By Lauren Quaintance

There’s nowhere more quintessentially Australian than Surfers Paradise. With its 1.93-kilometer stretch of sand in the heart of Queensland’s Gold Coast, this beach community attracts families, surfers, and sun worshippers keen to enjoy its laid-back lifestyle. Get outdoors and experience the best of what Australia has to offer with a holiday to Marriott Vacation Club^℠ at Surfers Paradise. Discover your sense of adventure and try some of these memorable activities:

CATCH A WAVE AND LEARN TO SURF

Surfers Paradise lives up to its name whether you’re a novice or an experienced surfer. Ask the resort Concierge to help book a private or small group lesson with one of the local surf schools, which will provide everything you need, from boards and wetsuits to a dedicated coach. After the lesson, head back to the resort to soothe your sore muscles with a soak in the whirlpool spa or a relaxing massage at Ruby Spa.

GO HUMPBACK WHALE WATCHING

If you’re visiting Surfers Paradise between May and November, you might be lucky enough to spot a humpback whale as they migrate from Antarctica to warmer waters. Head to vantage points such as Burleigh Hill, Point Danger, and Miami Lookout in the early morning or late afternoon. You can get even closer to the action and book a guided boat excursion. Watch males breaching the water and slapping the surface to attract mates, or witness mothers guiding their calves.

HIT THE THEME PARKS

Beyond the beach, the Gold Coast is well known for its family-friendly theme parks. Plunge down waterslides at Wet’n’Wild, thrill the thrill-seekers in your family on the rides at Dreamworld, or take a behind-the-scenes look at the movies at Warner Bros. Movie World.

CRUISE ALONG THE WATERWAYS

Close to the Surfers Paradise busy main strip lies an extensive network of peaceful waterways, canals, and rivers. Set out on a river cruise and explore more than 804.6 kilometers of navigable tidal waterways including residential canals built in the 1950s where some of the area’s finest homes and boats reside.

GET UP CLOSE WITH KOALAS AND KANGAROOS

Located near the resort, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place to experience Australia’s native wildlife right in front of your eyes. Discover hands-on activities — feed a kangaroo, learn what it takes to be a raptor handler, or cuddle your own furry koala.

RELAX AT THE RESORT

A holiday shouldn’t be all action all the time. Build a day in your itinerary to rest and recharge at the resort. Book a variety of hair and body treatments at Ruby Spa or spend the day lying by the pool and participating in interactive events around the resort. Kids can take a junior mixology class, play in the Games Room, and get a mermaid hair makeover. Adults have their own mixology class as well as family-friendly activities like cupcake decorating; pizza making; and an at-your-leisure, resort-wide scavenger hunt.

Visit your Member website to make a reservation at Marriott Vacation Club at Surfers Paradise.