Perhaps you thought this section of Queensand's Gold Coast was just for surfies. It would be understandable considering the name, but you'd be wrong. In fact, Surfers Paradise and environs has something for everyone. Families with kids have the choice of four theme parks, or you can just go shopping, play sports or relax on the beach, take boat trips, or just hang loose and enjoy the food and nightlife.

The beaches are at the heart of Surfers Paradise and deservedly so. Surfers Paradise beach was voted as one of the best beaches in the world by the American Travel Channel. And even if surfing is not your thing, there's plenty to do. You can just relax and sunbathe, join in one of the energetic games of beach volleyball, or partake in a range of exhilarating water sports.

Other options include heading out to sea on fishing charters or whale watching cruises. The Whales in Paradise cruise takes you out to the abode of the hump backed whales. Enjoy the site of bottle nosed dolphins, giant loggerhead turtles, killer whales and a variety of sea birds on the way.

For more timid views of aquatic fauna, you can visit the Seaworld theme park. This is home to such creatures as dolphins, seals, sharks and polar bears. Seaworld houses Shark Bay, the world’s largest artificial lagoon which is populated with a fierce contingent of sharks. Other attractions include Polar Bear Shores, the Waterski Wipeout show, and Sesame Street Beach.

Seaworld is located on Seaworld Drive on Main Beach, just two miles north of Surfers Paradise. It's open from 10am - 5.00pm all year.

Another theme park that's great for the kids is Wet'n'wild Water World. Billed as Australia’s premier water theme park, it offers high-octane aquatic thrills with whirlpools and roller coasters.

The biggie here is Mammoth Falls and there' also the Giant Wave Pool and the more sedate Calypso Beach. Wet'n'wild Water World is located 20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise and it opens at 10.00am every day, closing times vary throughout the year.

Then if you want some action away from the beach, you can go bungee jumping, or play mini golf or have 18 holes at one of the nearby professional golf courses. The Surfers Paradise Golf Club offers lush, well-watered fairways and some challenging holes.

If nightlife is your thing, Surfers Paradise is a great place to be with its pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurant. Most of the bars and clubs are situated along Orchid Avenue near Cavill Avenue. You can enjoy a lively street scene as in the evening you can see balloon artistry, buskers, circus acts, mimes, and street artists.

Surfers Paradise's lively night scene also offers ten-pin bowling, video arcades, theatres, cabaret restaurants, and there are free magic shows in the Paradise Centre on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

One of the pleasures of staying at Surfers Paradise is the fine range of quality accommodation available. You can choose from a host of Surfers Paradise hotels including Classic Holidays at Sovereign Gold Coast and BreakFree Acapulco Resort Gold Coast.

Richard Greaves has over 20 years experience in the travel industry and writes for Cheaper than Hotels. Cheaper than Hotels offers Surfers Paradise hotels as Classic Holidays at Sovereign Gold Coast and BreakFree Acapulco Resort Gold Coast.