Things to do in Surfers Paradise for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAll self-guided activities
Come face-to-face with extraordinary wildlife in exciting daily shows and hands-on encounters at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, voted the Gold Coast's number-one wildlife attraction, and nestled within 27 hectares of lush eucalyptus trees and rainforest.
The Gold Coast is already fabulous at ground level, but from the sky it's a whole different ball game. Located 77 floors above Surfers Paradise, SkyPoint Observation Deck is the best way to experience the city in one breathtaking panoramic view.
Step into a winter wonderland at IceBar Surfers, where the temperature stays at -10°C, ensuring frosty drinks and atmosphere. Feel the relaxed vibe inside and let the refreshing chill add excitement to your visit. Finding a family-friendly getaway that suits everyone can be challenging, but IceBar Surfers has you covered. This icy oasis, crafted from an impressive 40 tonnes of ice, welcomes all - children, adults, couples, and friends alike. With its icy furnishings and frosty air, it's a must-visit spot for any season. Before going on your 45-minute polar adventure, the IceBar crew provides you with gloves, Ugg boots, and a warm snow cape.
Explore Australia's largest wax museum, the Gold Coast Wax Museum, featuring over 110 life-like wax figures. From replicas of the British crown gems to dioramas of Australian history, the museum offers fascinating displays. You can interact with figures of celebrities like Michael Jackson and Miley Cyrus, as well as political figures such as Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy. Furthermore, don't miss the wax effigies of the Royal Family. Crafted by skilled local and international sculptors, each figure showcases meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Your visit to the Gold Coast Wax Museum located in Surfers Paradise promises a unique adventure into the world of life-like wax figures.
Walk the Gold Coast's Tamborine Mountain on the Rainforest Skywalk. Start at the Rainforest Eco Gallery. The skywalk leads you through the rainforest, from the middle to the upper canopies. The steel walkway provides safe passage and views of the Hinterland region. After the upper canopies, go to the lower canopy to see rock pools, waterfalls, a butterfly lookout, and a local history enclosure. Rest areas along the path to the cantilever offer spots to enjoy the atmosphere. The cantilever spans 40 meters, 30 meters above the valley, providing views over the creek and rainforest below. Finish the walk along the rainforest floor, returning to the centre.
High-energy stunt shows, breathtaking performances, and colorful parades bring the magic of movies to life with a Warner Bros. Movie World single-day pass! Come face to face with your fave celebrities and superheroes. Scream your way through first-rate escapade rides and film-themed attractions, and bring a spare pair of pants for heart-pounding roller coasters like Superman Escape, DC Rivals HyperCoaster, and Green Lantern Coaster. Kids of all ages can take it a little easier on the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, Road Runner Rollercoaster, and Justice League 3D - The Ride. If you've got a wannabe racing car driver on your hands, youngsters can practice their driving on the lanes of a miniature version of Warner Bros. Movie World, in the Junior Driving School. Make the most of your experience by downloading the Village Roadshow Theme Parks App to view upcoming showtimes and locations, ride wait times and more!
Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with the Experience Pass, offering access to a wide variety of Australian wildlife across 27 hectares. Enjoy cuddling koalas, feeding kangaroos, and watching Aboriginal performances. Take part in wild bird feeding sessions, where friendly birds perch on your shoulders, heads, and arms for a memorable experience. The pass also includes the TreeTop Challenge, featuring over 80 obstacles and 11 ziplines, including one over a crocodile enclosure. Explore five courses through different sections of bushland that promise hours of adventure.
Spend an exciting day on the Gold Coast with a combo ticket. Begin with a high-speed ride on the latest Arro Jet boat from the Sea World Marine Precinct on Main Beach. An experienced pilot will guide you through fast turns, spins, and full loops. Visit Sea World to see various marine attractions and rides. Meet polar bears, interact with rays, observe sharks, and watch live seal and dolphin shows.s
About Surfers Paradise
The best tours to do in Surfers Paradise with kids are:
The best walking tours to do in Surfers Paradise are:
The best indoor tours in Surfers Paradise for rainy days are:
The must-see attractions in Surfers Paradise for a first visit are:
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Insider tips for visiting Surfers Paradise
WeGoTrip IncWhen I’m asked about the best things to do in Surfers Paradise, I always start with sunrise on Surfers Paradise Beach—the light is incredible, and locals are already out with coffee and surfboards by 5:30–6am. After that, I like walking the oceanfront Esplanade to watch the weekend beachfront markets set up, then heading up to SkyPoint for a full sweep of the coastline. If you’re deciding what to see in Surfers Paradise, I’d also make time for a calm evening cruise on the Nerang River; it’s one of the more relaxed tours in Surfers Paradise. For me, the best attractions in Surfers Paradise mix beach time, river views, and that laid-back early-morning local rhythm.
In my travel guide Surfers Paradise advice, I usually tell people to come between April and early June or September to early November. That’s when I most like to visit Surfers Paradise: the humidity drops, the ocean is still pleasant, and the beachfront is busy without feeling packed. Surfers Paradise in summer can be fun, but school holidays make parking, dining, and even short walks along Cavill Avenue much slower. If you want easy beach mornings and room for the best things to do in Surfers Paradise, shoulder season is the sweet spot. I also find sunrise starts much more enjoyable then, especially around Main Beach and the Esplanade.
When I visit Surfers Paradise for a night out, I usually stay around Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue, because that pocket has the most energy after dark. If you plan to visit Surfers Paradise for bars, late dining, and people-watching, this is the stretch locals mean. In my travel guide Surfers Paradise notes, I always mention that the vibe shifts block by block: Cavill is louder and busier, while the side streets toward Chevron Renaissance feel a bit easier for a relaxed drink. One of my favorite things to do in Surfers Paradise is start near the beachfront at sunset, then move inland once the live music and rooftop crowd picks up in Surfers Paradise.
In my travel guide Surfers Paradise notes, I always say you really don’t need a car for central Surfers Paradise. When I visit Surfers Paradise, I mostly walk—the beach, Cavill Avenue, the riverfront, and plenty of things to do in Surfers Paradise are close together. For longer stretches, I use the G:link tram, especially if I’m heading toward Broadbeach or Main Beach without dealing with parking. Locals know parking in Surfers Paradise can get expensive and frustrating, especially on weekends and school holidays. If you want an easy visit Surfers Paradise routine, walk in the morning, tram later, and only use rideshares late at night when the entertainment areas get busiest.