Why you’ll want to winter in Paradise Centre this year

There’s more to explore on the sun-lit Gold Coast this winter at Paradise Centre.

Those living in Australia’s southern states know there are some months of the year when the beach becomes a little too bracing to be enjoyed. These are the days that signal it’s time to flee to Queensland for a dose of vitamin sea.

These are the days that signal it’s time to flee to Queensland for a dose of vitamin sea.

Fortunately, up north on the Gold Coast, the beaches remain sun-drenched and agreeably warm year-round. There are many good reasons southerners flock to the Gold Coast come wintertime – and, it’s not just for its glittering beaches either. In fact, there are plenty of things to do that don’t involve sandy toes in this iconic holiday destination.

The beaches remain sun-drenched and agreeably warm year-round.

Sometimes, a slice of paradise can be found in unexpected places. Just metres from the beaches of Surfers Paradise lies Paradise Centre, a hub for entertainment, dining and shopping.

Just metres from the beaches of Surfers Paradise lies Paradise Centre, a hub for entertainment, dining and shopping.

Whether you’re travelling to the coast with your family, as a couple, or on a relaxing solo retreat, here’s where you’ll find a tempting choice of attractions that are bound to take you by surprise.

For young travellers (and the young at heart), Paradise Centre is home to the world’s largest Timezone. This is not your average arcade experience. Here, glow-in-the-dark golf, a laser-tag arena, bumper cars and more than 200 games await. Ideal for an action-packed afternoon out, this sprawling Timezone offers a fun time for all ages.

Opposite Timezone, a brand new Zone Bowling has recently hit the scene at Paradise Centre. The Gold Coast’s new go-to venue for a fun-filled night out with family or friends, Zone Bowling is home to 12 interactive bowling lanes, a cafe and a bar. Here you can celebrate your bowling victories with refreshing cocktails.

Of course, time spent bowling or driving bumper cars can work up an appetite. Luckily, there’s a dining experience to suit every taste on-site at Paradise Centre.

There’s a dining experience to suit every taste on site at Paradise Centre.

For breezy, casual outdoor fare and a beer, the historic Surfers Paradise Beer Garden is an easy choice. Established in 1925, this laid-back tavern has evolved over more than eight decades to become a favourite haunt for both holidaymakers and locals who are drawn here for a quenching drink and a satisfying meal. The venue recently underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment, making it a must-visit GC landmark, with a view of bustling Cavill Mall. There are also plenty of games to keep barflies entertained, including Jenga, Connect Four, Foot-Pool and Shufl.

The legendary Surfers Paradise Beer Garden is an easy choice for a laidback drink and meal.

A taste of Ireland abounds at the ever-lively Kitty O’Shea’s Bar and Restaurant, where drinks and meals are served late into the night – better yet, it offers a prime people-watching spot on Cavill Avenue. Kitty O’Shea’s is the home of hearty fare, from its big Irish brekky to its lunchtime favourite steak sandwiches to its famed beef and Guinness pot pie.

Have a taste of Ireland at the ever-lively Kitty O’Shea’s Bar.

The only challenge here lies in deciding what to eat, with all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ (Shila Korean Restaurant), Italian dishes (Love Italy), robust meals (Salty’s on Cavill), delicious burgers (Grill’d, Lord of the Fries and Hungry Jacks), casual Mexican eats (Guzman y Gomez), sweet and savoury French crêpes (Crêpe Addict), tempting fresh doughnuts (Krispy Kreme), reviving coffee (Starbucks), and much more to choose from. There’s even a Taiwanese tea shop pouring freshly brewed teas (Gong Cha). Try a refreshing taro milk tea or an icy matcha smoothie.

The only challenge here lies in deciding what to eat.

Not just a paradise for surfers, but a shopper’s paradise, too, the centre is home to a bevy of retailers stocking the latest in shoes, clothing, jewellery, accessories, gifts and more. From Platypus to iKandi Sunglasses, to Novo Shoes, Factorie, family-owned Haines & Stephenson Jewellers, Cotton On Body, and more, the centre has all your holiday fashion provisions ready to wear. Just remember to leave a little room in your suitcase.

Holidaymakers who’d like to make time for a moment of pampering while away can make a booking at Paradise Massage, have their nails done at Jade Nails or ProfessioNAIL, visit Auzus Hair and Beauty, or Surfers Paradise Hair Wraps and Braiding. Or, make it a holiday to remember with a session at flagship tattoo studio Celebrity Ink, where world-class tattoo artists bring diverse designs to life.

Not just a paradise for surfers, but a shopper’s paradise, too.

Following a stroll on the beach, there’s always time for ice cream. At Paradise Centre, Royal Copenhagen Ice Cream serves fresh ice cream daily (try the Anzac Biscuit and Maple Macadamia varieties), while Ben & Jerry’s scoops its creative ice cream flavour combinations, including its popular cookie dough range. Those with persistent sweet tooths can also wander into All Sorts of Sweets for a wide selection of British, American, European, Australian and New Zealand confections and iconic grocery items.

The iconic beaches of Surfers Paradise.

Better yet, plans are underway for more developments at the centre, so keep your eyes peeled for some exciting changes the next time you’re in town.

To find out what else you can discover at Paradise Centre, visit paradisecentre.net.au.