Cove (Fisherman’s Wharf)
Nestled near the seaside, many surfers get picked up on water taxis further out to catch the bigger waves via this area. Fishing enthusiasts may enjoy plenty of stock as this area is abundant for schools of passing fauna.

Some brushtrails are also available, and most recently there has been a film-crew from America over with lots of lights, cameras and gated action.

3. Marina Mirage
Shopping at Marina Mirage is due to explode as something high-end and great for the senses. Currently in its re-modelling stages, however, the shopping centre still houses many luxury brands such as Versace, Hermes, Lisa Ho and more.

4. Farmer’s Markets (every 1st, 3rd, and 5th – if applicable – Saturday of the month) at Marina Mirage
The Farmer’s Markets at Marina Mirage provide great bargains for fresh and interesting crops. Discover unique vegetation or super cheap avocadoes. Gourmet biscuits and homemade jams.

5. Tedder Avenue
The place to be for gourmet coffee shops and restaurants. Tedder Avenue is renowned in Gold Coast history as one of the trendiest spots to see and be seen. Many celebrities – when on Gold Coast for filming – stop by and have drinks here.

If you are visiting Main Beach, Gold Coast in the future, you will find a great range of Main Beach and other Gold Coast Accommodation, tours, activities and travel information on our ‘Book it Now’ website.

Top 5 Things to do in Main Beach by Nicole Chiu

Home to Warner Brothers’ Movie World and movie studios, Wet ‘n’ Wild water park, Sea World, Dreamworld, White Water World, Q1 (the world’s tallest residential tower) and many more attractions, Gold Coast is filled with sites and attractions to suit all ages and curiosities.

Most famously, the Gold Coast is renowned for its surfing center, Surfers Paradise. Which is now much more than a beach for surfers, it is also the place for stylish nightclubs, lounges, gourmet restaurants, mid-range restaurants, cafes, luxury brand shopping, quirky products shopping, night markets, and many more.

Outwards from Surfers Paradise there is nearby Main Beach and Broadbeach, which have a host of restaurants and beachfront experiences all on their own as well. In fact all the major beach suburbs on the Gold Coast provide a predominantly surfside experience, with plenty of picnic and barbeque areas all installed along the coastline.

Shopping hubs include Surfers Paradise, Marina Mirage (Main Beach), the Oasis and Pacific Fair (Broadbeach), Australia Fair (Southport), Harbourtown (Runaway Bay) and Robina Town Shopping Centre (Robina).

For extreme sport lovers, Gold Coast has all sorts of activities. From kayaking, to surfing, body-boarding, boogie-boarding, skydiving, helicopter riding, rock-climbing, abseiling, balloon-riding, go-karting, and even simulated airplane pilot experiencing at the Q1 building.

Nature and outback tours are also available, as well as the Outback Spectacular show next to Wet ‘n’ Wild and Movie World. Camping equipment is available for hire all over, as well as bikes and other accessories.

For the travellers who just wish to unwind with some fine pampering, there are many resorts and spa retreats available. Prices range from $30 up to $300 or more packages. You can also attend yoga retreats, reflexology sessions, hot stone therapies, sea scrubs, anything. Whatever it is that you’ve heard of in terms of beauty therapy, Gold Coast would have it.

Other things to try may be the wineries in the Gold Coast hinterland.

For those with fond memories of the Meter Maids of the Gold Coast, well, don’t worry, they are still around, and it requires a gold coin donation to take a photo with one or more of them.

Gold Coast by Nicole Chiu

Meeting with friends – usually under the big guitar of the Hard Rock (opposite DFS) as the ‘usual’ spot. There’s always so much to choose from for lunch. The underground Hog’s Breath, the Bavarian Haus Restaurant (for something completely different and rather Scandinavian), other random Japanese/Korean/Chinese noodle and eatery shops in Orchid Avenue. “Go where there are crowds of Asians in the restaurant,” is the motto for authentic Asian food.

