Surfers Paradise: Nature’s Bounty

The name Surfers Paradise conjures images of beachgoers riding the remarkable waves along Australia's Gold Coast. But it’s not all surfboards and sands. For lovers of the outdoors, Surfers Paradise also offers a multitude of body- and soul-enriching nature activities.

Whether it's hiking and birdwatching in the lush hinterland rainforests, kayaking through hidden coves and mangrove forests, heading out on boats to meet migrating whales, or venturing into the forest after dark to spot glow worms, Surfers (as it's affectionately known) will delight the nature lover inside us all with tons of events to choose from.

Hinterland Hiking

Surfers is a gateway to the Gold Coast hinterland's stunning rainforest hikes. Like living the big-budget Hollywood Avatar movies in real life, head to Lamington National Park to take the O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk. This series of nine suspension bridges takes you on an adventure by weaving through the rainforest canopy. If it's waterfalls and lush gorges you're seeking, Springbrook National Park makes up a quarter of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest and offers hikes that pass trees with roots that are more than 100 million years old.

Coastal Kayaking

Kayaking offers a relaxed way to revel in the beauty of Surfers’ coastline (without having to contend with waves). Paddling the protected, calm waters of the Broadwater, you're likely to spot wild dolphins as well as stingrays and the manatee-like dugongs, also known locally as sea cows. Venturing to South Stradbroke Island, kayakers can navigate through peaceful channels and past pristine beaches and coves, getting a close-up look at the varied bird life along the way.

Glow Worm Spotting

Found only in Australia and New Zealand, glow worms are abundant in the dense Gondwana rainforests surrounding Surfers. For a rare glimpse of the bioluminescent world that awaits after dark, you can head to Tamborine Mountain for a biologist-led guided tour through caves dripping with radiant worms. Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park is another place to see glow worms illuminating the night with their sparkling blue-green light.

Whale Watching

From May to November, humpback whales migrate thousands of miles from the icy feeding grounds of Antarctica to the warm, tropical waters of Queensland. You’ll be amazed as they put on a show with their impressive breaching, tail slapping, and haunting songs. For an intimate audience with the humpbacks, (some measuring up to 50 feet in length!) jump aboard a whale-watching cruise and learn more about these majestic creatures and their annual journey.

Moreton Island

Located just 25 miles off the coast of Brisbane, Moreton Island is blissfully untouched. Nearly all the island is designated as a national park, but there are a few places to eat and one resort. You can snorkel above the Tangalooma Wrecks alongside tropical fish, psychedelic corals, and turtles. Go sandboarding down the world's tallest coastal sand dune. Hike through the island's diverse landscapes. Or spend a lazy day dipping in and out of the breathtaking Blue Lagoon freshwater lake.
Australia is a paradise all its own. There’s a reason it’s a bucket-list destination for vacationers from all around the world. If you’re looking for an unforgettable time, heading to Australia is as good as gold (coast).

Where to Stay:

Discover a unique vacation destination for yourself as you head down under. A visit to Australia isn’t just a bucket-list vacation, it’s an unforgettable experience you’ll be talking about for years. 

When you stay at Marriott Vacation Club^® at Surfers Paradise, you’ll be close to white, sandy beaches, sparkling lagoons, and the best that Australia has to offer. And when you aren’t venturing into the city, stay at the resort and relax with a drink by the pool or a luxurious spa treatment.