Pumpkin hunts and haunted nights await this Halloween at Paradise Centre.
Pumpkin hunts and haunted nights await this Halloween at Paradise Centre.
Hold onto your witches’ hats, Gold Coast! This Halloween, Paradise Centre is pulling out all the tricks (and treats!) to become the ultimate haunt for both families and thrill-seekers. From a pumpkin-packed treasure hunt to the launch of the Gold Coast’s newest scare attraction, it’s set to be a frightfully good time for everyone.
The action kicks off on Friday 31st October with the Paradise Pumpkin Hunt, a free family-friendly adventure running from 4pm to 8pm. Families can register at the Pumpkin Gate on Level 1, where the first 100 participants will receive a complimentary pumpkin bucket to start their hunt. Using a QR code trail, kids will follow clues throughout the centre, collecting letters to solve a secret word and claim a special prize. It’s a night designed to be more charming than chilling, giving families a safe and entertaining way to celebrate Halloween together.
While the little ones are busy hunting pumpkins, seasoned Halloweeners can prepare for something much darker. 31st October also marks the grand opening of Door Seven, an immersive horror experience set to redefine scares on the Gold Coast. Created by the team behind Padlock’d Escape Rooms, this new attraction promises heart-pounding tension with live actors, eerie soundscapes and cinematic special effects. The experience throws visitors into a series of terrifying scenarios where every shadow might be hiding something sinister.
But the thrills don’t end there. The entire Paradise Centre is in full Halloween mode, with shops and restaurants joining in on the fun. Wendy’s is serving limited-edition Frosty Frights, Krispy Kreme has unleashed its new Trick or Treat doughnut range and Starbucks is all about the Pumpkin Spice sips.
The Sporting Globe is adding some competitive spirit with its Halloween Horror Trivia on 29th October, while Surfers Beer Garden will throw a costume party on Halloween night with spooky cocktails, live music and prizes for the best dressed.
El Camino Cantina is hosting its famous Fiesta de Vida, a Halloween-meets-Day of the Dead celebration over two huge weekends of tacos, tequila and live entertainment. On Friday 24th and Saturday 25th October, and again on Friday 31st October and Saturday 1st November, the venue will come alive with DJs, costume competitions, face painting and food specials.
Even the entertainment venues are getting into the spirit. Timezone and Zone Bowling are running Halloween promotions with bonus game credits and plush toy giveaways for players who load up their game cards. Everywhere you look, there’s a hint of something spooky in the air, and plenty of reasons to linger a little longer at Paradise Centre.
From the giggles of children following pumpkin clues to the screams echoing from Door Seven, Paradise Centre promises both magic and mayhem in equal measure.
For more information on all the fun and frights this Halloween at Paradise Centre click here.
T&Cs apply for all offers.
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Daily, 9am until late
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY PARADISE CENTRE
There’s more to the glitter strip than glitter!
It’s right under our nose, but sometimes we forget how many activities there are for the small, medium, and big kids (aka us) in good ‘ole Surfers Paradise. And we’re not just talking about the beach, but a myriad of other cool stuff to keep them entertained and whinge-free these school holidays.
Here are ten ideas to help fill the blanks in your school holiday schedule, with some old faves and a few newbies thrown in for good measure. The best part is not only will you score ‘cool mum’ kudos from the kids, but you’ll get a kick out of them too!
Timezone
I mean, does this place really need an introduction? We’ve all racked up many-an-hour at Timezone in days gone by, and your mini-me’s will love it as much as you did. Probably more, because it’s levelled up its epic-ness in recent times. With arcade games, bowling, mini bowling, mini golf, laser tag, and bumper cars, it’s actual kid heaven…with a touch of nostalgia for us.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Holoverse
This new hi-tech entertainment centre using holograms which look oh-so-real will make you feel like you’re in a Star Wars flick! Pick hologram grass to feed a dinosaur, swim with life-sized holographic whales, compete against your kiddos in holographic sports, play holographic arcade games, and more! Special shoutout for their birthday party packages #theshizzle.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Infinity
To infinity and beyond! Challenge their sense and ignite their imaginations with a unique and mind-blowing 30-minute journey into spectacular, interactive, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder! This walk-through experience is choccas with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, awesome tunes and amazing illusions. Suitable for kiddos aged 8 and above. Get an exclusive 15% off here.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, G31/3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
This iconic home-grown ‘odditorium’ – now with over 300 exhibits and artefacts – is out of this world! A highlight is the new state-of-the-art Ripley’s 7D Moving Theatre where you feel every twist and turn as you compete against your seatmates. Enjoy a Ripley’s LaseRace, find out just what happens to your body in space, make friends with a life-sized R2-D2™ and more. Click here for a special offer.
