Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Surfers Paradise?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Surfers Paradise?
Many travelers spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Surfers Paradise during their visit. After all, the ritzy city has plenty to explore such as the beaches, the nightlife scene, and the shops and boutiques.
Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular beach destinations in Australia. It's located along the Gold Coast, and offers access to many amusement parks and wildlife centers. The beaches are lined with high rise resorts and the city has many great restaurants and a huge nightlife scene. There are also weekly beachside markets.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Surfers Paradise? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Surfers Paradise?
One week is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Surfers Paradise. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Surfers Paradise as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.
How to spend a week in Surfers Paradise
The beautiful beaches await you in Surfers Paradise, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Learn to Surf at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast ($53)
- Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride: 55 Minutes ($57)
- Parasailing Experience departing Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise ($133)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.
The public transit in Surfers Paradise is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.
Shopping in Surfers Paradise is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.
Don't miss the SkyPoint Observation Deck during your trip to Surfers Paradise, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Surfers Paradise.
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Surfers Paradise is very popular. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Surfers Paradise, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Skip the Line:Wax Museum Ticket-World in Wax & Guided Tour of Chamber of Horrors ($22)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Surfers Paradise.
Known for it's hiking, Surfers Paradise sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
After you've explored most of Surfers Paradise, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Surfers Paradise.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Surfers Paradise?
Two weeks provides ample opportunity in Surfers Paradise to enjoy the beaches, the nightlife scene, the shops and boutiques, and scuba diving and snorkeling. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options. We have some suggestions below for your trip. Families, couples, and backpackers enjoy the area for its activities, too.
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland (Tourism Australia)
How to spend 2 weeks in Surfers Paradise
With 2 weeks in Surfers Paradise, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Surfers Paradise. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Surfers Paradise.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Surfers Paradise, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Because this is a world-class shopping destination, you'll need yet another day to find the best deals. Each area of Surfers Paradise offers a different vibe and atmosphere, and along with it, different styles of shops.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Surfers Paradise.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Surfers Paradise. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Surfers Paradise.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Surfers Paradise, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
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