Surfers Paradise is known the world over for its truly Australian beach life. There are few places better than here if you are looking for consistent and decent surf opportunities. There is a reason why Surfers Paradise was given its name and it definitely lives up to it.

However, if you are prepared to venture a few kilometres away from the centre of surfers paradise, then you can find a broad range of waves to ride. Ultimately, the determining factor will be your abilities and personal preference for how many people you would like around you. Here we are going to run through some of the best surf spots in and around Surfers Paradise.

The best Surfing Beaches in Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise:

Surfers Paradise

A Surfers Paradise is a fantastic place to ride the waves, especially during the summer with the Northeast swells making their way on land. Obviously, Surfers Paradise Beach makes the list due to its close proximity to the centre of Surfers Paradise, combined with some fantastic opportunities for surfing.

It is important to know that many parts of the beach are flagged off specifically for swimmers, so for the more dedicated surfer, it may not be ideal. However, if you are looking for a surf spot that oozes true Australian surf culture, then you will be hard pushed to find anywhere better than here.

Surfers Paradise is perfect for beginners and those who have not yet developed their surf legs. Throughout the year, the waves tend to be on the gentle side, but if you were looking for the perfect Beach within walking distance of your hotel, then Surfers Paradise Beach should suit all of your requirements.

The addition of lifeguard patrols also makes it a great place for kids to learn to surf and offers maximum safety and peace of mind. The iconic Surfers Paradise Skyline and a multitude of places to eat and drink nearby make this a family-friendly surf spot. Typically, the best months for swell are between February to July.

The Esplanade and Cavill Avenue both provide plenty of recreational activities away from the waves. Paradise Centre is the largest mall in Surfers Paradise and offers up abundant shopping and dining opportunities. Street performances, secret nightclubs, Asian food shops and tattoo parlours add real character to the area. The Esplanade is the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two while watching the sunset over the ocean.

 

Directions From Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise – 12 mins

  • Walk for about 1 min, 31 m to Florida Gardens
  • At the light rail, get the Tram GLKN toward Helensvale for 7 min (3 stops)
  • Get off at Cavill Avenue and walk for about 10 min, 850 m
  • Head north on Surfers Paradise Blvd toward Elkhorn Ave
  • Turn right onto View Ave
  • Turn left onto Esplanade. Then turn right.

Surfers Paradise Beach. Queensland, Australia

 

Narrowneck

Before the addition of the artificial Reef, Narrowneck was largely an overlooked place for surfing near Surfers Paradise. Installed to prevent erosion during storm swells, it has come with the additional benefit of providing some fantastic surfing waves. For many people, this area is the preferred place to ride the waves due to the fact that the majority of swimmers prefer to stick to the large beaches of Surfers Paradise.

The artificial Reef provides plenty of powerful waves and the shore side is perfect for those who enjoy bodyboarding. There are regular Surf Contests held at Narrowneck and plenty of people visit to try out the wave created by the Artificial Reef.

While it is popular with locals, it also provides plenty of opportunity for visitors to Surfers Paradise to enjoy the waves. The best months to visit Narrowneck for surfing are from February to July.

 

Directions From Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise – 20 mins

  • Walk for about 1 min, 31 m to Florida Gardens
  • At the light rail, get the Tram GLKN toward Helensvale for 11 min (5 stops)
  • Get off at Surfers Paradise North and walk for about 8 min, 750 m
  • Head north on Surfers Paradise Blvd toward Main Beach Parade
  • Turn right onto Main Beach Parade

Narrowneck. Main Beach Parade, Queensland, Australia

 

Burleigh Heads

For those who are looking for dredging barrels, Burleigh Heads provide some of the best to ride near Surfers Paradise. Typically, this surf spot tends to have fewer crowds and offers plenty of opportunity for performing double-digit rides. The Tallebudgera River mouth also provides plenty of its own waves to enjoy if the conditions are right and Burleigh Heads is often the only place to go when the coast is closed out.

This surf spot is perfect for the more advanced surfer who is looking for an adrenaline pumping experience. The best months to head to Burleigh Heads are between February and May. It is definitely one of those places where your legs will be worn out in no time at all and some of the finest surf opportunities can be found here. Not only that, but it also offers some spectacular scenery to soak up on your way back to the shore.