Where: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise
The Wax Museum
Fancy some famous people watching? There’s no better place than The Wax Museum, home to the largest collection of wax figures in the Southern Hemisphere. Super realistic replicas of celebs, nursery rhyme characters, scientists, explorers, villains, world leaders, and even the crown jewels await (#RIPQueenElizabethII)! For the big kids (if you’re game) check out The Chamber of Horrors (shriek!!). Fancy a discount voucher? You’re welcome.
Where: 56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Quack’r Duck
Is there any such thing as a kid who doesn’t go loco when they spot the big duck cruising down Ferny Ave? Imagine if you actually took them on said duck #eeep. Check out the pristine beaches and landmarks by road, then experience the thrills as the duck splashes into the Broadwater! Admit it – you’ve always wanted to do it too…. Grab a special offer here.
Where: 7 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Fox in a Box
Ever wanted to break out of prison (without actually going to prison)? Or break into a diamond-filled vault in a bank? Or perhaps work out how to open a mysterious chest and unlock its contents and the secret within? You can do all of this and more at Fox in a Box! The rooms are recommended for ages 10 and above, but everyone is welcome to play. Good times!
Where: Level 1/3173 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Padlock’d Escape Rooms
Boasting ten immersive rooms themed to perfection, a visit to Padlock’d Escape Rooms is a great way to ditch reality for a bit (an hour to be exact…) and put your mind to the test. You’ll have a blast and the kids will be tuckered out from all that clue finding, code cracking, and puzzle solving #missionaccomplished. Recommended for ages 10 and above but all ages welcome.
Where: 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Eclipse Escape Rooms
With five diverse, highly immersive, and technologically advanced rooms with insane special effects, bespoke props, and unique storylines leading up to an unforgettable grand finale, what’s not to love? Puzzle solving is designed to be fun and rewarding, with different levels of difficulty available. Kids as young as five can join in the fun, plus babies in prams are welcome in some rooms #StartEmYoung!
Where: Level 1, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise River Cruises
Kids get as pumped about boat rides as we do, so why not jump on a morning, midday, afternoon, or sunset cruise with Surfers Paradise River Cruises! Friendly guides will point out landmarks and homes of the rich and famous around our glitter strip’s waterways, whilst you kick back with the kiddos enjoying complimentary snacks. And mum/dad – there’s a bar…. Cheers! Get 10% off your cruise here.
Where: 63 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Creepin' it real.
Falling on Friday 31st October, Halloween has become quite our (body) bag, and there’s plenty going on in the lead-up to the most fang-tastic night of the year. Whether you’re single and ready to mingle, a Romeo wanting to woo boo his Gouliet, or a ‘mummy’ looking to entertain the little spooks, the GC is where it’s at. And this would be the perfect opportunity to sign off with a skeleton joke, but LBR – you probs wouldn’t find it humerus.
If you’ve got it, haunt it at one of our picks for local Halloween celebrations. Boo-ya!
When Halloween hits, Aviary Rooftop Bar sheds its golden glow for something darker, stranger, and deliciously eerie. From Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November, the rooftop transforms with creepy theming, spooky cocktails, and roaming zombies ready to stir up trouble. Come dressed to impress (or distress) for the Best Dressed Contest on Friday and Saturday nights, with live DJs spinning Halloween beats all weekend long. No tickets, no tricks — just Halloween, the way the rooftop remembers it.
