Move over Surfers, Goldie has a new fave

The Gold Coast has long been associated with Surfers Paradise – a popular tourist town known for its vibrant night life. But now there’s a new favourite.

The Gold Coast has long been associated with Surfers Paradise – a popular tourist town known for its high-rise buildings, wide surf beach and vibrant night life.

As the name suggests, the 2km-stretch of beach is a paradise for surfers with the first high-rise building constructed in 1953, paving the way for the distinctive skyline we know today.

It has also become home to one of the biggest parties of the year – the one and only Schoolies.

But while the hotspot has proved to be far more than just a wild, partying scene as it continues to attract tourists from around the world – visitors have discovered its sister location, Broadbeach, just a five-minute tram ride or 45-minute leisurely walk from Surfers.

Surfers Paradise is still a hit but Broadbeach is rising in popularity.

“Iconic Gold Coast precincts such as Surfers Paradise remain a huge drawcard for holiday-makers, but we are definitely seeing other tourist hubs like Broadbeach, Burleigh, the southern beach locations of Palm Beach and Kirra and our Hinterland booming, particularly with families,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn, told news.com.au.

Mr Warn said the island welcomed 13 million visitors in the year ending December 2024, with visitor spending soaring to $8.1 billion.

“This continued domestic growth signals the Gold Coast’s enduring appeal as a world-class destination for tourism, as well as a place to visit to enjoy live music, sporting events and the Arts.”

Broadbeach boasts a bunch of bars, restaurants, cafes and shopping like Pacific Fair.

Some may argue certain parts of the island were in desperate need of a facelift – and rest-assured that’s happened.

“The Gold Coast has really elevated its offering in both the accommodation and dining,” Mr Warne said.

“In the past few years, we’ve seen an extraordinary range of luxury and affordable accommodation options springing up right across the Gold Coast with more big brand names on the horizon.

“In 2025, Australia’s first Mondrian will open in Burleigh Heads, while the first Andaz Hotel will launch as part of The Star in Broadbeach.”

In 2021, the now popular Dorsett Gold Coast opened its doors on Broadbeach. It’s located within The Star’s entertainment precinct, offering plenty to do, see and eat.

“It’s perfect for those who want a mix of relaxation and excitement – whether that’s lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand or stepping out for world-class dining and entertainment just moments away,” Charlotte Coman, marketing executive at Dorsett Gold Coast, told news.com.au.

The Dorsett Gold Coast located in Broadbeach has been a big hit among tourists, with Aussie travellers in particular enjoying short getaways (two to four nights). Picture: Instagram/dorsettgoldcoast

Ms Coman said the now booming area of Broadbeach boasts a more relaxed vibe.

“Broadbeach offers a more refined, relaxed alternative to Surfers Paradise. The area also appeals to a more sophisticated traveller looking for a blend of luxury and leisure, rather than the high-energy, party-focused vibe of Surfers Paradise.”

The hotel’s infinity pool.

While there’s plenty on offer in the surroundings areas of Dorsett, it’s easy to spend an entire day not leaving the hotel, particularly its Isoletto Pool Club that boasts sweeping skyline views, cabanas and poolside service.

It’s also one of the only hotels in the area with an exclusive Executive Lounge offering guests staying in Executive Rooms daily breakfast, all-day refreshments, and sunset drinks with canapes.

“One of the biggest things that sets Dorsett Gold Coast apart from other hotels in the area is its direct integration with The Star Gold Coast,” Ms Coman explained.

The eatery, known for its “fire-kissed food and immersive cocktails” sits among a string of food joints on Oracle Boulevard including Mamasan Kitchen + Bar and Blowfish Ocean Grill Bar.

“The Gold Coast dining scene has really lifted too with a range of sophisticated dining options up and down the coast including more than 20 hatted restaurants dotted in locations like Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach, Surfers Paradise and the HOTA Home of the Arts precinct,” Mr Warn added.

The Gold Coast’s iconic beaches continue to attract millions of visitors to the city, its incredible hinterland and nature-based experiences also drawing in big crowds.

“This means guests can step out of their hotel room and enjoy 18 world-class restaurants and bars, a 24-hour casino, a luxurious spa, and state-of-the-art conference facilities — all without ever leaving the precinct.”

The hotel itself is in great proximity to a bunch of restaurants such Kost, a popular bar meets grill eatery owned by restaurateur Dave Galvin.

“There are hundreds of experiences to enjoy on the Gold Coast and really no better time to visit with flight and accommodation deals on offer as part of the regional recovery campaign in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone.”

Mr Warn said as the Gold Coast took a hit recently with Alfred, all beaches but two, are now open.

The Gold Coast welcomed 13 million visitors in the year ending December 2024, with visitor spending soaring to $8.1 billion.

“[The] destination is resilient and recovery is well underway,” he said.

“All beaches are now open, with the exception of just two, Narrowneck and Main Beach and the Gold Coast is back in business and ready to welcome visitors.”

Following severe weather events across Queensland, Virgin Australia has launched a sale to drive visitation and support local tourism operators in their recovery.

Some of the highlighted fares include $45 one-way from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast, $55 one-way from Melbourne to the Gold Coast, and $79 one-way from Sydney to Cairns.

The Queensland focused sale runs is on now until March 29, 2025, for select travel dates between May 1 and June 30, 2025.

Tourism and Events Queensland’s, Ollie Philpot, said Virgin Australia’s sale event is a crucial step in getting visitation to the Sunshine State back on track.

“This is a great opportunity for Australians to book that much-needed getaway while directly supporting tourism businesses impacted by recent severe weather,” Mr Philpot said.

This writer travelled to the Gold Coast as a guest of Dorsett Gold Coast