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How to Spend 3 Days in Surfers Paradise
10 Tours and Activities
With three days in Surfers Paradise—known for surfing and skyscrapers—you have plenty of time to enjoy an array of experiences showcasing the allure of this Gold Coast resort town. Here are some ideas for a 72-hour itinerary.
Day 1: Sun and surf
Surfers Paradise is first and foremost a beach destination, so spend your first day soaking up the sun. Do as the Aussies do and catch some waves (surf lessons are available), or opt for a stand-up paddleboard for something more leisurely. Snorkeling and kayaking are other popular ways to explore the natural environment, while a jet boat ride provides a splash of adventure on the Pacific waters. Hop aboard a lunch cruise to admire the waterfront while you eat—then end the day back on the beach, watching the sunset.
Day 2: City sights
First thing in the morning, beat the crowds and head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. On the 77th floor of the Q1 building, savor panoramic photo ops of the ocean and coastline while eating breakfast at the on-site bistro. Other attractions worth checking out include the Gold Coast Wax Museum (home to replicas of celebrities and historic figures) and Infinity (where special effects and mind-bending illusions make for a dazzling experience). Later, get acquainted with the city’s lively nightlife scene on a bar crawl or club tour.
Day 3: Rain forests
Not too far inland lies a lush landscape of mountains and rain forests. Two national parks can be easily visited on a day trip from Surfers Paradise. About an hour northwest is Tamborine National Park, where nature walks take you past waterfalls, lookouts with mountain views, and forested vegetation. Alternatively, venture around an hour southwest to Springbrook National Park, part of a UNESCO-listed group of rain forests and home to ancient trees and caves, waterfalls, and verdant valleys.

How to Spend 1 Day in Surfers Paradise
12 Tours and Activities
Surrounded by the turquoise Pacific Ocean and the canals of the Nerang River, Surfers Paradise is one of Queensland’s most popular destinations, known for its white-sand beach, skyscrapers, and lively restaurant and bar scene. Here are our favorite ways to spend 24 hours in paradise.
Morning: See the sights
Get oriented with a trip to the top of the Q1 building. On the observation deck, sit down to breakfast at the SkyPoint Bistro + Bar, and savor sweeping views of the ocean, endless shoreline, and neighboring high-rises. If you’re not into heights, stick to sea-level sightseeing—most city tours stop at attractions such as Palazzo Versace and Marina Mirage.
Afternoon: Hit the beach
The name says it all—Surfers Paradise Beach is indeed a surfing mecca, where water lovers of all levels ride the Pacific waves. A surfing lesson is a great way to get a taste of the local experience, but other activities are available too (e.g. kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding). Alternatively, head out on a jet boat adventure or lunch cruise—or just chill out on the beach.
Night: Enjoy the nightlife
Surfers Paradise is no sleepy coastal hamlet—bars and clubs abound, drawing visitors from across the country and across the globe who go to party till they drop. If you’re not sure where to find the hot spots, a club tour or bar crawl is a fun option, and usually allows you to skip the entry lines. For travelers not into the spring-break-style vibe, the beach beckons for a sunset or stargazing stroll.

How to Spend 2 Days in Surfers Paradise
9 Tours and Activities
With 48 hours in Surfers Paradise, you can spend an entire day on the beach (or in the water), dance the night away, and even fit in a little sightseeing. Here are a few ways to put together a 2-day itinerary in this Gold Coast hot spot.
Day 1: Sun and sand
**Morning:**Join the locals and start your day in the water. Several shops rent surfboards and offer lessons. For a similar experience without the intensity of surfing, try stand-up paddleboarding.
**Afternoon:**Cool off during the peak heat of the day, and discover Queensland’s native marine life on a snorkeling tour—or satisfy your need for speed on a jet boat ride. Alternatively, a lunch cruise might be a more relaxing way to get out on the water.
**Night:**Find a prime spot on the beach to watch the stars come out over the ocean, then head to one of the many bars and restaurants for a taste of the local dining scene. Night owls can hit the trendy clubs along Orchid Avenue.
Day 2: Attractions and adventures
**Morning:**Gaze down on Surfers Paradise from the top of the Q1 building. Over breakfast at the SkyPoint Bistro + Bar—77 stories in the air—admire panoramic views of the ocean, beach, and neighboring high-rises.
**Afternoon:**Check out two of the most popular attractions: the Gold Coast Wax Museum, featuring lifelike replicas of famous faces from history and entertainment, and Infinity, which immerses visitors in a special effects experience with mind-bending illusions.
**Night:**Meet other travelers on a bar crawl or club tour. Skip-the-line entry to the venues is usually included, so you can get straight to the drinking, dancing, and making the most of your last night in paradise.