Is it just us (it’s not) or is there A.LOT going on in our beloved Surfers Paradise right now? It goes without saying that it’s always been a non-negotiable for visitors, because a trip to the GC just isn’t a trip to the GC without a stint in our tourism capital. And let’s be real, it’s certainly housed a fair share of good times for us ‘natives’. From beach days to big nights (the latter of which live on in our somewhat blurred memories – and faded prints from our disposable cameras), it’s always held a special place in our hearts. Well, our iconic glitter strip’s shimmer will shine brighter than ever come Friday 9^th September, when Paradise Centre unveils its hotly anticipated $40 million redevelopment.  *cue jaw drop.

Set to redefine the Gold Coast’s beachfront dining and shopping scene, Paradise Centre will reveal a stunning new exterior with eight brand new dining experiences, complete with unparalleled ocean views. We can also expect the addition of some very welcome retail hard hitters, and oh how we love this for us. Let’s talk food first because the only thing we live for more than shopping is eating, and we are already stressed about where to go first.

Providing locals and tourists alike with an eclectic mix of culinary offerings, there’s revamped classics and some BIG new players. We don’t like to name drop (we do), but the Wahlberg family’s first Queensland instalment of their infamous Wahlburgers is opening, and we are fangirling out of control. Serving up gourmet burger goodness, suddenly all we can think about is a young Mark Wahlberg in his Calvin Kleins circa 1992 and honestly, that changed us.

Back to the task at hand, the stunning revitalisation also includes legendary tex-mex restaurant El Camino Cantina. It’s launching its very first ever breaky in Oz and the only thing better than going out for Mexican or for breakfast, is going out for a Mexican breakfast! Also on the star-studded roll-call is American institution TGI Fridays, and our day has legit just been made.

It’s not all about American and Mexi themed nosh though, with other popular additions in the melting pot of new multicultural nomming options. We’re talking flavoursome Italiano cooking as good as Nonna’s at Enzo’s Cucina, and Thai food so authentic that even ‘Thai-hard’ food critics will agree that all you need is ‘larb’ – and Nahm Talay Thai!

Everyone’s quick, fresh and healthy food-on-the-go hero, Hero Sushi, made the cut, as did Gelato Messina and its 40 redonkulously good varieties of gelato #IDie. Another note-worthy addition is the premium barista-made coffee and modern Aussie cuisine at La Playa, coz one can never have too much quality caffeine in their life.

Also injecting new blood into the Surfers region is the refurbished Eastern Mall. Who can resist Ava Beauty, Stateside Sports, Rip Curl and Baku Swimwear, and may we suggest you try on the latest bikinis before you hit the restaurants…for obvious reasons #BurgerBloat #TheStruggleIsReal. Joining the recently launched Surf Dive N’ Ski and Vans, the Paradise Centre’s line-up of shopping haunts will delight any shopper.

This exciting redevelopment adds to Paradise Centre’s 90+ specialty shops, alfresco dining and humdinger entertainment precinct with the world’s largest Timezone, Zone Bowling, MANIAX Axe Throwing, and more to come. In our humble opinion, this couldn’t have come at a better time with new hotels opening and action a-plenty unfolding around the heart of the GC.

Now more than ever, our beloved Surfers Paradise is doing justice to the second part of its idyllic name, thanks to the likes of our favourite seaside shopping and dining hub, the levelled-up Paradise Centre. For more information, visit here.

Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: New dining precinct opening Friday 9 September. Wahlburgers and TGI Fridays exact opening date TBA.

STORY SPONSORED BY PARADISE CENTRE

Words by Bianca Trathen.

It’s right under our nose, but sometimes we forget how many activities there are for the small, medium, and big kids (aka us) in good ‘ole Surfers Paradise. And we’re not just talking about the beach, but a myriad of other cool stuff to keep them entertained and whinge-free these school holidays.

