Surfers Paradise wants to show that it’s no longer just for night owls by having a lot to do for both young and old.
In the 1920s, a hotel owner from Brisbane named Jim Cavill bought 10 hectares of land in the area called Elston then. Who would have thought that this area would become a popular place? The area is now called Surfers Paradise, which is a much better name, that is surrounded by beautiful beaches and good waves, but it is best known for its skyscrapers and the even more famous bikini-clad meter maids.
For a good reason, it’s easy to see why Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Gold Coast. But what is it really like to live there?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of living in Surfers Paradise.
The Pros of Living in Surfers Paradise
The Weather
Surfers Paradise enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, so you can pretty much guarantee that you’ll be able to enjoy the beach any time you want.
Natural Attractions
Soak up the sun at one of Surfers Paradise’s many beaches. Whether you’re looking to catch some waves or relax on the sand, you’ll find the perfect spot here. For those who want to stay active, there are plenty of beach activities, such as volleyball, frisbee, and kayaking. Let’s not forget the Meter Maids.
Tourist Attractions
Spend your time with this unforgettable experience by riding on the SkyPoint Observation Deck for unparalleled views of Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast. Located 230 meters above sea level, this is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city. Wait, there’s more; why not visit some of the top attractions Surfers Paradise offers, such as Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium, Infinity Attraction, and Wax Museum.
Shopping
Explore the streets of Surfers Paradise and take in the sights and sounds of this lively city. Here, you can do a lot of shopping and enjoy the many cafes and restaurants. You can get supplies for your holiday at Chevron Renaissance, Paradise Centre, and Circle on Cavill, among other small shopping centers in Surfers Paradise. There are supermarkets, liquor stores, banks, a pharmacy, and specialty shops that sell everything from clothes to boogie boards. And be sure to check out the iconic Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, with more than 100 stalls selling products made by local artists and fresh food. It is held every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday night.
Dining
There are plenty of great places to eat in Surfers Paradise. There are many options to choose from when it comes to dinner. You’ll be able to find something that suits your taste no matter what you’re in the mood for! Why not try one of the many cafes along Cavill Avenue for breakfast? Find the best grill house on the Gold Coast. Clifford’s Grill & Lounge has a grill menu with various tasty seasonal dishes that are good for all kinds of diets. You can eat tasty steaks, shrimp, lamb shanks, chicken, and various veggie dishes.
Cultural Events
Surfers Paradise is home to various annual aboriginal cultural events. One of the best ways to experience this heritage is to attend one of the many aboriginal cultural events held in the area. These events often include traditional dance performances, didgeridoo playing, and story-telling. Attendees can also participate in aboriginal art workshops, learn about aboriginal culture and history, and enjoy traditional aboriginal food. These events are a great way to learn about Aboriginal culture and connect with the local community.
Community in Surfers Paradise
The Surfers Paradise community comprises people from all walks of life with a strong sense of togetherness. Residents are always happy to help with anything, and there’s a real sense of pride in the area. The community comes together for events such as markets, festivals, and fundraising activities, and there’s always a friendly atmosphere. Surfers Paradise is a great place to live, work and raise a family.
The Cons of Living in Surfers Paradise
While Surfers Paradise may be an idyllic location for a beach vacation, it’s important to be aware of the potential cons of living in this popular tourist destination. Let’s look at some cons.
Overcrowded
Surfers Paradise is one of the Gold Coast’s most popular places. With its sparkling beaches and vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder that the city attracts millions of visitors each year. However, the popularity of Surfers Paradise can also be a bit overwhelming.
Finding a quiet spot on the beach can be hard because the streets can be full of people at all times of the day. If you’re looking for a little peace, you may consider avoiding Surfers Paradise during peak tourist season. However, if you’re interested in experiencing the authentic energy of the Gold Coast, there’s no better place to be than Surfers Paradise.
Surfers Paradise is a popular destination for young families, but it’s not the best place for them. While there are plenty of activities for kids, Surfers Paradise is geared towards adults and party-goers. The vibrant nightlife and many bars and clubs can be loud and disruptive for young children.
Parking lots
Finding a parking spot can sometimes seem impossible with so many people in such a small area. This shouldn’t be as problematic as if you lived in a suburban house. Surfers Paradise has been named the second best place in the city to walk. This means you’ll be able to walk to most nearby restaurants, shops, the beach, and other places. So, put on some shoes and see how much you can do without your car.
Limited job opportunities
Limited career and job opportunities in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, can be a bit of a con for some people. In recent years this is changing as the Gold Coast comes of age business-wise and isn’t just a tourist town.
There are a lot of tourists in the city, so many jobs are in hospitality, retail, and tourism. If you’re looking for something more specialized or corporate, you might have to look to Brisbane, about 70 km to the north. Additionally, because it is such a popular destination for travelers, the cost of living can be a bit high. Rent and groceries tend to be expensive, so it’s important to factor that into your budget.
Surfers Paradise is a great place to live if you love the ocean and want to be close to all the action. The beaches here are some of the best in the world, and there’s always something going on in town. If you’re looking for a laid-back lifestyle where you can surf or paddleboard daily, then Surfers Paradise is definitely worth considering.
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