Imagine flying through the air without a care in the world and nobody strapped to your back with a HD Camera filming your every (terrified) facial expression.

Enter iFLY – a giant glass wind tunnel in the heart of Surfers Paradise allowing people of all ages and abilities to do exactly that.

Basically, you lean gently into the tunnel and are held in the air by winds of up to 170kph as if you’re flying.

It’s exhilarating, adrenaline pumping and not at all scary, each flight is equivalent to a 14,000-foot sky dive and the best part is, there’s no falling.

Wind speed is controlled based on each flyers weight and size and everyone gets a minimum of two flights. Book into the special High Fly sessions and experience a trained instructor whizzing you up to the top of the tunnel on your second flight!

Flying through the air not your thing? Feel free to sit in the viewing area and take photos of other people attempting to master the art and the impressive instructor demonstrations.

Popular with everyone from the local skydiving community to visiting families and those simply looking to try something unique, iFLY is also a great core fitness workout and the perfect physical activity no matter the weather.

So whether you’re three or 103, if you long to feel the wind in your air but aren’t too keen to leave the comfort of an airplane, you’re in luck.

Hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm.

Address: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, QLD.

Words by Kirra Smith.

SPECIAL OFFER:

iFLY is holding their first birthday bash on February 11th. There’ll be face painting, a colouring competition, helium balloons and 30% off for first time flyers.

Book online using the promo code WEAREONE.

There has always been a section of the populous that actively enjoys being scared out of their wits. We’re talking about the ones who watch scary movies in the dark and will stand as close as possible to the edge of a terribly high drop — all in the name of a better view, right? Or maybe you’re more the person who gets their thrills by turning the toaster up in the morning and pushing the limits of how much to toast your sourdough before it burns.

Whether you are one of these people or not, it’s fair to say we all like to have our hearts rush, just in varying degrees, it seems!

So, when the only means to make your day is to have an extreme injection of adrenaline, you’ll be pleased to learn we have some adrenaline-pumping activates right here at home. No travel required. Read on to learn where you can make your heart skip a beat — all you thrill-seekers out there!

Skydive
For obvious reasons, this one is right up there when it comes to adrenaline rushes. Throw yourself out of a perfectly good plane and hurtle through the sky reaching 200 km/h in just 7 seconds — sure, why not, sounds like fun. The gang at Gold Coast Skydive have you covered with skydives that will have you soaring through the sky above the Pacific Ocean before coming to a soft landing on the prettiest patch of sand around: Kirra Beach, no less. The instructors are seasoned professionals, but if you’ve never done this before, and you find yourself at the door about to jump, do not underestimate what’s about to happen!
Where: Gold Coast Skydive, 18 Coyne Street, Coolangatta

Sling Shot
Usually, extreme activities, such as bungee jumping and skydiving, take place in wide-open spaces well away from crowds and onlookers. Not with Sling Shot. This jolt of excitement is sure to get even the hardiest of action seekers hearts’ racing. Found just off the beach in Surfers Paradise, this attraction has one sole purpose: to propel its participants skywards at alarming speed! How does accelerating to 160 km/h and reaching over 80 metres high whilst experiencing 6G of atmospheric pressure sound? We’d recommend this one before dinner, folks.
Where: 6 Palm Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Hang Gliding
Did you know that southeast Queensland is a mecca for hang gliding and parasailing? Why not incorporate glorious mountain vistas into having a death-defying experience at the same time? There’s no better way to take in the hinterland from high up above with another qualified human strapped to your back. Launch sites include the picturesque Beechmont and high above the valley floor, Mt Tamborine. Strap in with SE QLD Hang Gliding and experience the actual feeling of flying — sans jet engine!
Where: 92/118 Tamborine Mountain Road, North Tamborine

