The story of this place
Until 1933, this stretch of golden sand was called Elston—a quiet beach town where fishermen cast their lines. Then hotelier Jim Cavill had a vision: he campaigned to rename it Surfers Paradise, a marketing masterstroke that transformed the Gold Coast forever. The first high-rise, Kinkabool, rose in 1959, beginning the race to the sky that would create one of the world's most recognisable skylines.
But Surfers Paradise's most curious tradition began in 1965: the Meter Maids. When parking meters were installed, locals feared they'd drive away tourists. Enter the Meter Maids—young women in gold bikinis who roamed the streets feeding expired meters, saving visitors from fines. The tradition became iconic, though controversial. Today, the beach hosts Schoolies week in November, when thousands of school leavers celebrate graduation, continuing the area's reputation as Australia's party capital.