Surfers Paradise or “Surfers” as its colloquially referred to is known for its iconic sand, sun and surfing lifestyle. As a premier international-tourist and entertainment destination, Surfers Paradise welcomes 20,000 visitors per day. In 1953, the first high-rise building was constructed and paved the way for the distinctive skyline of Surfers Paradise we know today.
Renowned for its golden beaches and world-class surf breaks, Surfers Paradise hosts prestigious Surf Life Saving competitions as well as artistic, cultural and community events throughout the precinct. The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets operate every Friday and Saturday night between 4pm and 9pm.
The new foreshore is bustling throughout the day with walkers, cyclists and skateboarders taking advantages of this beachfront boulevard vista overlooking the surf and sand. For more information on Surfers Paradise especially the best places to eat visit Destination Gold Coast
Beach breaks extend the full length of the beach. Visit our Beach cameras page for the latest beach conditions.
Beach usage
Every beach along our coastline is unique and used for many different activities, such as swimming, surfing and walking the dog. We've been working to understand which beaches are our most popular and how each is used by our community and visitors.
Surfers Paradise is one of the best known and busiest beaches on the Gold Coast with more than 100,000 visitors each year. It is a favourite with tourists and local residents alike. The beachfront connects to the Cavill Avenue business and entertainment precinct and The Esplanade is lined with high density residential and holiday apartments.
Despite the name, Surfers Paradise beach is most popular with visitors who come to exercise, play and relax, rather than surf.
Swimming
Make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags which indicate that the beach is patrolled. Surfers Paradise Beach has 6 patrolled lifeguard towers:
- Wharf Road – patrolled between 8am and 5pm every day all year round.
- Thornton Street and Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club – patrolled between 8am and 5pm every day all year round.
- Clifford Street – patrolled between 8am and 5pm on weekends all year round.
- The Esplanade (end of Cavill Avenue) – patrolled between 8am and 5pm every day all year round.
- The Esplanade (end of Elkhorn Avenue) – patrolled between 8am and 5pm every day all year round.
- The Esplanade (end of Staghorn Avenue) – patrolled between 8am and 5pm every day all year round.
Please note all beaches are patrolled during Queensland school holidays.
For more information download our Beach patrol information sheet(PDF, 1MB)
Facilities
Surfers Paradise beach is next to a popular urban precinct and parklands that contains toilets, barbecues, tables, shade structures, playgrounds and showers. It's also in close proximity to a significant retail commercial area and hosts a market on the foreshore every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Designated oceanway passes next to the beach with plenty of of bike parking.
Surfers Paradise Beach has the following facilities for beachgoers:
For more information about accessible facilities in this area download the Surfers Paradise mobility map.
Getting there
Parking: There is limited parking at the surf club and on-street parking is available in surrounding streets. Be sure to take note of any applicable parking signs and/or line markings before heading to the beach. Please note our beaches can get very busy on weekends and during school holidays, reducing the amount of available parking in the area.
Public transport: Translink buses run along The Esplanade. The G:link light rail also runs through the main stretch of Surfers Paradise. Use Translink's journey planner to plot your trip to the beach.
Active travel: Use our walking and cycling maps for Surfers Paradise and surrounds to plan your walk, run or bike ride to the beach.