When you are on the lookout for unique, funny, beautiful, or special gifts, homewares, beauty products and more, you simply can’t go past the Surfers Paradise beachfront markets! The only Gold Coast night markets around, there’s simply so much to do and see when you stop by the Esplanade along the world- famous Surfers Paradise beach to peruse the incredible array of stalls, food vendors, and entertainment.
Where, when, and why to visit
The Surfers night markets run every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 5pm along the Foreshore at the end of Cavill Mall on the Esplanade. To get to the markets from our Chevron Island accommodation is an easy five-minute drive, or an eleven-minute walk straight towards the beach across the Thomas Drive bridge, and straight along Elkhorn Avenue. Head down as the sun starts to set and soak up every second of the tranquil Twilight atmosphere and calming cool ocean breezes.
You can’t miss the markets, with over a hundred stalls set up along the beach, you will enjoy mingling with the locals or fellow visitors to the Gold Coast as you browse the huge range of items on display, and you’ll soon learn why these fantastic night markets were voted as the Best of Queensland Experiences according to Tourism & Events Queensland.
You can watch with wonder as talented local artists create masterpieces before your very eyes. Live buskers and entertainers will keep you singing and dancing, laughing, or watching on with wide eyes as they perform spectacular feats and tricks. There are incredible food vendors on-site to offer you a whole range of culinary treats that will tantalise your tastebuds, from desserts to fresh produce, curries to kettle corn. You’ll be spoiled for choice, and tempted to return again to sample different dishes!
The stalls themselves are hard to fault, with such a huge range of products and services available that you’re bound to find something to catch your eye. Whether it’s premium fashion brands or casual beachwear, you can find unique and high-quality clothing items with ease, and pair your new outfit perfectly with a selection from the handmade accessories or jewellery ranges on display.
There are eco-friendly creations, natural beauty products, knick-knacks of all descriptions, and plenty of products of interest to families with younger children. You can pick up prints using local photography, or find beautiful homewares to suit your taste perfectly and recreate that relaxed holiday feel in your own home.
Top spots to dine before heading to the markets
If an after-dinner stroll to explore the markets is more up your alley than indulging with a bit of street food, there are some truly fantastic restaurants along the way as you walk from Karana Palms to the Surfers Paradise night markets.
Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. is an absolute favourite amongst locals, with the most mouthwatering burgers around, including vegan and kids choices. Then of course the favourite “concretes’ … AKA frozen custard ice creams in phenomenal flavours such as chocolate hazelnut donut, almond toffee marshmallow, and lemon raspberry cheesecake. Betty’s is fully licenced as well, which means if you enjoy a beer, cider, or glass of wine with your meal, you won’t be disappointed.
The Clock Hotel is another dining hotspot that you won’t want to miss on your Chevron Island stay. With three bars set over three magnificent levels on Surfers Paradise Boulevard there’s more character and charm in this trendy watering hole than you can poke a stick at. With a modern Australian menu and pub classics, you’ll love the dishes delivered made from the freshest local ingredients for you to enjoy with a selection from the impressive craft beer or cocktail menu.
Sandbar is the perfect place to stop in for a meal that comes with spectacular ocean views along the beachfront Esplanade. Modern dishes in a blissful alfresco dining atmosphere. With the Gold Coast’s largest range of beers, a sumptuous cocktail menu, and chef-designed innovative menus you’ll be guaranteed to find something that tickles your fancy. Having recently undergone an incredible renovation, you can have an affordable dining experience with the freshest and most mouthwatering selections, while enjoying some seriously fine seaside sophistication.
After the markets
When you’re done shopping, dining, and enjoying a sneaky beverage or two in the heart of Surfers Paradise you can head back to your home away from home in just minutes when you stay at Karana Palms Apartments on Chevron Island. Our one-bedroom self-contained apartments are the perfect choice for solo travellers, couples looking to enjoy a romantic weekend away or a longer coastal getaway, or young families looking for an idyllic holiday in the sunshine. Accommodating up to four people, and with full kitchen and laundry facilities as well as TV, private courtyard or balcony, and easy access to the best Gold Coast attractions you’ll be glad you booked a stay at Karana Palms.
You can make the most of our fantastic facilities to make the very most of your stay with long swims in the resort’s sparkling outdoor swimming pool set in a secluded tropical setting. You can make use of the guest barbecue area and enjoy dining with family or friends alfresco style as the sun goes down. If an action-packed holiday is more your style, simply stop by the tour desk and chat to us about the best local theme parks, tours, experiences, and places to visit. We can help you arrange your tickets and transfers fuss-free!
Check out our comfortable self contained holiday apartments just a stone’s throw from Surfers Paradise here.