They’ve had a huge renovation and there's lots of newness to see.
They’ve had a huge renovation and there's lots of newness to see.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting the strange, magical place that is Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! in Surfers Paradise you are missing out on quite a time.
It’s known as the Odditorium and it’s absolutely jam-packed with weird and wonderful things that will have you wandering around in wide-eyed awe for hours on end.
From ancient artifacts, incredible art, animal oddities, pop-culture memorabilia, interactive games and stories of people and places that are incredibly hard to believe but undeniably true, you won’t leave Ripley’s without a story to tell everyone you know.
It’s long been a much-loved attraction on the Gold Coast with both kids and adults flocking to discover things they’ve never before laid eyes on.
For example, a laser room you have to duck and twirl through in a race against the clock and plenty of whacky characters to interact with and exhibitions to see.
If all that wasn’t enough, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not recently underwent a massive renovation to include an all-new moving, 7D theatre with multiple films to choose from each day, state-of-the-art interactive experiences and the chance to play against (and beat) your entire family.
There’s a brand-new Cargo Shop and Candy Factory with lots of exciting gifts exclusive to Ripley’s and tons of new exhibitions and interactive experiences.
Think a Vampire Killing Cabinet, Egyptian Willard Wigans sculptures, an albino kangaroo, talking portrait heads, witch artifacts, the Funplex – a gallery filled with interactive exhibits and optical illusions and a dress made of Post It notes.
There are four new galleries including Curioddities, Space, Ripley’s Funplex and Sports and the most exciting thing of all – a new Iconic Octopus Façade.
What is the iconic Octopus Façade you ask?
Well friends it’s a nine metre long Blue Ringed Octopus that took 40 people four months to build. It’s got glowing eyes and rings, made with coloured LED lights and it can be customised to support seasonal events and charities.
The big guy is absolutely certain to be the Gold Coast’s next big thing and that alone is worth a visit to Ripley’s. Get a photo with him while you’re there to show off to all your friends.
What are you waiting for? Fun and adventure await, and it can all be found in the one spot – Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium.
Get 10% off adult and kids’ entry and 10% off all merchandise here.
LOCATION: Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: Daily 9am until 10pm
STORY SPONSORED BY RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT
Surfers Paradise offers a lot more than just beaches, bikini-clad tourists and nightclubs. The eats scene has really taken off in recent years with locals rediscovering this hub for quality nosheries. It’s a melting pot for different cuisines and eats styles, so whether you’re after a casual, relaxed meal or something fancy-pants boasting award-winning chefs and hats, Surfers has you covered.
Here are 14 must-dine spots in our city’s most famous location, so you have somewhere new to try every day/night for exactly two weeks. And…go!
Citrique
Famed for its breakfast buffet, weekend long lunch, award-winning seafood market experience buffet, and exciting Modern Australian a la carte dishes, Citrique and Executive Chef Paul Smart serves up the ultimate fine dining experience. #HereForIt! Calling the beautiful JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa home, you would expect nothing less from this five-star favourite!
Our pick: Anything seafood!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
BOBs Beer
BOBs Beer is Surfers Paradise’s first and only brewery and is the perfect stop for a relaxing amber ale and meal post-surf with your posse. The kitchen is under the expert guidance of Head Chef Nathan Dennard, and trust us when we say you are in good hands! Oh and fun fact: BOBs Beer is an acronym for Best of Beers. Cue the “ah-haaaa’s”.
Our pick: Bannockburn chicken
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Langham
The brand new super-luxe GC hotel ‘it girl’ The Langham serves up the finest cuisine from the East and the West. Get your posh on and enjoy The Langham Afternoon Tea at Palm Court, and the finest meat, fish and poultry at Akoya. We’re counting down till the opening of T’Ang Court, the hotel group’s signature Michelin-starred destination for fine Cantonese Dining. You had us at Langham.
Our pick: The Langham Afternoon Tea at Palm Court
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club
Nothing says Gold Coast like a meal by the beach at a surf club – and this one is a cracker. Grab a bite at the restaurant offering a modern, alfresco dining experience with a newly refurbished bar and dining area with casual coastal vibes. Or, swing into the Bistro which is always a hit with hangry ankle biters. Winner winner surf club dinner!
Our pick: $12 Lunch Specials
Where: Corner of Hanlan Street & The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Palette
With The Australian Good Food Guide awarding Palette 14 points and two chef’s hats, need we say more?! Situated in the stunning HOTA Gallery, Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law draws inspo from the artworks and exhibitions to show just how naturally art and food blend. There’s also a five-star menu for the plant-based folk, which is good enough to turn even the staunchest meat lover.
