Surfers Paradise is the commercial heart of the Gold Coast — a dense strip of high-rise towers, resort hotels, and tourist operations running along Cavill Avenue and the Esplanade. It is unabashedly commercial, occasionally brash, and very popular. The beach is long enough to absorb the crowds, and the surf is decent for bodyboarding and beginner surfing.
Cavill Avenue is the pedestrian mall that runs from the main road to the beach, lined with restaurants, bars, and surf shops. The junction is the liveliest gathering point on the strip at night, with street performers, food vendors, and the constant movement of the resort population. It is not the place for a quiet evening, but it has an energy that is undeniably Gold Coast.
Q1 Tower and SkyPoint rises 322 metres at the southern end of Surfers Paradise — the tallest residential building in Australia. The observation deck at the 77th floor (SkyPoint) offers 360-degree views from Brisbane to Byron Bay on clear days. There is also an external climb on the outside of the building for the adventurous.
HOTA (Home of the Arts) is a short walk from the beach and is the Gold Coast's main cultural venue — galleries, theatre, cinema, and the large outdoor stage that hosts concerts and film screenings. The gallery has a permanent collection and regular visiting exhibitions. It is worth checking the programme before you arrive.