Here are ten ideas to help fill the blanks in your school holiday schedule, with some old faves and a few newbies thrown in for good measure. The best part is not only will you score ‘cool mum’ kudos from the kids, but you’ll get a kick out of them too!

Timezone
I mean, does this place really need an introduction? We’ve all racked up many-an-hour at Timezone in days gone by, and your mini-me’s will love it as much as you did. Probably more, because it’s levelled up its epic-ness in recent times. With arcade games, bowling, mini bowling, mini golf, laser tag, and bumper cars, it’s actual kid heaven…with a touch of nostalgia for us.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Holoverse
This new hi-tech entertainment centre using holograms which look oh-so-real will make you feel like you’re in a Star Wars flick! Pick hologram grass to feed a dinosaur, swim with life-sized holographic whales, compete against your kiddos in holographic sports, play holographic arcade games, and more! Special shoutout for their birthday party packages #theshizzle.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Infinity
To infinity and beyond! Challenge their sense and ignite their imaginations with a unique and mind-blowing 30-minute journey into spectacular, interactive, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder! This walk-through experience is choccas with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, awesome tunes and amazing illusions. Suitable for kiddos aged 8 and above. Get an exclusive 15% off here.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, G31/3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise 

Ripley’s Believe it or Not
This iconic home-grown ‘odditorium’ – now with over 300 exhibits and artefacts – is out of this world! A highlight is the new state-of-the-art Ripley’s 7D Moving Theatre where you feel every twist and turn as you compete against your seatmates. Enjoy a Ripley’s LaseRace, find out just what happens to your body in space, make friends with a life-sized R2-D2™ and more. Click here for a special offer.
Where: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise

The Wax Museum
Fancy some famous people watching? There’s no better place than The Wax Museum, home to the largest collection of wax figures in the Southern Hemisphere. Super realistic replicas of celebs, nursery rhyme characters, scientists, explorers, villains, world leaders, and even the crown jewels await (#RIPQueenElizabethII)! For the big kids (if you’re game) check out The Chamber of Horrors (shriek!!). Fancy a discount voucher? You’re welcome.
Where: 56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise 

Quack’r Duck
Is there any such thing as a kid who doesn’t go loco when they spot the big duck cruising down Ferny Ave? Imagine if you actually took them on said duck #eeep. Check out the pristine beaches and landmarks by road, then experience the thrills as the duck splashes into the Broadwater! Admit it – you’ve always wanted to do it too…. Grab a special offer here.
Where: 7 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Escape Rooms

Fox in a Box
Ever wanted to break out of prison (without actually going to prison)? Or break into a diamond-filled vault in a bank? Or perhaps work out how to open a mysterious chest and unlock its contents and the secret within? You can do all of this and more at Fox in a Box! The rooms are recommended for ages 10 and above, but everyone is welcome to play. Good times!
Where: Level 1/3173 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Padlock’d Escape Rooms
Boasting ten immersive rooms themed to perfection, a visit to Padlock’d Escape Rooms is a great way to ditch reality for a bit (an hour to be exact…) and put your mind to the test. You’ll have a blast and the kids will be tuckered out from all that clue finding, code cracking, and puzzle solving #missionaccomplished. Recommended for ages 10 and above but all ages welcome.
Where: 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Eclipse Escape Rooms
With five diverse, highly immersive, and technologically advanced rooms with insane special effects, bespoke props, and unique storylines leading up to an unforgettable grand finale, what’s not to love? Puzzle solving is designed to be fun and rewarding, with different levels of difficulty available. Kids as young as five can join in the fun, plus babies in prams are welcome in some rooms #StartEmYoung!
Where: Level 1, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise River Cruises
Kids get as pumped about boat rides as we do, so why not jump on a morning, midday, afternoon, or sunset cruise with Surfers Paradise River Cruises! Friendly guides will point out landmarks and homes of the rich and famous around our glitter strip’s waterways, whilst you kick back with the kiddos enjoying complimentary snacks. And mum/dad – there’s a bar…. Cheers! Get 10% off your cruise here.
Where: 63 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Do you like your Thai served with a side of oceanside luxury? And your dishes presented with high-end WOW-worthy details, feeding your eyes and stomach with spectacular flare and flavour? We’re even talking liquid nitrogen in some dishes, as well as bubble smoke on cocktails and no, this is not an immunity challenge on Masterchef, but what you can expect at Nahm Talay Thai in Surfers Paradise, opening Friday 9^th September.

