The surfers paradise

The biggest tourist destination in Gold Coast is completely different from what I expected. This was the last stop I planned for my backpacking in Australia, and time ended up being short for previous research. Known for its beautiful beaches and surf, I believed it would be perfect to relax, after busy days in Sydney.

When I was on the bus going from Coolangatta to Surfers Paradise, I asked a fellow Brazilian girl what I could do for fun, and the answer was “Shopping! Parties!”. I thought to myself: am I going to the right place?

And that was it. Shopping malls, lots of lights, several limousines, women in costumes for word-of-mouth party promotion, thousands of stores, restaurants – one next to the other – and crowded streets. Surf and souvenir stores, everything you want to buy and for all budgets. I was expecting a small town, something a little more Zen and with a surf atmosphere – which there was, but too consumerist.

I spent hours in traffic, and when I arrived it was already getting dark, what made the impact with so many lights even harder. After walking among malls and wide sidewalks, I finally reached the beach. There it was, everything I was hoping for: a street fair with handcrafts and the surf gang. Across the street only huge skyscrapers and many more under construction. I must say I was a little disappointed, but the place is really cool. Perfect for those who enjoy the beach, shopping and parties.

Take Note

The street fairs are on the shore and take place on Wednesdays and Fridays in the evening. Eating out: my cheap meal was a Kebab from Baha’s Pizza And Kebab, sitting on a bench on the sidewalk. For those who prefer to stay in quieter places, I suggest the nearest beaches, like Coolangatta.

© All rights reserved. Pictures and report 100% originals.

Translated by Lúcia Maciel
English teacher