For some afternoon dessert, my current obsession is Icey Ice, on Surfers Paradise Boulevard. It’s like eating fairy-floss ice. With flavours of green tea milkshake, chocolate, cappuccino, strawberry and mango. (Plus your choice of all kinds of toppings for an extra price).

By the afternoon, of course, just getting a blanket out and lazing on the beach. You can also buy boogie boards for $5 at various equivalents of The Reject Shop, randomly sprawled across the streets of Surfers.

Swimming between the flags is highly recommended, and if you want to walk along the sand remember you’ll need to turn back to where you started – don’t keep walking until you’re tired. You’ve probably reached New South Wales and will need to take a bus back.

On Friday nights I like to browse the night markets, which have all kinds of crafts and knick-knacks. From the typical koala toys, painted boomerangs and hacky-sacks, there are also often crystals, sand postcards, jams, wines, and a lot of unnameable quirky stuff.

When we’re sick of the Gold Coast weather, we like to visit the minus 5° Ice Lounge for a completely opposite experience – a bar made of ice. Even the drinks are served in cup-shaped ice. Ladies, whatever it was you were planning to wear to look pretty in the night time, don’t bother. Just focus on the face make-up because you’ll be completely covered in a giant snow jacket.

Many sites of gentlemen’s entertainment open up much, much later at night (Players Showgirls, Hooters). The clubs and lounges are easy to spot with the bright signs and blonde girls in very little fabric – even in wintertime Gold Coast. As a local, my favourite club is Melba’s. It’s not too fancy and not too shabby. Plays a lot of pop and R&B and has a huge dancefloor.

Some nights I am in the mood for something more edgey, and the Berlin Lounge is a great place for neon lights and funk, rock or indie music.

If my friends and I are bored of dancing, we go to Strike Bowling Bar for a game of tenpin and drinks (it’s opened til 2 am).

Though there are so many more clubs and lounges to discover. Some days will just randomly choose via “eeny-meeny-miney-mo.” Usually wouldn’t regret the choice. The fun is in the random anyway.

1. Watergate Lounge Bar Restaurant
Situated on Queensland Ave near Raptis Plaza and Oasis Shopping Centre, The Watergate features fusion tastes of modern Australian cuisine and exotic flavours from Spain. The restaurant has been quoted as “The most stylish lounge bar in Broadbeach.”

A must to try is the Spanish Tapas and Chicken Quesadillas.

2. Donto Sapporo Japanese Restaurant
Just five minutes drive from Surfers Paradise, Donto Sapporo is easy to spot on the Gold Coast Highway with its snowman logo. It is one of the most authentic Japanese restaurants on the gold coast, and suits family functions, couples and friendly gatherings.

Guests may be seated in the tatami rooms with a deep-set floor (so you don’t actually have to kneel). Modern yet traditional Japanese décor provide excellent ambience. The restaurant provides excellent facilities and flavours for its table-top cooking menu (Shabu Shabu, Sukiyaki & Kaisen Nabe).

3. Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant
Winner of the Best Alfresco Restaurant 2008, and Best New Restaurant 2007, Yellow Fin is sure to please any seafood lover travelling to Gold Coast for some crustaceous delights. The menu is predominantly modern Australian cuisine with some Asian and Mediterranean influences.

Must try: Grilled Seafood Hotplate, and Ginger & Sweet Chilli Prawns.

4. Dracula’s Theatre Restaurant
For a bit of spookyness and genuine laughs, you must try Dracula’s Theatre Restaurant. Your night will begin with a ride on the Ghost Train into the restaurant, where you’ll meet disgusting and horrifying characters who like to taunt you and give you a fright.

Food may be served on skull-shaped bowls and jokes are often implicitly for adults only (yet of course, it is a family restaurant).

Bookings are essential.

5. Food Fantasy Buffet Restaurant, Conrad Jupiters
The best value for money – if you are the type who really can eat and eat and eat!

Bookings are only required for parties of 12 guests or over. It’s a pretty big space. Enjoy the steaks and cakes.