Our pick: Lady Musgrave Island Swordfish
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Pancakes on the Rocks
Who could eat pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the answer is everyone. It’s not all about pancakes though, with sweet and savoury crepes, salads, pizzas and their famous beef and pork ribs. They also do a drool-worthy ice-cream soda so warning, the kids will be buzzing on sugar for at least 48 hours but #WorthIt. Tried and tested – on repeat….
Our pick: Lemon Meringue Pancakes
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
San Churro
If the answer isn’t churros then what is the question? With sister branches at Harbour Town and Tweed Village, this Spanish crowd-pleaser is famous for its to-die-for churros (obvs), croffles, gelato, desserts, hot chocolate, fairtrade coffee and shakes. For the non-sweet-tooths there are also scrumptious savoury eats, so everyone can #DiscoverDelicious. Served with only the best chocolate, you might intend to share…but you won’t.
Our pick: Cookie Butter Banana Churros Snack Pack
Where: Circle on Cavill South Tower, 3184 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Alfresco Italian Restaurant
Promising a full belly and a soul filled with love and happiness, say ciao to the much-loved Alfresco. Wowing diners for 30 years, this is where the Gold Coast meets the Amalfi Coast! With recycled timbers, textured walls and epic mood lighting, this place looks as good as it tastes. Everything on the menu is Bellissima, which also applies to the cocktail menu…especially the Long Island Limoncello!
Our pick: Schnitzel & Spaghetti Bolognese
Where: Wyndham Hotel, 3018 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar
Team Shiraz have given their newest location a major face-lift, with a completely new white and teal aesthetic fitted with over 200 seats, including interior and alfresco dining areas. Enjoy authentic Persian-style entrees, kebabs, lamb shanks, marinated lamb cutlets, chicken skewers, baklava, tiramisu and much more, with vegetarian options also available. Cue the drool.
Our pick: Shishlik
Where: Mantra Wings, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise Beer Garden
It’s the heart and soul of Surfers and it just keeps on getting better. Notorious for its fresh menu and beer towers, it continues to cook up flavour-filled goodness with local seafood, meaty pizzas, pub classics and more. Add the nostalgia factor with the infamous ‘adults playground’ offering Jenga, Connect Four, Foot-Pool, Shufl and more, and it’s the obvious choice to work on your ‘six-pack’.
Our pick: Chicken Parmi
Where: Paradise Centre, Corner Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Island Gold Coast
Goldie’s at The Island has gained quite the following with its impressive burgers, seafood, steaks, wood oven pizzas, fresh locally sourced produce, and off-the-chart good cocktails. And, why not pop up to The Island Rooftop Bar for views of the stunning Gold Coast skyline, plus a range of delicious cocktails, share platters and more wood-fired pizzas. The perfect spot to spend the day. Yes please!
Our pick: Italian Sausage Wood Oven Pizza
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
La Diosa Mexicana
A modern Mexican restaurant with exquisite cocktails and lots (and lots) of tequila. Can we get a hell yeah?! With arches, cacti and all things cool for days, not to mention a menu jam-packed with Mexicana goodness, expect all the usual suspects like tostadas, enchiladas, quesadillas, nachos and burritos – it’s pure mexcellence. Oh and Taco Tuesdays here are a vibe!
Our pick: Burrito Super Bowl
Where: Circle on Cavill, 3184 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Seascape Restaurant + Bar
Perched above the hustle of the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, Seascape offers a multi-level venue with a chic Bistro and Bar and a fine dining restaurant, both with amazing ocean views. For those serious about their seafood (us), this is THE place for o-fish-ally the best eats from our pristine waters. If you have something to celebrate in the warmer months, book The Rooftop…you can thank us later.
Our pick: Lobster and Blue Spanner Carb Lasagne
Where: Level 1 & 2, Soul Boardwalk, The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Yamagen Japanese Izakaya
Tucked away in the QT, this is new generation Japanese for the discerning diner. Executive Chef Adam Lane brings a tantalising Omakase experience, offset by a whisky list filled with the most refined Japanese distillery drops, and an incredible sake selection. The glossy enamel black finishes frame the venue’s eye-catching details which scream “insta me”.
Our pick: Sushi and Sashimi Platter
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
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
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.