Go Karting
Car racing was definitely our career in a former life for reasons we don’t need to discuss here. The relevance though, is that driving a car around a track at super-fast speeds is a good time and the ultimate adrenaline rush. Shrink that down into a mini version complete with helmets and the possibility of beating your friends and you’ve got yourself an adrenaline rush. Test your racing skills at one of these sweet spots (we’ve got discounts too!): Kingston Park Raceway or Slideways Go Karting

SkyPoint Climb
You may be reasonably chilled stepping into the elevator and ascending a staggering 77 levels to the Observation Deck. But no friends, that is not the adrenaline rush part just yet. Once on top of the Q1 — Australia’s tallest building — above the golden sand of Surfers Paradise, you’ll be 270 metres up in the clouds for 90 minutes, just strolling around gazing at 360-degree views of the Gold Coast at your leisure. It’s beautiful and terrifying and an absolute Gold Coast must-do for visitors and locals alike.
Where: SkyPoint Observation Deck, 9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Jet Ski Safaris
Skimming across pristine water at high speed whilst experiencing a side of the northern Gold Coast you’re unlikely to have seen is what you can expect from Gold Coast Jet Ski Safaris. And the best part? You get to drive the ski, and there’s no need for experience or a license. Take a ski to yourself or pair up with somebody you trust, as the high-speed jinks offered range from a quick 30-minute blast to a grander 2.5 hr exploration of South Stradbroke and nearby mangroves — with an obligatory stop off at a beachside bar of course!
Where: 7A 60-70 SeaWorld Drive, Main Beach

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Once upon a time we left holidaymakers to their own devices in arguably the GC’s most famous beachside suburb, but off the beaten path – well to be fair, some are still very much on it – locals have been keeping these gems all to themselves for a little too long if you ask us. That’s right, Surfers Paradise is more than a postcard-perfect destination, it’s a lifestyle locals love to embrace, because why should we leave all the fun to the tourists! So now we’re here to spill the beans on all the reasons locals can’t get enough of Surfers Paradise.

For all-in-one spots
Surfers Paradise does convenience like a pro with destinations where you can shop, eat, and play all in one spot. Paradise Centre is a beachside fave with a mix of fashion, food, and fun, right at your fingertips in the heart of Cavill Mall. Just a short stroll away you’ll find Soul Boardwalk where laidback vibes met beachside dining and retail therapy aplenty – because what better way to get the food digesting than with a shopping moment.

If an urban escape is more up your alley then pop on over to Chevron Renaissance for all your boutique shopping needs, whether it’s a bite to eat, to grab groceries for the week, a new fit for that special event or a pedicure pamper moment your wish is their command. The two hour free parking is also a big drawcard!

All-you-can eats
If you’re in the market for a buffet that’ll bowl you over then you’ve come to the right place because at this point buffet should be Surfers Paradise’s middle name.

Locals know that they’ve got the buffet game locked down so if you’re up for eating so much seafood you’ll need to unbutton your pants to fit in another plate then Citrique at the JW Marriott has your name all over it.

Just down the highway you’ll find a bustling international market that dreams (and hungry bellies) are made of with QT Gold Coast’s iconic Bazaar Marketplace experience.

Edging on the cusp of neighbouring Broady, Horizon Sky Dining might have pretty much everything on the menu but what about revolving panoramic views of the Gold Coast? They’ve got those two and we’ll take a plate of both thank you very much.

For your morning sips
If you’re anything like us, the day doesn’t start until coffee has been sipped. Kickstart your day with the perfect brew at ESPL Coffee. This beachside gem is great for delicious bites with a friendly vibe.

If you’re seeking people who are serious about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the destination you seek. They are committed to producing the highest quality coffee there is — just ask the locals!

Like your morning sip with a side of epic treats? Janus Bakehouse is for you… don’t mind us drooling just thinking about it.

To escape the hustle & bustle head to Bumbles. Budds Beach has long been a local secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day.

For you harder sips
Fancy a cocktail (or five)? Well you’ve come to the right place because Surfers is a cocktail connoisseur’s dream come true. After sunset – okay maybe before too – Surfers turns into a cocktail connoisseur’s playground.

