SOUL BOARDWALK IS SO MUCH A PART OF THE FABRIC OF SURFERS PARADISE THATS YOU’D BE FORGIVEN FOR WALKING ALONG IT WITHOUT EVEN REALISING IT. AS THE ARES OUTDOOR SHOPPING AND DINING PRECINCT, SOUL BOARDWALK IS HOME TO INTERNATIONAL LABELS, LOCAL RESTAURANTS, UNIQUE ONE-OFF ATTRACTIONS, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN – MAKING IT THE PERFECT PIT-STOP OF A QUICK BITE TO EAT AND AN AIMLESS WANDER.
Located just off the iconic Cavill Ave., Soul Boardwalk is a Gold Coast institution in and of itself. Boasting a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment destinations, all perfectly positioned on the Surfers’ beachfront, it’s truly a one-stop- shop for tourists and locals. Plus, it’s got underground parking that’s free for the first hour, and $8 flat rate after 4pm – a massive win. Heading to Soul Boardwalk? Here are some spots you just can’t miss.
FUN
Ripley’s Believe it or Not has been attracting visitors to Surfers Paradise with its weird and wonderful displays for years. The artefacts, photographs and cartoons on display are straight from the collection of the iconic Mr Robert Ripley, who travelled the world in search of the unusual and unbelievable. An awesome location for a family day out, Ripley’s Believe it or Not on Soul Boardwalk truly has to be seen to be believed. Looking at the shopfront, it’s hard to believe that the precinct houses a laser room – think Catherine Zeta-Jones in Entrapment – a musical staircase and holographic dance floor. All of this alongside hundreds of strange artefacts, from shrunken heads to fertility statues (which, legend has it, will allow whoever touches it to fall pregnant).
FOOD
Love Mexican, but don’t love how heavy you feel after chowing down on a big plate of
nachos? Gringo Loco Cantina is your new fave joint. Fresh and light, this authentic
Mexican restaurant offers all of the usual dishes – tacos, burritos, enchiladas – along with foods straight out of Tijuana, like street corn and fajita swords. Even more authentic than the food? The range of Mexican alcohol! We’re talking tequila so smooth you don’t need a lemon or salt, and more cocktails than you can poke a piñata stick at. Plus, there’s 50% off on Taco Tuesdays. Need we say more?
If you’re after something a little more upscale, you can’t go past Seascape Restaurant & Bar. With three levels of luxury, this spot has everything for everyone – a family-friendly bistro with al fresco dining, a restaurant specialising in Australian cuisine and seafood (of course), and the only absolute beachfront rooftop precinct on the Gold Coast. You’ll have a hard time deciding whether the food or the view is better.
For quick, cheap eats, you can’t go past Vapiano and Hog’s Breath Café. Both restaurants do lunches on the cheap, both for dine-in and take-away. $10 at Vapiano will get you a pizza or bowl of pasta, while $9.90 at Hog’s Breath will get you a range of lunches, from fish and chips to a smoky beef wrap or a Hog’s club sandwich.
FASHION
69Slam Australia has been making waves since it dropped in Australia early last year.
Fresh out of Canggu, Bali, this surf/swim brand already has stores in 45 other countries and is all about living life to the max – so it’s no surprise that they chose Surfers Paradise to open their flagship Australian store. With a few key styles that all come in a range of fabrics, the concept behind this brand is simple yet effective and there is seriously something for everyone.