Attraction
SkyPoint Observation Deck
Observation deck on levels 77 and 78 of the Q1 tower in Surfers Paradise, with 360-degree views from the hinterland to the Pacific and an external…
Surfers Paradise Beach
Long, sandy surf beach in front of the Surfers Paradise towers, the Gold Coast's best-known stretch of sand and the heart of its beachfront scene.
At a glance
- Type
- Surf beach
- Area
- Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia
Good to know
- Free entry
- Patrolled beach
- Beachfront promenade
Why we recommend it
Surfers Paradise Beach is the stretch of sand most people picture when they think of the Gold Coast: a wide, straight surf beach with a wall of high-rise towers behind it. The name dates back to 1917, when a Brisbane estate agent tried to sell blocks of land here as the Surfers' Paradise Estate. Jim Cavill opened the Surfers Paradise Hotel in 1925 and campaigned for the name, and the district was officially renamed in 1933. Cavill Avenue, the main street leading down to the sand, is named after him.
The beach is open Pacific surf, so conditions change with the swell and tide. Lifeguards and the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club patrol sections of the beach, and the safe rule is always to swim between the red and yellow flags. The waves suit bodyboarders and beginner surfers on smaller days, while on calm mornings the water is good for a swim before the crowds arrive.
Behind the beach runs a promenade that is good for walking, running and people-watching. At the end of Cavill Avenue, the beachfront opens onto Cavill Mall and the shopping and nightlife precinct of Surfers Paradise. You may also meet the Surfers Paradise Meter Maids in their gold bikinis and Akubra hats, a tradition that began in 1965 as a publicity stunt against parking meters and now focuses on greeting visitors.
The beach suits just about anyone, but it is particularly convenient for first-time visitors staying in Surfers Paradise, families wanting a patrolled beach, and anyone who likes having cafes and bars nearby. Early mornings are calm and cooler, while late afternoon brings long shadows from the towers across the sand. Sun protection is essential year-round. Bring a hat, reapply sunscreen after swimming and carry water on hot days.
The G:link light rail runs parallel to the beach with several stations through the precinct; Cavill Avenue station is closest to the centre. From the sand, the SkyPoint deck on Q1 is a short walk away, and the beach continues south towards Broadbeach and north towards Main Beach, so a long beach walk in either direction is easy.
Surfers Paradise Beach FAQs
Is Surfers Paradise Beach patrolled?
Yes. Lifeguards and the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club patrol sections of the beach. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Where did the name Surfers Paradise come from?
It was first used for a 1917 land sale. Hotel owner Jim Cavill promoted it, and the area was officially renamed in 1933.
Who are the Meter Maids?
Women in gold bikinis who began topping up parking meters in 1965 as a publicity stunt. Today they mainly greet and help visitors.
How do you get to the beach by tram?
Take the G:link light rail to Cavill Avenue station and walk east down Cavill Avenue to the sand.
Is it good for beginner surfers?
On small days the waves can suit beginners and bodyboarders, but conditions change with the swell, so check with lifeguards.
Is the beach free?
Yes. The beach and promenade are free to use.
What is nearby?
Cavill Mall, the SkyPoint observation deck on Q1 and the restaurants and bars of Surfers Paradise.