Surfers Paradise in name, and Paradise in nature.
Surfers Paradise in name, and Paradise in nature.
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 9th 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.