Situated in the newly renovated Paradise Centre, Nahm Talay Thai is the latest offering from Pattaree (Pat) Jiranuchaiwattana and Vitchaya (Alex) Hasitawet. This duo know a thing or two about executing traditional Thai and Asian dishes in style, with a five-restaurant strong portfolio in Queensland, including Chong Co Thai at Pacific Fair. Add talented chefs Metira (May) Wongtom and Nitis (Kai) Shombunsode into the mix, as well as a stunning DBI Design interior, the final product is a total vibe.

Offering indoor/outdoor dining, a beachfront balcony (perfect for events may we add), plus booth and couch seating, the venue accommodates 120 guests. Picture luxurious accents blended with a high quality, modern beach aesthetic to complement the multi-million-dollar views. Cool grey hues and whites are warmed up with a sandy colour palette creating an oasis-like feel. There are contrasting textures throughout, a unique roof design, beautifully designed bar, and eye-catching golden metallic wave artwork.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner until midnight EVERYDAY, let’s start with the AM timeslot and oooh, the Soft Shell Crab Egg Lava definitely caught our eye. Featuring a croissant with salmon caviar, tobiko sauce, vine cherry tomato, and parmesan, LBR – we were born to eat caviar for breakfast. There is also a wide range of other brekky crowd favourites, but with an exciting Nahm Talay Thai twist. Pair your meal with a darn good coffee or refreshing (and super pretty) cold pressed juice and yep, you’ve started the day right.

If you’re more of a lunch or dinner person, the menu is once again off-the-Richter good. Order a serve of Crispy Pork Bao to start, with steamed bao, crispy pork belly, cucumber, coriander, spring onion, long red chilli, peanut and sesame oil. Then, it’s signature dish-o-clock and besides happy hour, this is our favourite time of the day.

Tuck into the Lamb Shank Massaman Curry with slow cooked lamb shank, mild curry, potato and cashew nuts, or the Barramundi Fillet steamed with lime sauce. Or, if you’d rather make friends with salad, you can’t beat the mouth-watering flavours of the Wagyu Salad. We’re talking Wagyu MBD 9+, Thai herbs, tomato, cucumber, rice power, chilli powder, house dressing and pear.

And for dessert, may we recommend the Cream Brulée, with egg, cream, pandan, sugar, coconut, vanilla ice cream and chocolate crumble. Drool.

Now let’s get down to business – cocktails of course. Pat and Alex certainly don’t do anything by halves and their jaw-dropping drinks menu is a testament to this.

Don’t miss the opportunity to sample a Bubble Smoke Lychee Martini and you had us at bubble smoke. With vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice, cranberry juice and lychee syrup and bubble smoke top, the yum-factor is only rivalled by the presentation.

Laying off the harder stuff because you’re in detox mode? Same (not really) and good news, the Mocktails are as delish and insta-worthy as their boozy cousins. We’re ordering the Mint Lychee Frappe with lychee, lychee syrup and mint.

Also, a quick shout out to the Jellyfish Shots because these things are quite possibly the coolest thing we’ve seen, and yes we’re back to alcohol #oldhabitsdiehard.

This brings us to the pointy end and the hardest decision yet. Should you go for breakfast, lunch or dinner (no more complaints about not being able to find a restaurant for a late-night feed, finally a venue open till midnight!) and our advice is a unanimous “all of the above”.

Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Friday 9^th September, open 7am – midnight, Monday – Sunday.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY NAHM TALAY THAI RESTAURANT AND BAR