The iconic heart of the Gold Coast with high-rise hotels, nightlife, beaches, and Surfers Paradise Beach.

About Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is the vibrant, neon-lit heart of Australia's Gold Coast, a beachside resort city famous for its towering skyline of high-rise apartment towers rising directly behind a pristine stretch of golden sand. The beach itself stretches for kilometers, with consistent surf breaks that attract boardriders from around the world.

Cavill Avenue is the main pedestrian mall running from the beach to the hinterland side, lined with shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and the Cavill Avenue Beach entrance arch that has become an iconic Gold Coast photo spot. The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets operate every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evening with over 100 stalls selling artisan crafts, fashion, and food.

Beyond the beach, Surfers Paradise serves as the gateway to the Gold Coast's famous theme parks — Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World, and Wet'n'Wild are all within a 20-30 minute drive. The Gold Coast hinterland with its ancient Gondwana rainforests at Lamington and Springbrook National Parks provides a stunning natural contrast to the urban beachside energy.

Nearby Landmarks

Surfers Paradise Beach SkyPoint Observation Deck Cavill Avenue Sea World Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost AUD $50-65
Time 25-35 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost AUD $40-55
Time 25-35 min

Arrivals, ride-share pickup zone

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit OOL arrivals and walk to the bus stop on the main road (2 min walk)
2. Board the 777 bus heading north toward Broadbeach/Surfers Paradise (runs every 15-30 min)
3. Ride approximately 35-45 minutes along the Gold Coast Highway
4. Alight at the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre or Cavill Avenue stop
5. Alternatively, connect to the G:link light rail at Broadbeach South for the final stretch

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi AUD $50-65 25-35 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare AUD $40-55 25-35 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The 777 bus runs until approximately 11:30 PM, with reduced frequency after 9:00 PM. After that, taxis and rideshare (Uber/DiDi) are available at the airport, costing AUD $50-70 to Surfers Paradise. The Gold Coast nightlife scene means rideshare is generally available late, but surge pricing applies on weekend nights.

Luggage Tips

The 777 bus has limited luggage space — you may need to hold bags on your lap during busy periods. For families or groups with heavy luggage, a taxi, shuttle, or rideshare is more practical. Con-X-ion airport shuttle buses offer shared transfers with luggage included for around AUD $22.

Accessibility

Gold Coast Airport has accessible facilities. The 777 bus fleet includes wheelchair-accessible low-floor buses with ramps. Surfers Paradise beachfront has a Mobi Mat (beach wheelchair pathway) at certain access points. The Esplanade is flat and fully accessible.