SURFERS PARADISE, QUEENSLAND

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The entertainment heart of the Gold Coast, the high rise development and nightlife of Surfers Paradise has come to represent what, for many, the Gold Coast lifestyle is all about. Website.
Location: 80 km south of Brisbane.
Origin of name: The name 'Surfers Paradise' was first used for a hotel built here in 1923. At that time, surfing as a sport had just been introduced to Australia.
Brief history: The Surfers Paradise area was a popular spot among the Bandjalang Aboriginal peoples. It remained their domain well into the 1860s. The Gold Coast district was not surveyed until 1869, Southport was established in 1874.
In 1923 James Cavill paid £40 ($80) for a block of land and proceeded to build his famous Surfers Paradise Hotel. Two years later the bridge across the Nerang River was built, improving access to the hotel which by then had a small zoo and excellent gardens among its attractions. During World War II, the hotel was used to convalesce soldiers and their wives. After the war, the area's potential as a major resort for holidaying families was realised. An influx of holidaymakers and the easing of building restrictions led to the intense high rise and canal developments seen today. The nature of the amusement park-style attractions now on offer at Surfers has seen many families move on, either to the quieter, southern section of the Gold Coast, or to other areas like the Sunshine Coast. In their place are young people who come to let their hair down, which has changed the feel of the place in recent years.
Natural features: South Pacific Ocean; Surfers Paradise Beach; Nerang River; Budds Beach
Built features: Ripleys Believe It Or Not Museum; Flycoaster; Bungee Rocket; Snow World; Australian Shooting Academy/Timezone; Gold Coast City Art Gallery; Buccaneer Bay theme park play area; Whirlpool Hot Springs; Conrad Jupiters Casino