 

Directions From Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise – 30 mins

  • Walk for about 2 min, 71 m heading south on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 toward Monaco St
  • Make a U-turn at Monaco Street onto Florida Gardens
  • At the light rail, get the Tram GLKS toward Broadbeach South for 5 min (2 stops)
  • Get off at Broadbeach South and walk for about 2 min
  • Head south on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2
  • Turn right, then turn right again. Broadbeach South station, stop A will be on the right
  • Get the 700 Bus toward Tweed Heads for 10 min (18 stops)
  • Get off at Burleigh Heads and walk for about 1 min, 150 m
  • Head east on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 toward Connor St/The Esplanade
  • Turn left. The Destination will be on the right

Burleigh Heads Beach. 1833 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia

 

Currumbin Point

The alley found at Currumbin Point offers up some almost barrel free surf opportunities. Its gentle nature accommodates just about everyone. Popular with kiteboarders, longboards, and SUP, it can sometimes be a bit difficult to navigate due to the number of people hitting the waves. It is definitely for the more determined surfer as the riptide heads in a Northerly direction, making it difficult to paddle out in certain types of swell.

If you find the crowds to be too much, then you can make your way further north to enjoy some uninterrupted surf opportunities. The best times to head here are between February and June. The spectacular rocks along the coastline can sometimes prove to be a menace, but if you are prepared to front them out, then you will be rewarded with some of the most amazing surf opportunities near to Surfers Paradise.

 

Directions From Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise – 45 mins

  • Walk for about 2 min, 71 m heading south on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 toward Monaco St
  • Make a U-turn at Monaco St onto Florida Gardens Tram stop. Get the tram toward Broadbeach South for 5 min (2 stops)
  • Get off at Broadbeach South and walk for about 2 min
  • Head south on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2
  • Turn right. Turn right. Broadbeach South station, stop A will be on the right
  • Get the 700 bus toward Tweed Heads for 20 min (34 stops)
  • Get off at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and walk for about 5 min, 400 m
  • Head northwest on Teemangum St toward Fenton Pl
  • At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Tomewin St
  • Continue onto Pacific Parade

Currumbin Beach. Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223, Australia

 

Kirra

No list would be complete without featuring Kirra. Possibly one of the most famed sand breaking right-hand points, it offers immense power combined with thick lips. It is definitely the most popular surf spot for those who are able to negotiate the waves with incredible speed. Unless you are a pro, the chances are that you will end up being dropped in from some pretty considerable heights. With the amazing surf opportunities offered by Kirra, it should come as no surprise that it can become extremely overcrowded, especially when the waves begin to wake up.

The best wave opportunities arrive between February to July although this largely depends on the movement of the sand in the area too. If you are looking for somewhere to serve at breakneck speed while tackling some of the finest waves of the Gold Coast has to offer, then you definitely need to spend a day or two here. Of all the top surf spots in Surfers Paradise, none of the others quiet match the power, size and consistency of the waves produced here.

 

Directions From Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise – 58 mins

  • Walk for about 2 min, 71 m heading south on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 toward Monaco St
  • Make a U-turn at Monaco St onto Florida Gardens Tram stop. Get the tram toward Broadbeach South for 5 min (2 stops)
  • Get off at Broadbeach South and walk for about 2 min
  • Head south on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2
  • Turn right. Turn right. Broadbeach South station, stop A will be on the right
  • Get the 700 bus toward Tweed Heads for 27 min (45 stops)
  • Get off at Golden Four Dr at North Kirra Beach and walk for about 11 min, 900 m
  • Head northeast on Golden Four Dr toward Lang St
  • Make a U-turn at Lang St.Turn left to stay on Golden Four Dr
  • Continue onto Musgrave St.Go through 1 roundabout. Turn left. Turn right

Kirra Beach. Queensland, Australia

So, there you have it, five of the best surf spots located in and around Surfers Paradise that will keep you entertained for hours on end. Of course, there are plenty of other fantastic beaches where you can find some fantastic waves, but these are definitely the best of the best