Lulu Rooftop is the newest addition to the scene, serving up a funky art deco aesthetic alongside sophisticated sips.

Sports fan? Hit up The Sporting Globe to get all the sporting action live and loud or get ready to yeehaw and let loose at Cowboys, with a bucking bull taking pride of place the Americana vibes are vibing.

Okay party people, we hear you asking where to go get Gold Coast vibes going and it’s obviously got to be Cali Beach Club – it’s giving European inspired beach party so you’re guaranteed a good time. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it we say, so it’s no wonder locals keep going back for more at The Island Rooftop, an institution for good reason you can’t beat the open air and the huge beverage list never fails us.

For drinks with a view Surfers Pavilion has nailed casual waterfront meets ‘I don’t want to leave yet’ as it overlooks the canal so you can watch the boats drift by. Hinterland your preferred view? Well, The Exhibitionist Bar’s got them aplenty, actually they’ve got panoramic sight of the whole GC so take your pick. Back over on the beachside Coast Beach Bar are home to some of the best marg’s on the GC and even better views of the suburb’s namesake beach.

For casual eats
Sometimes you just want to keep it low-key and you know what, that doesn’t have to mean that the flavours are low-key too. You go-to for authentic Thai flavours has got to be Sura Thai, dine in to make the most of the cosy and authentic feel or grab your favourites to-go. Shiraz Persian Restaurant has become known as the Coast’s best Middle Eastern bites with aromatic Persian dishes like tender kebabs gracing the menu.

Don’t sleep on Velaa’s Asian fusion fare from classic poke bowls and new flavours like their signature Thai Milk Tea Parfait (uh, YUM) just waiting for you to discover.

We like big burgers and we cannot lie so Wahlburgers is a must-try for us, plus you might even sneak a peek at Mark Wahlburg when he’s in town next if you’re lucky!

Alright, this one is definitely loved by more than just locals, HOTA’s Markets are the ultimate hangout to ring in Sunday Funday, pick up all the local farm fresh produce and flowers your heard desires and then grab a bite (we’re looking at you, Mio Wraps) and a sweet treat for the road and thank us later.

For something a little bit fancy
Now’s the time to bust out your best fancy fit because Surfers has some pretty boujee spots up their sleeves.

Nestled beneath the HOTA Gallery, Palette proves that fine dining is back, baby! Treat yourself to the degustation for the full experience, with dishes and cocktails inspired by the each gallery exhibition you need to see it – or taste it – to believe it.

The buffet is always a winner at Citrique, but have you tried their a la carte? Take this as your sign to snag a seat and let the food come to you while you spoil yourself with the Chef’s Signature Bay Bug Dumplings (life-changing) or some chargrilled Australian Wagyu.

Elevated Thai is the word at Nahm Talay Thai, all your regular favourites but even better and cocktails that are just begging to be instagrammed – bonus point for the beach front views.

Let the good times roll
Surfers Paradise isn’t short on adrenaline or intrigue and it doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 50^th time visiting, they still pack the same punch in our humble opinion.

Scale SkyPoint for unbeatable views atop the Q1, chill out (literally) at the IceBar and get a moment to reflect at the Mirror Bar – see what we did there.

If you’d rather enter another dimension for a little while then Infinity is begging for you to explore their mysterious maze or drop into Other World HQ and escape the ordinary with mind-bending interactive games and escape rooms. Test your team work (and maybe patience) at Eclipse Escape Rooms and Fox in a Box, go on – put that big ol’ brain to work.

We’re partial to a trip down nostalgia lane so we’re always down to battle it out at Timezone, and when there’s fun for all ages on the menu how could you not! Feeling flighty? Take a literal leap of faith at iFly and get a taste of indoor skydiving before you brave the great outdoors.

Gosh all that exploring calls with some pampering to finish the day, but not without its quirks! Barefoot Fish have tanks full of fish – yep, real live fish – just waiting for you to dip in for a soak so they can get rid of any dry or dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski