Things to do in Surfers' Paradise
 

I am planning a 3 day trip to Surfers' Paradise in late October and wish to seek some advice on what are the things to do while there. Besides the usual golf, casino activities, can anyone suggest others for me? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Hi <BR>I have a B&B in the hinterland of the Gold Coast, in the hills, and I lived on the Gold Coast for 7 years before that so I know the area very well. Try and get accommodation outside of Surfers Paradise as that is really very touristy and no one who lives on the Coast ever goes there. The best place to be in the centre of things is the Oasis Centre which has some wonderful open air restaurants, the mono-rail to the Casino and walking distance to the big Pacific Fair shopping centre. Its only across the road from the beach WHICH HAS LIFE SAVERS - most important. <BR>There are 4 major theme parks on the Gold Coast - Movie World, SeaWorld, Dreamworld and Waterworld and then there are several fauna parks as well. <BR>The hinterland is very lovely with rain forest,walks, waterfalls, National Parks, art and craft shops, wineries, boutique distillery to name but a few things. <BR>Then there is Sanctuary Cove which is really nice to visit on the weekend and which is a different concept in a village life-style, make sure that you have lunch at George's Restaurant at Sanctuary Cove - its half price for lunch. There are boat trips around the islands and waterways of the Gold Coast. <BR>3 days??? perhaps 3 weeks would be better! Enjoy <BR>

We spent a week on the Gold Coast recently and here are some of the things we did. <BR>Took a boat trip from the Mirage Marina to Sanctuary, had lunch there and took the bus back to Surfers Paradise. <BR>Went to the cabaret at the casino (great fun) and had dinner at one of the restaurants at the Oasis. <BR>Drove to Mt Tambourine - lots of little shops and eating places, and great views. <BR>Drove to Springbrook for views, rainforest and walks. <BR>Shopped at Pacific Fair. <BR>Did a boat trip around the canals. <BR>Lots of places to eat - ask for the nearest club for good food at very reasonable prices. The Surf Club at Burleigh Heads has great views over the water and good food. <BR>

Would highly recommend a drive into the hinterland. The Springbrrok Plateau and Natural Bridge areas are personal favourites. Sea World is a great day out, if only for the dolphins and polar bears. Currumbin Sanctuary and Fleays (near Burleigh) are a couple of great animal parks.

Have a look at: <BR> <BR>http://go.to/jerel <BR> <BR>All kind of advice about Surfers Paradise and its surroundings. Even some stuff about the history. <BR> <BR>Have fun!!!

Thanks for the great advice!I am now planning to stay in the Broadbeach area with my family. <BR>How do I find more information about visiting the hinterland. How long is the drive, what places to stop, what interesting activities etc & what bookings do I need to make ahead?

Once again...have a look at: <BR> <BR>http://go.to/jerel <BR> <BR>We've also written about the Hinterland which is quite beautiful!!!

Just came back from the trip and had a wonderful time. Avoided the mid-Nov "Schoolies" rush where a few thousand high schoolers decend on the area. I highly recommend that you do not go there at that time. As for things to do. We found the Casino there relatively small, but ok to pass a few evenings. There are plenty of restaurants in the area and Grumpy's was a great seafood meal. Definitely worth the visit albeit slightly touristy.<BR><BR>Then there was golf. We went to the Nike Golf Learning Center at Paradise Springs Golf Course and took a few lessons. Course was so-so but the instruction excellent. Didn't play The Glades, but my friends have told me I should've done so. Otherwise, we played Lakelands and that was beautiful as well. In general cost about A$100 to play a round of 18. Twilight rates available on most courses at half price starting 2:30 pm.<BR><BR>