Surfers Paradise, Cavill Mall: Tourists visiting Gold Coast have their say

From those supporting a Surfers Paradise makeover, to those who believe the area is perfect as it is, we asked tourists for their opinions. Here’s what Gold Coast visitors think.

The Gold Coast’s plan to pump $40 million into a revamp of Surfers Paradise’s main thoroughfare Cavill Mall is getting thumbs up and thumbs down from visitors.

The Bulletin took the pulse of Surfers on Thursday - and Adelaide’s Coppinger-Arnold family, who haven’t been to the Gold Coast in a decade, said a lot has changed. But they agreed with the investment of $40m into Surfers Paradise’s Cavill Mall.

Dad Simon Coppinger-Arnold, and Everly, 3, were spotted having fun in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Mother Madolyn Coppinger-Arnold said: “I can see this (Cavill Mall) is the tourist go-to, but you can tell it has a big night life.”

Madolyn and her husband Simon celebrated their honeymoon in the Whitsundays 10 years ago, and decided to stop in Surfers on a trip back up there, bringing kids Harper and Everly along.

Madolyn said she’d seen local accommodation advertised online and couldn’t resist the pull of the Gold Coast.

Meanwhile Melbourne-based dad Zach Harvey, who travelled to the Gold Coast with his kids to celebrate his 40th birthday, was stoked with his beachfront views.

Dad Oliver and Zach Harvey were spotted having fun in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Tertius Pickard

The family were staying in a Surfers Paradise apartment, glad to escape the cold weather as they visit our famous beaches and Australia Zoo.

Also visiting Surfers was Tasmania-based mum Letisha Norris and her five-year-old Lexi.

Mum Letisha Norris, Lexi Norris, 5, and grandma Janine Casboult were spotted having fun in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Tertius Pickard

The pair were in town to catch-up with grandma Janine Casboult, who resides in Surfers Paradise.

Letisha took a very different stance to Madolyn, labelling the $40m council investment a “waste of money” because she was already impressed with it as is.

“There’s nothing wrong with it (Cavill Mall),” she said.