Where: Mantra at Sharks, 4 Melia Court, Southport
When: Friday 31st October from 4pm and Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd November from 2pm
You can always ‘Count’ on YOT Club to create a killer party vibe! YOT Club’s 2025 Halloween party promises a thrilling night of spook-tacular fun on the Gold Coast. Guests can expect a chilling cruise along the Broadwater, sipping on hauntingly good cocktails while dancing to tunes from resident DJs. With prizes for the best costumes, everyone is encouraged to don their creepiest attire. A spooky photo booth will capture all the eerie moments. Get fully decked out in costume and join this ghoulish adventure for a night full of frightful fun!
Where: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
When: Friday 31st October from 7pm – 10pm
Get ready for spine-tingling chills at Movie World’s Fright Nights! Experience terrifying mazes, blood-curdling precincts, thrilling rides, and escape rooms, all after dark from 6pm. Explore five horror mazes, four precincts, and get your adrenaline pumping on your favorite rides. This annual event promises plenty of scares and excitement for thrill-seekers brave enough to face the fear. Indulge in a sinful range of delicious themed treats. Fright Nights is the ultimate Halloween experience on the Gold Coast! Tickets start at $99.
Where: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford
When: Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Friday 31st October from 6pm – 10:30pm (rides until 10pm)
Get ready for Halloween in the Laneway at Cavill Lane, Surfers Paradise! On Friday 31st October from 4pm–9pm, the laneway transforms into a free, all-ages spooky playground packed with magic, markets, and mayhem. Shop The Witches Markets for quirky gifts and hard-to-find supplies, snap photos with roving actors and entertainers, and indulge in food and drinks at the many dining options while showing off your best costume—two $50 Cavill Lane gift vouchers and five $20 Raman Danbo vouchers are up for grabs! Expect smoke, lighting effects, and some minor scares, so bring your bravery (and your camera) for a night of Halloween fun in the heart of Surfers Paradise.
Where: Cavill Lane Surfers Paradise, 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
When: Friday 31st October from 4pm – 9pm
Things are getting spooky fabulous at Lulu this Halloween! On Sunday, 26 October from 1pm, summon your spirit (and your sass) for a hauntingly good Drag Brunch packed with spooky cocktails, brunch bites, and a show that’s equal parts glamour and ghoulish fun. Costumes encouraged, confidence required, this is one brunch you won’t boo-lieve!
Where: Level 2/4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Sunday, 26th October from 1pm
This Halloween, Kirra Beach House turns into the ultimate rooftop fright fest! On Friday 31st October from 8pm – 1am, dance ‘til death to spine-tingling beats from DJs Kessin, Grant, and Billy Lennon while sipping creepy cocktails and showing off your best horror-inspired outfit for the Dress to Distress theme. Expect scares, shots, and a dance floor that refuses to die, gather your crew and lock in your tickets early, because with early birds already sold out, this Beach House of Horrors will pack out fast!
Where: Kirra Beach House, 51 Marine Parade, Kirra
When: Friday, 31st October, 8pm – 1am
Until Sunday 2nd November, QT Gold Coast is serving up the wickedly indulgent Trick or Tea Halloween QTea that’s as spooky as it is scrumptious. Feast on a tower of sweet and savoury treats, from Dracula’s Eyeball beetroot arancini and Witches Hat charcoal cones to smoked salmon coffin sandwiches, ghostly chocolates, choux pastry pumpkins, and pandan scones with mascarpone cream and blueberry jam. Adults can sip on tea, espresso, or the eerie Blood Moon Brew – an iced Geisha green tea with strawberry syrup and lychee and blueberry eyeballs – for $69 per person, while little monsters aged 5–12 can enjoy a playful selection of spooky bites for $39. It’s a frightfully fun way to indulge this Halloween!
Where: QT Gold Coast, 23 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Daily until 2nd November from 12pm
This Halloween, Paradise Centre is the Gold Coast’s ultimate haunt! Families can join the Paradise Pumpkin Hunt from 4 – 8pm, following a QR-code treasure trail to collect letters and win prizes, while thrill-seekers tackle Door Seven, an immersive horror adventure with live actors, special effects, and spine-chilling puzzles. Plus, enjoy Frosty Frights at Wendy’s, Trick or Treat doughnuts at Krispy Kreme, Halloween Trivia at Sporting Globe, El Camino Cantina’s Halloweekend fiesta, and spooky promos at Timezone and Zone Bowling. From pumpkin-chasing kids to heart-pounding scares, Paradise Centre has it all!
