Surfers Paradise

"The jewel in the crown of the Gold Coast is undoubtedly Surfers Paradise, one of the country’s most recognised destinations," says Tourism and Events Queensland.

This has been a hotspot for visitors ever since tourism for the general population took off in the 1920s when the area was still named Elston. It was changed in 1933 to match what everyone already called it.

The famous Cavill Avenue - one of Queensland's busiest shopping strips and entertainment areas - and Cavill Mall are named after Jim Cavill who established the original Surfers Paradise Hotel.

Among the many high-rises you could live in, the Q1 was the world's tallest residential building until 2011, and, with its vanity height, is still Australia’s tallest building. The suburb’s residents are ethnically diverse too, with less than half born in Australia.

Surrounded by the rest of the Gold Coast, education options and employment sectors are plentiful, as are sporting, artistic and many other recreational activities.

Light rail, busses and the Gold Coast Highway serve everyone's transport needs, and Gold Coast Airport offers a handy alternative to Brisbane's.