The sprawling Australia Fair in Southport may admittedly not be much to look at from the outside, but of all the shopping centres in the city (and the Gold Coast is definitely not lacking in the shopping centre department) Australia Fair is likely the one we most frequently find ourselves in, thanks in part to its convenient location next to a major transport hub only 2.3km north of Surfers Paradise. Boasting some 230 shops of all shapes and sizes, as well as a Gold Class cinema and food court with views over the adjacent Broadwater, the centre is currently undergoing stage one of its extension renovation and modernisation plan, which should be completed by the end of 2017. Directly opposite Scarborough Street, and connected via a skybridge, the newly opened Australia Fair Metro is already home to some great dining options, while the immediate vicinity in the heart of Southport is a veritable paradise for foodies with cuisine from pretty much every corner of the globe waiting to be tasted. Parking is free for the first three hours, while cinema goers and shoppers spending over $100 get five hours at no charge.