Surfers Paradise

Anyway I cant help feeling that Surfers Paradise is unfairly maligned by many who are just a bit ignorant - so here goes our report We flew with Qantas and I have to say I cant see why anyone would want to fly with a discount airline - we were really looked after and I always feel somewhat assured that the crew on Qantas are so well trained. Flying to The gold Coast is so convenient with direct flights from Melbourne and Sydney it just means that it is so easy to get to.

Surfers Paradise holds many memories and I must say that the many improvements in the last year really do make a difference. New street scaping and a multi-million dollar works program for the beach have made a difference. The traffic is now being rerouted to slow the pace of things down and they have pumped sand in from Stradbroke island and built a great artificial reef to protect the beach. The sand is now about 100 metres wide at Surfers Paradise and I must say is probably the best beach anywhere in the world -and that's a big statement.

Surfers Paradise is now much more upmarket than it used to be. Sure there are plenty of night clubs and young people partying away but there is just as many top class restaurants, the theme parks are great with or without kids, and the weather - just sensational virtually any time of year.

Why Surfers Paradise and not Broadbeach? I constantly here people saying Broadbeach is the place to go - we disagree. Broadbeach seems to centre around the Phonecian hotel development and apart from the Casino there is not much else there. The biggest problem we found with central Broadbeach is that it is too far from the beach. This is where Surfers Paradise wins out.

TIP # 1 Stay in Surfers Paradise and insist that your hotel/apartment is on The Esplanade - don't get talked in to a place just off The Esplanade - it is not the same. With so many highrise it is like Waikiki and it is important to be on the beach. By insisting on an actual Esplanade address with direct frontage to the beach you can be assured of a stunning view. Good Places to Stay - On The Esplanade 1. Zenith 2. Allunga 3. Chateau Beachside 4. Olympus 5 Imperial Surf or off the Esplanade the best is the Marriott Resort (not the Marriott Courtyard)

TIP # 2 Unless you like the noise don't go during Indy in October unless you are prepared for the crowds

TIP # 3 Remember that Brisbane airport is only an hour to the north and you may get cheaper flights in to Brisbane. If in a group hire a car one way to Surfers Paradise just for 1 day - it is cheaper than a taxi.

TIP # 4 Staying in an apartment lets you have your own breakfast on the balcony in the sunshine people watching over the beach and the convenience and savings of preparing some of your own meals

TIP # 5 Relax and fall in the easy Gold Coast way of life and enjoy your holiday