Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise (also simply called Surfers) has for decades been synonymous with bronzed, buff surf lifesavers, gold bikini-clad meter maids, surf-fringed beaches, high-rise hotels and apartment buildings, laid-back lifestyle, cosmopolitan dining options, designer shopping, nighttime beachfront markets and pulsating nightlife. Ideally positioned in the centre of Queensland's Gold Coast, Surfers is the vibrant hotspot in the heart of one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations, the state's entertainment capital that parties 24/7. More than 31 nightclubs and bars lure partygoers till the early hours of the morning. Late night shopping seven days a week satisfies those with a passion to buy, and while families frolic in the shallows, serious surfers ride the waves under Australia's southern blue skies and tropical sun.

As one of Australia's favourite party destinations, Surfers draws sunlovers from around the world to its perfect swimming beach and moderate surf. Its year-round calendar of events attracts athletes and celebrities, families and party crowds - coming for the activities, the sun and surf, the perfect climate and tropical relaxation.

Surfers Paradise is 78km (48.5 miles) southeast of Brisbane in the heart of Queensland's Gold Coast.

The sparkling curve of surf-fringed beaches is flanked by a long strip of high-rise apartments and hotels overlooking the Pacific Ocean. On the western side of Australia's best known beach resort, the Nerang River and canals wind past marinas and the luxury homes of millionaires and celebrities.

Surfers' pristine golden sand beach extends for 3km (2 miles); it is a natural outdoor playground for those wanting to soak up the sun, play in the shallows, or learn how to surf. Bronzed surf lifesavers patrol the beach and flags indicate the surf condition. Go for the thrill of kite-surfing, paddle a kayak or jump the waves on an exhilarating jet-ski ride. Join in a game of volleyball or beach cricket, or simply people-watch. Parasailing, skydiving or scenic flights along the stunning coastline in an historic aircraft, helicopter or hot air balloon make for a memorable break.

The Gold Coast's Broadwater runs parallel to the beach, and its calmer waters are ideal for sailing, speedboat rides or kayaking. Take in the stunning views of Surfers and the sparkling coastline from the rooftop of the Q1 skyscraper (9 Hamilton Avenue). Full and half-day reef and game fishing charters head offshore daily.

Take your pick of theme parks on the northern Gold Coast, from extreme waterslides at WhiteWater World (Pacific Highway, Coomera, 17km/10.5 miles north of Surfers), to Dreamworld's (Pacific Highway, Coomera) theme park ride extravaganza, or movie magic and behind-the-scenes action at Warner Bros Movie World (Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, Gold Coast). Sea World (Sea World Drive, Main Beach), on The Spit, offers entertainment, education and interactive fun with dolphins, sharks and penguins. Test your racing skills on go-karts at Le Mans Kart Racing (232 Old Pacific Highway, Pimpana), or follow quiet rainforest mountain trails on horseback in the Tamborine Mountains (Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain Road).

Thrill-seekers can get charged up at Adrenalin Park (Palm Avenue) on the spectacular collection of breathtaking amusement rides. Timezone Surfers Paradise (Level 1, Centro Surfers Paradise, Cavill Mall) has rides and attractions for all the kids. Take to the water in the amphibious Aquaduck (7A Orchid Avenue), beginning with a land trip up the Esplanade to Main Beach's opulent neighbourhood, before splashing into Broadwater for a cruise past the yacht basin and exclusive homes of millionaires. Join in a surfing lesson on Australia's most famous beach, or view the lifestyles of the rich and famous on a Wyndham waterways cruise (Tiki Village). Putt-putt golf (Pandanus Avenue) or Ten Pin Bowling (Centro Surfers Paradise, Cavill Mall) provide more family fun just minutes from the beach.

Surfers is Queensland's only late night shopping district open seven days a week, and boasts 14 shopping centres and arcades. Look for the exclusive name brand items and designer handbags in stores that also cater to duty free shoppers. Marina Mirage (74 Seaworld Drive, The Spit), up the coast a short way in Main Beach, also features upmarket designer boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.

Join the festive crowds searching for locally made bargains every Wednesday and Friday evening at the Beachfront Night Markets, which stretch over half a kilometre along Surfers' Esplanade.

The real nightclub action starts around midnight, and after 3am only patrons already inside can stay drinking and dancing till closing. Begin with drinks at the alfresco bars along Orchid Avenue before cruising on to local clubs and hotels for live music every night of the week. Pokies (poker machines), found in most clubs and hotels, offer the temptation of quick winnings to those stopping in for a drink or a meal.

Minus 5 (Shop 39, Circle on Cavill), a chilly vodka ice lounge built entirely out of ice and preserved at arctic temperatures, is the perfect place to cool off with friends after a hot day in the sun. Patrons are outfitted in sheepskin coats or ski gear, and mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) are served to kids. A party spot favoured by locals is the Bourbon Bar (The Mark Building, Orchid Avenue), where they can jive to the hip beat of R & B, funk and reggae. The sparkling nightlife continues till daybreak in this glistening town that never sleeps.

Australia's Gold Coast abounds in fresh tropical fruits and produce, mouthwatering fresh-caught seafood and hundreds of restaurants to suit every taste. Don't miss the famous Barramundi fish or mud crabs, locally bred Wagyu beef and boutique wines from the Gold Coast's hinterland. The multitude of alfresco dining options on Surfers' winding streets takes advantage of the perfect subtropical climate. Dine on Pan Asian and Pacific Rim cuisine served by international chefs, chat with friends at coffee shops and wine bars or eat fish and chips on the beach at sunset.

Clubs such as the Surfers Paradise Surf Lifesaving Club (The Esplanade at Hanlon Street) and the RSL Club (9 Beach Road) serve great meals at inexpensive prices. Dining under the stars is popular at trendy bars along Orchid Avenue.

Frequent bus and rail services make getting around the Gold Coast a breeze, with links to Brisbane, theme parks and shopping centres. Bikes, mopeds and scooters are available for hire, and ferries and water taxis connect resorts to islands and canal estates. Pedestrians and cyclists can explore the Gold Coast beaches along the Oceanway, a 36km (22 mile) network of pathways from The Spit at Main Beach to Coolangatta's Point Danger Lighthouse.

Breathe in the fresh mountain air, rich with eucalyptus fragrance, in the Mount Tamborine rainforest. At Adventure Park (Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain Road), fly through the trees on flying foxes or take the treetop walk 9m (29.5ft) above the towering eucalypts. Journey underground to the glow worm caves at Cedar Creek (104 Hartley Road, North Tamborine), or stay at the Binna Burra Mountain Lodge (Binna Burra Road, Lamington National Park) and hike the trails in Lamington National Park's lush rainforest.

Sign on for a jet boat thrill ride down the Gold Coast Broadwater, zooming around sandbars and mangroves, buzzing shallow water beaches and flinging spray high in the air on 360 degree spins (Paradise Jet Boating, Mariner's Cove, Sea World Drive, Main Beach).

Brisbane International Airport (BNE)

Gold Coast Airport (OOL)