Surfers Paradise is not just a paradise for surfers – arts lovers have a terrific facility they can visit too. Perched on the Nerang River behind the famous Gold Coast skyline, HOTA is a hip precinct that includes two theatres, two cinemas, an outdoor stage, a café and several function rooms. (The new HOTA Gallery opened in 2021.) This is where you go to see comedy, theatre, arthouse movies, circuses, touring bands, kids' shows and workshops.
First opened in 1986, HOTA was originally known as the Keith Hunt Community Entertainment and Arts Centre, and later the Gold Coast Arts Centre and the Arts Centre Gold Coast. The most recent name change took place in 2018. The impressive HOTA Bridge, which links the centre to Chevron Island and makes it more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, opened in early 2020.