Surfers Paradise lives and breathes fun

Surfers Paradise is the only Australian city built on a leisure economy. The towering skyscrapers are hotels and apartments. It’s surrounded by magnificent bodies of water on three sides. The fine weather begs you to come out and play – on the water, on the sand in the streets and in the sky. It is full of people who are there to help you do just that.

Beyond its recreational appeal, the beach serves as a natural amphitheatre for major events like the Pacific Airshow, Seafire fireworks and seasonal festivals.

North Surfers features accommodations including the North Towers and tranquil spots like Macintosh Island's subtropical rainforest park.

In contrast, Central Surfers is the bustling heart of entertainment (the fun zone), boasting Orchid Avenue with Australia's highest density of nightclubs, alongside family-friendly Cavill Avenue and the lively Esplanade.

South Surfers, with its serene accommodations and proximity to central attractions, offers a quieter retreat, while the nearby Isle of Capri provides a residential oasis with riverside dining, shopping and activities options.

What areas does Surfers Paradise Qld 4217 include? 

The Surfers Paradise postcode 4217 covers approximately 6 square kilometres. It is roughly a 3 km tall cone shape with a river snaking its way through the centre.

On the east side is a straight strip of beach and the massive Pacific Ocean. The beach runs along a narrow strip of land people most commonly know as Surfers Paradise. Its where the tallest towers are (Q1, Jewel Towers, Meriton) which makes Surfers the defining part of the Gold Coast skyline.

Inland Surfers is a maze of rivers and canals that creates a playground of islands and water ways – The Isle of Capri, Paradise Island, Chevron Island, Macintosh Island and the ever popular Evandale Parklands and lake at HOTA. The canal system is one of the biggest in the world, more than ten times Amsterdam and Venice put together.

The key upshot from this is you are rarely more than a few hundred metres from a beach or waterside attraction.

North, south, central and the beach

While the shape of 4217 is a tapered rectangle, Surfers Paradise is experienced as a north south strip along the beach. The beach is a defining feature with its own gravitational pull. Drawing people to it and stacking them vertically the closer they get. The city is defined by it. And so is this guide.

No matter which end of Surfers you are you’re never more than a few hundred meters from the water but you might like to be near specific attractions. So we split Surfers up into zones – The Beach, North, Central and South.

Surfers Paradise Beach

Flip your shoes off, feel the sand in your toes and let the world wash away. Surfers Paradise Beach, renowned for its golden sands, warm ocean waves and safe swimming areas is part of a 70 km stretch of truly amazing beach.

With lifeguard-patrolled waters, recreational facilities and the Pacific Ocean horizon, it caters to surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, ball players and beach walkers — it is our natural playground.

Surfers Paradise beach is also a natural amphitheatre for major events. The Pacific Airshow, Seafire fireworks and Spring festivals take place on the sand. Lie back and enjoy the show.

North Surfers

North Surfers is predominantly accommodation with chilled-out parks and quieter beaches. It includes the North Towers, Macintosh Island, Budds Beach and of course Surfers Paradise Beach.

The North Towers are resorts and hotels with their own attractions and privately rented apartments. Budds Beach offers a more tranquil pace. Macintosh island is home to a subtropical rain forest park and the hotels and residences of Paradise Waters.

North Surfers is closer to Southport, Main Beach and the Spit for serious business, marina action and the ocean gateway. Catching the light rail or strolling along the beach will have you there in minutes.

Oh, and for one week it is host to the GC600 street circuit Supercars motor race.

Central Surfers

This is where things get lively, the entertainment centre of Surfers Paradise where Australia comes to play. Skyscrapers, the Esplanade, the beach — edge to edge. Orchid Avenue with the highest density of night clubs in Australia. Famous Cavil Avenue and Cavil Mall packed with family entertainment options. The Boulevard lined with shops and food. The River Parks, on one of the world's largest canal systems. Every option for enjoyment on land or water is within minutes.

Go inland a kilometre to chill back the pace on Chevron Island, and from there cross the pedestrian bridge to HOTA to catch a show or exhibition.

South Surfers

South Surfers is predominantly accommodation. It includes the South Towers which are hotels and resorts with their own attractions and of course the beach. You are minutes from the action in central Surfers but with the added feature of quiet enjoyment.

The Isle of Capri is mostly residential with riverside activation, canal lifestyle and its own shopping destination.

From the South Towers catching the light rail or strolling along the beach will have you in neighbouring Broadbeach the Convention Centre and Pacific Fair Shopping centre in minutes.