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Friday, 31st October, 2025, 4pm – late
This Halloween, Sanctuary Cove Marine Village is the place for little ghouls and goblins to get their spook on! On Friday 31st October from 4pm – 7pm, families can follow the Trick-or-Treat Trail, tackling six fun challenges like cursed ring toss, bobbing for bones, graveyard golf, spooky face painting, and more, then trade their completed trail card for a bag of treats. Keep your eyes peeled for special treasure keys hidden throughout the village or awarded to standout participants, all key holders get the chance to unlock the Halloween Treasure Box for a major prize. With thrills, treats, and treasures galore, it’s a frightfully fun night for the whole family!
Where: Sanctuary Cove Marine Village, Hope Island
When: Friday, 31st October, 4pm – 7pm
Perfect for the whole fam bam, Happy Halloween is back for 2025 with tricks, treats, and spine-tingling fun! Little ghosts and goblins can follow the free trick-or-treat trail, collecting tokens, solving riddles, and swapping them for sweet surprises, while families enjoy festive shows, dazzling décor, and the interactive thrills of Professor Peanutbutter’s Bubble Laboratory. Take a moonlit stroll through Dreamworld’s wildlife, ride your favourite attractions under the stars, and don your spookiest outfit for Belinda’s Boo-tiful Costume Contest, with gift card prizes up for grabs each night. Tickets are $49 per adult or child, free for kids under 3, and Annual Passholders get in free, but hurry, these nights sell out fast!
Where: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
When: 17th, 24th, 25th & 31st October, from 5:30pm – 9pm
Don’t miss out on spooktacular family fun! Throughout October, Sea World is transforming into a frightfully fun destination for Spooky Nights. Grab the kids, and explore their spooky precincts filled with live entertainment, thrilling rides, and spooky surprises. Don’t forget to catch the Monster Mayhem Laser Lightshow, it’s sure to be a scream! Perfect for all ages, it’s the ultimate Halloween family adventure on the Gold Coast! Get one free entry with a Village Roadshow One Pass or purchase your ticket for $69.
Where: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
When: Daily until Friday 31st October from 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Halloween just went intergalactic! From Wednesday 29 October to Saturday 1 November, Astra Lumina transforms into a cosmic Halloween wonderland at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Wander the dazzling, illuminated trail with spooky trick-or-treat stations, get your face painted with astral designs, and meet cosmic entertainers from another galaxy.
Kids dressed in their spookiest costumes get free entry (one free child per paying adult), making this a stellar family-friendly adventure. With galactic lights, themed treats, and otherworldly fun around every corner, it’s Halloween… but make it truly out of this world.
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
When: Wednesday 29 October – Saturday 1 November, 2025, sessions from 6:15pm
Words by Belinda Symons
It's called 'Paradise' for a reason.
Paradise calling… And by that, we mean Surfers Paradise of course. You might have thought it’s all just bikini and booze but there is so much more just waiting for you to rediscover. Whether you’ve been looking for something laid-back to take the whole fam to or something a little bit fancy for that date night you’ve been putting off, and of course, somewhere to have a cheeky beverage – Surfers has it all. Did we mention it’s beachside?
So we’ve done the leg work and found the 10 must-try spots for you to get the best feed in the heart of the Coast.
Citrique
It’s one of the Gold Coast’s most loved buffets, Citrique takes its reputation seriously. For real, its award-winning seafood buffet is the GOAT for a reason – think fresh prawns, oysters and lobster tails (did someone say boujee) alongside flavours of the world. If breakfast is more your vibe then you’re in luck because they’re dishing up all-you-can eat breakfast and weekend long lunches alongside their signature seafood feast. Calling the beautiful JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa home, you would expect nothing less from this five-star favourite!
