It All Started When…

The Tiki Hotel Surfers Paradise owes its beginnings to an Aussie legend with a knack for stirring things up - Bernie Elsey. A bloke who didn’t play by the rules, Bernie’s story is woven into the very fabric of the Gold Coast, transforming Surfers Paradise from a sleepy beach town into the bustling tourism hub it is today.

Bernie Elsey: The Man Who Put Surfers Paradise on the Map

Born in England in 1906, Bernie Elsey made the move Down Under when he was just nine. He landed in Toowoomba, Queensland, and, like many working-class kids of the time, his early years were tough. He didn’t have much formal education, and his chronic stutter made things even harder.

But Bernie wasn’t the type to let setbacks hold him back. He rolled up his sleeves and got stuck into the plumbing trade. Still, he wasn’t content to spend his days fixing pipes. Bernie lived by a simple motto:

“To succeed in life, you have to sell yourself and believe in what you are doing".

Taking a punt on his own skills, Bernie quit plumbing and threw himself into sales, offering to work for a Brisbane food wholesaler (Sanitarium) without pay for a month. It was a bold move, but it paid off. His charm, confidence and sales savvy helped him climb the ranks, and before long, Bernie had his own food distribution business.

By the late 1940s, Bernie had bigger plans. The Gold Coast was starting to make a name for itself, and he knew it was the perfect spot to make his mark.

The Birth of Surfers Paradise as Australia’s Playground

In 1949, Bernie packed up and headed to the Gold Coast, where he saw a golden opportunity. The coast was still finding its feet as a tourist destination, but Bernie had a vision to turn it into Australia’s playground.

His first stop was Coolangatta, but it didn’t take long for Bernie to realise it wasn’t quite his vibe - too conservative, too quiet. Instead, he set his sights on Surfers Paradise, where anything seemed possible.

It wasn’t long before Bernie started shaking things up. He built some of Surfers’ most iconic hotels, including:

• Surfrider Hotel

• Surfers Paradise Beachcomber Hotel

• Tiki Village

But Bernie wasn’t just building places to stay - he was creating entertainment hotspots. His in-house events became legendary. Pajama parties, Hawaiian nights and wild poolside antics filled his hotels with guests and the national papers with headlines.

Bernie wasn’t afraid to push the boundaries, and he knew a bit of controversy was good for business. His larger-than-life personality and bold marketing tactics made him a household name, turning Surfers Paradise into the bustling, lively destination Aussies know and love today.

The Tiki Village: A Game-Changer for the Gold Coast

One of Bernie’s greatest achievements was the creation of Tiki Village, which opened in the early 1980s. It wasn’t your average hotel - it was Australasia’s first purpose-built timeshare resort, a concept that was practically unheard of at the time.

With its Polynesian-inspired architecture and riverfront location, Tiki Village quickly became a hit with holidaymakers. Guests loved the relaxed, tropical vibe, and families flocked to own a slice of paradise.

For decades, Tiki Village operated as a timeshare resort, but by December 2018, it was time for a fresh start. The resort was relaunched as the Tiki Hotel Surfers Paradise, a full-service hotel that continues to offer guests a unique and memorable stay in the heart of the Gold Coast.

Why Bernie Elsey’s Legacy Still Matters

Bernie Elsey wasn’t your typical businessman. He was a risk-taker, a rule-breaker and a true-blue Aussie character. He didn’t shy away from a challenge, and he wasn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.

His unconventional style left a lasting mark on the Gold Coast. He saw the potential of Surfers Paradise before anyone else and helped transform it into one of Australia’s most iconic destinations.

Whether it was wild hotel parties, bold promotions, or creating unique accommodation options, Bernie knew how to draw a crowd and keep them coming back.

The Tiki Hotel Surfers Paradise is a testament to his vision. It’s more than just a hotel - it’s a piece of Gold Coast history, filled with stories of a bloke who saw the future and built it with his bare hands.

Surfers Paradise: Bernie’s Playground

Bernie Elsey’s story is the ultimate rags-to-riches tale, an inspiration for anyone with a dream and the guts to chase it. He didn’t follow the rules. He didn’t care for conventions. He made his own path and, in doing so, helped shape the Gold Coast into Australia’s holiday capital.

Today, as guests check into the Tiki Hotel, they’re stepping into more than just a room - they’re stepping into a slice of Aussie history, a place built by a man who dared to dream big.

Whether you’re here to relax by the pool, enjoy the beach or soak up the Gold Coast’s vibrant nightlife, the spirit of Bernie Elsey lives on. His bold, adventurous approach to life is woven into the fabric of Surfers Paradise, making it a place where anything is possible and everyone’s welcome.

A Bloke Who Dreamed Big and Made It Happen

Bernie Elsey’s legacy is proof that Aussies can achieve anything with a bit of grit, determination and a touch of larrikin charm.

He taught us that life is about taking chances, thinking outside the box and having a bloody good time while you’re at it. His story is a reminder that sometimes it’s the unconventional path that leads to the greatest adventures.

Raise a glass to Bernie Elsey - the man who turned Surfers Paradise into a place where the good times never stop.

Tiki Hotel Apartments Surfers Paradise

One of the best hotels and accommodations near Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise, Tiki Hotel offers a wide range of apartments, from 1 to 3 rooms, suitable for solo travelers, families with kids, and groups of friends.

Address: Cnr Ferny Ave &, Wahroonga Pl, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Check-In: 2:00 PM - Check-Out: 10:00 AM

Phone: (07) 5582 5555

Email: reservations@tikihotel.com.au

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