Set right in the heart of the city's tourist hub, Surfers Paradise beach never fails to attract a sizeable cosmopolitan crowd. While proximity to highrises, nightclubs, restaurants and shops is possibly the main appeal of Surfers beach, its clean stretch of white sand and sparkling surf don't hurt either.

The crowd is also an attraction here - sunkissed backpackers in bikinis or swimshorts lay alongside families building sandcastles and oiled up exotic types soaking up their share of warm Queensland sun. Fortunately, space is generous with the beach stretching more than 3km so everyone can claim a patch of sand without having to venture too far for a dip between the flags. Well accustomed to watching over less surf-savvy visitors, lifeguards are always on the ball here.

You can hire surf boards and body boards, or line up a surf lesson, from a few different operators on The Esplanade near the main beach entrance.

Facilities Beach showers just off the sand. The closest toilets are in the shopping centre opposite the beach or a three-minute walk along The Esplanade at the intersection with Elkhorn Avenue.

Parking along the Esplanade directly either side of Cavill Mall: $1.80/hr, 2 hour limit, 9am-7pm Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm Sunday. North of View Avenue along The Esplanade (500m/5 minutes' walk to Surfers beach), parking is free with a 3-hour limit - 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, 9am-12 noon Saturday.

Patrolled Flags are directly opposite Cavill Mall

Nearby Cross the road from The Esplanade and you've got all the shops and services of Surfers Paradise at your disposal.

The walk north from Surfers beach to Narrowneck is a pleasant stretch (1.5km/18mins).