Surfers Paradise, QLD

Surfers Paradise is the home of beach volleyball in Australia, with everything from rounds of the Australian Beach Volleyball Series to social game grudge matches played out on our golden sands. Casual social games run Wednesday evening and Saturday morning, with the pros coming out to play throughout summer for the Queensland Beach Volleyball Open, the Australian Beach Volleyball Series and the Queensland Beach Volleyball Series.

Surfers Paradise Beach's gentle Pacific Ocean shore breaks and challenging banks provide ideal conditions for surfers of all skill levels. If you are looking to learn to surf, there are two popular local surf schools set up in Surfers Paradise to get you started. Go Ride a Wave and the Cheyne Horan Learn to Surf School offer beginner classes for kids and adults, as well as surfboard and wetsuit hire. Taking the plunge is as simple as mustering the will and making the phone call.

Assuming that you want to experience the sea, the best time to hit the Gold Coast in between October and March when temperatures climb. Be aware that Schoolies lasts from mid November through to the first week of December, when the entire area is invaded by tens of thousands of 17-18 year-olds who have just finished high school and head to the beaches to let off steam and celebrate. It is a huge party - but if drunken teenagers aren't your scene then this is a time to avoid.Summer is from December to February and the temperatures range between 20°C - 28°C.Whilist it is very hot at this time, it is also the best time for beach activities including sun bathing, swimming and watersports. Autumn is from March to May and the weather is great for both indoor and outdoor activities. Winter from June to September is a great time for golfing and bowling. The Gold Coast is especially busy with domestic visitors in the winter when the south of Australia is considerably colder.