The three-kilometer strip of golden sand between Surfers Paradise and the Pacific Ocean is Australia's iconic beach, a postcard-perfect locale that conjures up 'paradise' to millions.

Throughout the year, our beach welcomes swimmers, joggers, surfers and strollers from around the Gold Coast, around Australia and around the World. 

Lifeguard Schedules

Surfers Paradise Beach Lifeguard Tower 34, just alongside the arched Surfers Paradise sign, is manned by Gold Coast City Council Lifeguards 365 days a year on the following schedule:

WEEKDAYS 

• December to January - 7:30am to  6:30pm
• February to March - 8am to 6pm
• April to November - 8am to 5pm  

WEEKENDS 

• May to September - 8am to 5pm 

Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club members patrol weekends and public holidays from mid September to the first weekend in May on the following schedule:   

• December to January - 7am to 6pm
• September to November - 8am to 5pm
• February to May - 8am to 5pm

There are a few simple things you can do to ensure that your day at Surfers Paradise beach is a safe and happy one.   

• Always swim between the red and yellow flags. If the flags aren't up, it may not safe to swim, so always ask a lifeguard if it's safe to swim if you cannot see the flags
• Check for additional beach signage, as this may change every day
• Read the safety warnings
• Check with a lifeguard about beach and water conditions if you're not sure it's safe
• Put your hand up and stay calm if you get in trouble in the water
• Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses
• Leave valuables at home or in your apartment. 

For more information on Surfers Paradise Lifeguards visit the Australian Surf Lifesaving website.  

Beach Volleyball

Surfers Paradise is the home of beach volleyball in Australia, with everything from rounds of the Australian Beach Volleyball Series to social game grudge matches played out on our golden sands.

Casual social games run Wednesday evening and Saturday morning, with the pros coming out to play throughout summer for the Queensland Beach Volleyball Open, the Australian Beach Volleyball Series and the Queensland Beach Volleyball Series.

Surfing

Surfers Paradise Beach's gentle Pacific Ocean shore breaks and challenging banks provide ideal conditions for surfers of all skill levels. If you are looking to learn to surf, there are two popular local surf schools set up in Surfers Paradise to get you started.

Go Ride a Wave and the Cheyne Horan Learn to Surf School offer beginner classes for kids and adults, as well as surfboard and wetsuit hire. Taking the plunge is as simple as mustering the will and making the phone call.

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

Every Wednesday and Friday night, the Foreshore of the Surfers Paradise Beach comes alive with the free Beachfront Markets. Treasure hunters, bargain spotters and after-dinner strollers make their way along the coast stretch of more than 100 market stalls while live entertainers set the mood.