The Central Gold Coast stretches from Surfers Paradise to Mermaid Beach and attracts visitors year-round with its iconic beaches, high-rise living and booming nightlife and entertainment scene.
Highlights
The Central Gold Coast boasts an international food scene that will take you around the world. Head to Curry Express for cheap and tasty vegetarian and Halal meals with a Western twist.
Vapiano on Cavill Avenue makes old-fashioned Italian meals such as pizzas, pastas and salads with fresh, local produce. Get there early for dinner on Friday and weekends to avoid a lengthy wait. Treat yourself to authentic Greek dishes at On Fire in Broadbeach or have the best Thai food on the Coast at Chiangmai Thai and indulge in share plates of curries with coconut rice. Nearby Aloha Bar and Dining combines Hawaiian beach vibes with nightly food and drink deals.
Tian Ran in Mermaid Beach cooks up vegan Asian meals that are affordable and delicious, while MexiCali Bar Y Taqueria in Nobby Beach serves up tasty tacos for just $6 on Taco Tuesdays.
Surfers Paradise is the heart of Gold Coast nightlife with clubs, bars and taverns lighting up the streets long into the night. Check out iconic clubs like Melbas on the Park, SinCity, Elsewhere, Shooters and The Avenue for drinks, DJs and live bands.
Timezone on Cavill Avenue will let you play arcade games until 12am every night of the week. Gamers can go wild with a diverse selection of old and new activities including arcade games, bumper cars, laser tag, mini bowling, pinball and pool. Infinity is also close-by, where you can lose yourself in a neon lit maze of coloured lights and illusions.
For shoppers, Cavill Avenue is the major shopping strip in Surfers Paradise. From bargain to designer shopping, this pedestrian street and mall is packed with retail stores, restaurants, cafes and taverns. Slip down any side street and discover more boutiques. At the end of Cavill Avenue is the Esplanade and the famous Surfers Paradise Beach, where you’ll find the Beachfront Markets on Friday, Sunday and Wednesday nights. Carrara Markets are also on every weekend and draw big crowds who are on the hunt for a bargain.
There’s also Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Broadbeach for big name brands, and the beachside Oasis Shopping Centre for sell as the annual Gold Coast Film Festival.
Cheap Choice
Apres Surf in Mermaid Beach has a different happy hour every day, including 50 cent chicken wings on Fridays and $1 dumplings on Thursdays.
Community Facilities
The Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre in Carrara is a massive multipurpose sports arena only a short distance from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. It consists of two large indoor halls and 15 sports courts that frequently host netball, basketball, soccer and volleyball matches. The centre was also used for international competitions during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. You can find changing rooms, parking, lifts, amenities and a cafe on-site.
There are two major community centres in Central Gold Coast: Mermaid Beach and Carrara. Both hold regular events and activities for the community such as group exercise classes in yoga, Pilates and Zumba, and even first aid courses.
Broadbeach Library is located opposite Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and boasts a huge collection of print and digital resources, as well as study areas, free wi-fi and computers. It can be easily accessed by catching the G:Link tram from Southport or Surfers Paradise and getting off at Broadbeach.
The 24-hour My Doctors Clinic in Surfers Paradise can take care of your health at any time of day or night. Other medical centres in Central Gold Coast include Haan Health Medical Centre in Broadbeach, Carrara Medical Practice and Mermaid Central Medical Clinic, which also offers after-hours appointments through the National Home Doctor Service.