Our pick: Anything seafood!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Langham
If feeling a bit fancy is on the menu then The Langham Gold Coast is the destination. Just as luxe as you’d expect the international hotel to be, The Langham can’t stop, won’t stop on delivering the finest food from the East and the West. Meticulously plated, T’ang Court is where precision meets passion with each dish a show of art for the ultimate Cantonese fine-dining affair. Dine beachfront while you treat yourself at Akoya or pop down to Palm Court for a spot of Afternoon Tea.
Our pick: The Langham’s iconic chef’s menu at T’ang Court
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Palette
Palette stormed onto the dining scene just a few short years ago and it’s been a fan favourite ever since. Located within the HOTA Gallery, this dining spot brings art to life with Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law using the Gallery’s exhibitions to inspire the decadent degustation menu. The award-winning restaurant has also modestly received Two Chef Hats from AGFG, which is reason enough for us to book a table already. Art you can eat? Yes please.
Our pick: Go all in on the Tasting Menu you absolutely won’t regret it
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar
Shiraz have been calling their Surfers Paradise corner home for a couple of years now, so I suppose you could say they’ve settled in well. The perfect spot whether you’re looking for a cute date night or somewhere to take the entire family, Shiraz’s incredibly chic interior is big enough (like, 200 seats big) for you to get your authentic Persian fix. Best enjoyed with their namesake’s Shiraz. Ps. If you don’t feel like cooking on a Monday (honestly, who does) then pop in for their BYO day – it would be rude not to.
Our pick: We can’t pick favourites, so go hard on the banquet, we say
Where: Mantra Wings, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
The Island Gold Coast
This Island has long been a landmark of the Gold Coast and we think the reason locals and visitors on the Goldie love this place is in part thanks to an aptly named spot called, Goldies. With a huge lineup of foodie favourites from steak and seafood through to pizzas and parmy’s there’s something to satisfy everyone’s cravings. If you’re after a tipple then the Rooftop is the place to perch up with a Pina Colada in hand while you soak in the iconic Gold Coast skyline, we just love a dining destination that’s as vibrant as the city itself.
Our pick: Mare e Monti Pizza
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Yamagen Japanese Izakaya
Tucked away in the QT, this is new generation Japanese for the discerning diner. It’s modern fine dining in a way that ignites all of your senses while celebrating the best of authentic Japanese cuisine. Market fresh sashimi dishes are the hero of the menu, bringing the freshest fare and flavours together to be expertly paired with vast whisky list.
Our pick: Sashimi Moriawase for a taste of it all
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Avenue
Everyone has a story from The Avenue, right? And for good reason. Where else can you go and literally spend all night long there. Pop in for a bite at the restaurant and stay for the vibes at the nightclub or one of the iconic drag shows. Live music venues are becoming harder and harder to find, but luckily for us The Avenue aka the home of live music is doing the heavy lifting so you can sip back and listen to sweet tunes every week.
Our pick: Crispy Pork Belly
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen
There’s something about sipping back on a cocktail while you look at the ocean that just makes it taste that much sweeter. Fortunately for you, that view and those cocktails are accompanied by one of the best new additions to the restaurant scene. Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen brings the perfect balance of fancy food with a relaxed vibe, so you can soak up your surrounds while indulging on your choice of steak or seafood, or head out to the Terrace Bar for more relaxed bites.
Our pick: Kingfish Ceviche
Where: Ocean by Meriton – Level 1, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Central Lounge
Something you might not know about us is that we love a lounge bar, so you bet we were fans of Central Lounge the moment those glorious doors opened. Massive cocktail list? Check. Epic easts? Check. R&B Sunday sessions? Check. We’ll go ahead and call that a trifecta. If you’ve been hunting for a stylish spot to sip cocktails and people watch, then this the place for you.
Our pick: Crab Linguine
Where: 8/27 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Driftwood Social
Driftwood Social, tucked just off Ferny Ave brings blissed-out, Miami pool club vibes to the banks of the Nerang River – and if it’s been a while between drinks, this secluded social spot is every bit as lush as you remember. A stacked menu is another real drawcard, and don’t be tempted to assume we’re talking basic bar bites here.
Our pick: Linguine Alla Vodka And Prawns
Where: 42 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
