Paradise Centre

PARADISE CENTRE’S REDEVELOPMENT OPENS, AND WELCOME TO UTOPIA

Foodies, shoppers, tourists and locals… prepare yourselves.

Is it just us (it’s not) or is there A.LOT going on in our beloved Surfers Paradise right now? It goes without saying that it’s always been a non-negotiable for visitors, because a trip to the GC just isn’t a trip to the GC without a stint in our tourism capital. And let’s be real, it’s certainly housed a fair share of good times for us ‘natives’. From beach days to big nights (the latter of which live on in our somewhat blurred memories – and faded prints from our disposable cameras), it’s always held a special place in our hearts. Well, our iconic glitter strip is now shimmering brighter than ever with Paradise Centre’s $40 million redevelopment! *cue jaw drop.

Redefining the Gold Coast’s beachfront dining and shopping scene, Paradise Centre has unveiled a stunning new exterior with eight brand new dining experiences, complete with unparalleled ocean views. There’s also the addition of some very welcome retail hard hitters, and oh how we love this for us. Let’s talk food first because the only thing we live for more than shopping is eating, and absolutely no-one is surprised to hear this.

Providing locals and tourists alike with an eclectic mix of culinary offerings, there’s revamped classics and some BIG new players. We don’t like to name drop (we do), but Paradise Centre 2.0 will also include the famous Wahlberg family’s first Queensland instalment of their Wahlburgers restaurant. Serving up gourmet burger goodness, suddenly all we can think about is a young Mark Wahlberg in his Calvin Kleins circa 1992 and honestly, that changed us.

Back to the task at hand, the stunning revitalisation features legendary tex-mex restaurant El Camino Cantina. What’s extra exciting is that this particular El Camino is home to the chain’s very first breaky in Oz. And, the only thing better than going out for Mexican or for breakfast, is going out for a Mexican breakfast! Also on the new Paradise Centre’s star-studded restaurant roll-call will soon be American institution TGI Fridays, and our day has legit just been made.

It’s not all about American and Mexi themed nosh though, with other popular additions in the melting pot of multicultural nomming offerings. We’re talking flavoursome Italiano cooking as good as Nonna’s at Enzo’s Cucina, and Thai food so authentic that even ‘Thai-hard’ food critics will agree that all you need is ‘larb’ – and Nahm Talay Thai!

Everyone’s quick, fresh and healthy food-onthe-go hero, Hero Sushi, made the cut, as did Gelato Messina and its 40 redonkulously good varieties of gelato #IDie. Another note-worthy addition is the premium barista-made coffee and modern Aussie cuisine at La Playa, coz one can never have too much quality caffeine in their life.

Also injecting new blood into the Surfers region is the refurbished Eastern Mall. Who can resist Ava Beauty, Stateside Sports, Rip Curl and Baku Swimwear, and may we suggest you try on the latest bikinis before you hit the restaurants…for obvious reasons #BurgerBloat #TheStruggleIsReal. Joining other recently launched Surf Dive N’ Ski and Vans, the Paradise Centre’s line-up of shopping haunts will delight any shopper.

This sensational redevelopment adds to Paradise Centre’s 90+ specialty shops, alfresco dining and humdinger entertainment precinct with the world’s largest Timezone, Zone Bowling, MANIAX Axe Throwing, and more to come. In our humble opinion, this couldn’t have come at a better time with new hotels opening and action a-plenty unfolding around the heart of the GC.

Now more than ever, our beloved Surfers Paradise is doing justice to the second part of its idyllic name, thanks to the likes of our favourite seaside shopping and dining hub, the levelled-up Paradise Centre.

Words by Bianca Trathen

FOLLOW THEM HERE

an eclectic mix of culinary offerings…