Surfers Paradise’s history is fascinating. It seems that the Aborigines knew of the delights of the area long before Europeans arrived. The area around Surfers was renowned for its excellent fishing grounds.

The area began to develop in the late nineteenth century when a small group of fishermen and holidaymakers realised the delights of the area and started to move in. There was a hotel in the region by 1888 but the only access from the north was by ferry across the Nerang River at Southport.

In 1925 a wooden bridge was built and this was updated in 1966.

The place was known as Elston until the locals, encouraged by the success of the Surfers Paradise Hotel, petitioned to have this rather neutral name changed to something, which evoked undiluted pleasure.

The origins of the modern town really date to 1923 when James Cavill paid £40 for a block of land and proceeded to build his famous Surfers Paradise Hotel.

Two years later the bridge across the Nerang River was built giving access to the hotel, which boasted a small zoo and excellent gardens. A decade later Cavill and the locals had changed the name of the town to the name of the hotel.

The great change in the area occurred in the 1950's. The Surfers Paradise Hotel had been used during World War 11 by convalescing soldiers who now returned with their wives and families to enjoy the beach and the excellent climate.

Today, Surfers Paradise is a very popular holiday destination in Australia. With world famous surf beaches, international standard accommodation and exciting attractions, it has everything for all holidaymakers. A sunny sub-tropical climate and a year-round festive atmosphere combine to make Surfers Paradise one of Queensland's top tourist holiday destinations.