Surfers Paradise Revitalisation - Trial Pedestrianisation of The Esplanade

Next steps for Surfers Paradise Revitalisation - Trial Pedestrianisation of The Esplanade!

We’re trialling a new idea: turning a 250-metre stretch of The Esplanade into a pedestrian-friendly space to see if it helps make Surfers Paradise more vibrant and welcoming.

Why are we doing this?

Over the past few years, we’ve spoken with the community about how to improve and renew Surfers Paradise. This started in 2019 with the Surfers Paradise Business Centre Place Making Master Plan, and continued in 2023 with the release of the first design concept for the Surfers Paradise Revitalisation project, focusing on upgrades to Cavill Avenue, Cavill Mall, and The Esplanade.

Based on subsequent community feedback, we updated the concept to include pedestrianising a section of The Esplanade. In April 2025, we asked for more input on this and 71% of respondents supported the idea.

What’s happening now?

To test the updated concept, the City has temporarily closed a 250-metre section of The Esplanade between Hanlan Street and the roundabout near the Soul building to vehicles.

The trial is being extended to ensure the City can properly assess recent traffic changes (which include the reinstatement of one-way traffic on Elkhorn Avenue between Orchid Avenue and The Esplanade). This was a significant change to the local road network and needed to be made carefully, and we now need to allow enough time to see how it performs in real conditions.

The extension also gives the community a meaningful opportunity to experience the trial over the peak summer season, when Surfers Paradise is at its busiest.

What will the trial help us learn?

  • How traffic flows through Surfers Paradise during the trial closure of The Esplanade
  • How the community responds to the pedestrian friendly space
  • Whether visitation and time spent in the area increases
  • What the community thinks about the events and pedestrianisation

Have your say!

We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts on the extension of the trial and help shape the future of Surfers Paradise.

Community engagement runs from Friday 19 December to Tuesday 31 March 2026.

Next steps for Surfers Paradise Revitalisation - Trial Pedestrianisation of The Esplanade!

We’re trialling a new idea: turning a 250-metre stretch of The Esplanade into a pedestrian-friendly space to see if it helps make Surfers Paradise more vibrant and welcoming.

Why are we doing this?

Over the past few years, we’ve spoken with the community about how to improve and renew Surfers Paradise. This started in 2019 with the Surfers Paradise Business Centre Place Making Master Plan, and continued in 2023 with the release of the first design concept for the Surfers Paradise Revitalisation project, focusing on upgrades to Cavill Avenue, Cavill Mall, and The Esplanade.

Based on subsequent community feedback, we updated the concept to include pedestrianising a section of The Esplanade. In April 2025, we asked for more input on this and 71% of respondents supported the idea.

What’s happening now?

To test the updated concept, the City has temporarily closed a 250-metre section of The Esplanade between Hanlan Street and the roundabout near the Soul building to vehicles.

The trial is being extended to ensure the City can properly assess recent traffic changes (which include the reinstatement of one-way traffic on Elkhorn Avenue between Orchid Avenue and The Esplanade). This was a significant change to the local road network and needed to be made carefully, and we now need to allow enough time to see how it performs in real conditions.

The extension also gives the community a meaningful opportunity to experience the trial over the peak summer season, when Surfers Paradise is at its busiest.

What will the trial help us learn?

  • How traffic flows through Surfers Paradise during the trial closure of The Esplanade
  • How the community responds to the pedestrian friendly space
  • Whether visitation and time spent in the area increases
  • What the community thinks about the events and pedestrianisation

Have your say!

We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts on the extension of the trial and help shape the future of Surfers Paradise.

Community engagement runs from Friday 19 December to Tuesday 31 March 2026.

Page last updated: 19 Dec 2025, 04:15 PM