Home to shimmering skyscrapers, the roar of rolling surf and an inviting expanse of white sand stretching north and south, Surfers Paradise is an ever-evolving city scape with plenty to entice the adventurous of heart, both night and day. From the beach to the cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs, Surfers has got it all and is the launch pad to numerous experiences for visitors and locals to enjoy.
To the south of Surfers, you’ll find its sleepier canal-side neighbour, Isle of Capri. Encompassed by the Nerang River, this island community provides access between Surfers Paradise in the east and Bundall to the west. The centre of the island boasts a newly refurbished retail and dining precinct, Capri on Via Roma, which is home to some popular restaurants as well as smart boutiques, trendy market-style produce stores and commercial offices. With the wharf, you can arrive in waterside style and cruise into the port to shop and purchase fuel or other marine services.
Head a little further west and you reach the Gold Coast’s creative and cultural precinct at HOTA (Home of the Arts) in nearby Bundall. Surrounded by canals and parklands, HOTA offers exhibitions, theatres, cinemas, cafes and a fantastic weekly farmer’s market with great food and live entertainment that attracts locals from all around.
It’s time to take the Mercedes for drive and make a day or night of it as you navigate the buzzing lifestyle of the Gold Coast.
Places to eat and drink
Citrique
From ocean and paddock, and fresh to your plate, Citrique is built on the reputation of delivering a consistently chic dining experience.
Located within the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Citrique is famous for its breath-taking breakfast, weekend long lunch and seafood market, the venue attracts both locals and hotel guests with its fresh and contemporary cuisine.
Indulge in the full buffet breakfast that includes an omelette and egg station, Asian and western hot breakfast favourites, fresh fruit, continental cold meats, cheeses, house baked pastries, freshly made waffles and pancakes and more.
White Rhino Bar and Eats
Centrally located at Circle on Cavill in Surfers Paradise, White Rhino Bar and Eats is a funky bar and restaurant featuring a modern and unique design with indoor and outdoor seating.
Offering a wide range of cuisines to suit any taste, including an extensive cocktail and wine list, this restaurant and bar bring the wow factor with its open style feel, waterfall bar and picturesque garden vibe.
Edgewater – Dining and Lounge bar
Edgewater is the latest waterfront dining venue to delight the senses on Isle of Capri. With captivating views of the Surfers Paradise skyline, Edgewater is nestled amongst a classy array of luxury boutiques in the bustling Capri on Via Roma complex.
Inspired by modern Australian cuisine, with a twist of traditional Italian style cooking, Edgewater offers a menu incorporating seasonal changes to ensure your taste buds are treated to the most creative and highest quality dishes.
Places to shop
5th Avenue Jewellers on Isle of Capri
Another classy attraction at the fabulous Capri on Via Roma shopping centre is 5th Avenue Jewellers. Australian owned and operated, this family business has been in the jewellery game for over 40 years. With only natural gemstones sold in store, they provide a truly unique shopping experience blending the latest European designer pieces with a collection of vintage, Art Deco and antiquities.
HOTA Farmers and Artisan Markets
The HOTA markets are very much part of the fabric of the Gold Coast and provide opportunities for local artists and musicians to perform. Offering in-season farm-fresh produce, delicious artisan foods, boutique fashion and handcrafted wares nestled against the backdrop of the lake, this vibrant community event is held every Sunday morning from 6am to 11.30am.
Renaissance Shopping Centre
Discover a host of exciting restaurants, bars and cafes, covering the flavour spectrum from mouth-watering street food to fine dining, the Renaissance Shopping Centre has an astounding array of Asian, European and Latin American cuisines available.
With a wide range of health and beauty services, you can take time out for a relaxing and sensory experience with specialists including Endota Spa, Renaissance Hair, Brazilian Butterfly, Beauty Stop, Elegant Eyebrows and much more.
For those seeking an entertainment experience like no other, the Infinity Attraction will take you on a unique and mind-blowing journey into spectacular, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder filled with special and psychedelic effects.
Things to do
SkyPoint Observation Deck
Visit the top of Australia’s tallest building at the SkyPoint Observation Deck. With panoramic views of the Gold Coast from 270m above sea level, SkyPoint’s unique vantage point lets you take in the entire cityscape, the vast blue expanse of the pacific and incredible views west into the mountains of the hinterland, all from one location while you enjoy a delicious meal or cocktail from the highest Bistro & Bar, sitting 77 levels up!
HOTA
Set in tropical parklands with the Surfers Paradise skyline as its backdrop, HOTA, the Gold Coast’s wonderful ‘Home of the Arts’ is a contemporary cultural precinct where art and life meet. Events and experiences are held year-round in theatres, and an award-winning outdoor stage, presenting live performances from some of the very best local, national and international artists. In the HOTA Gallery you’ll find a jam-packed program of exhibitions, immersive events, workshops and more. Add to that, two busy cinemas showing blockbusters, arthouse films and documentaries seven days a week, HOTA promises education, intrigue and excitement.
Property
Located at the centre of Queensland’s Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise beach is backed by a fenced fore-dune with plenty of signed access tracks from the esplanade to the sand. Bordered with barbecues and seating areas where you can enjoy stunning ocean views, the adjacent foreshore precinct is a hive of energy and home to towering beachside accommodation, alfresco dining and night markets.
Isle of Capri is an island community set on the Nerang River, providing access to both Surfers Paradise and Bundall. Due to the island’s desirable location and lifestyle, real estate values are generally higher than neighbouring suburbs. In fact, Isle of Capri is considered one of the most prestigious addresses on the Gold Coast, and some of the region’s most lavish mansions are located there.