Gold Coast Beaches

The sparkling waters of the Gold Coast beaches are the ideal location to enjoy a dip, catch a wave or relax with friends. The pristine golden sand is the perfect spot to play beach cricket, throw a frisbee or build a sandcastle.

Comprised of 21 patrolled beaches, this beautiful stretch of coastline features a number of popular spots.

Whether you are heading to the beach to enjoy a family day out, ride the waves, or enjoy a quiet swim, Gold Coast beaches have it all. Below is a list of some of the most popular beach areas, and the best activities to enjoy there.

Beyond the glitz of Marina Mirage and past the excitments of Seaworld lies the Spit – a pristine stretch of beach-fringed by dunes.

On the north end, you have the choice between the calm water of the Broadwater and the vigorous waves of the ocean. This is also where you will find the rock wall - a jetty where you can admire exceptional views of South Stradbroke Island on one side and Surfers Paradise high rises on the other side.

The Spit is a very popular surf spot as its breaks are regular and clean. However, you are likely to see experienced surfers paddling across the strong currents of the channel, escaping to South Stradbroke Island to seek bigger waves.

Numerous sand walking trails throughout the dunes offer a beautiful alternative to a walk on the beach, as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife. A well maintained bike path runs from the Seaway to Surfers Paradise for the enthusiast.

Sheltered barbecue facilities and a playground for the kids can be found at Philip Park (opposite Seaworld), and a cafe serves refreshments at the northern end near the big carpark.

Extending from the Broadwater in the north, and Surfers Paradise in the south, Main Beach is a popular surf and fishing beach.

The first surf beach to be inhabited by locals, Main Beach is located in the suburb of Southport. With a large children's playground and superb fishing, this beach area is popular with locals and visitors alike.

Dart and bream can be caught from the beach, and the fishing platform off Barney Street is best for catching whiting, bream and trevally as the tide rolls in.

Undoubtedly the Gold Coast's busiest and most popular beach, Surfers Paradise is also one of the friendliest and most convenient! The beach is just metres from Cavill Mall, where there are plenty of cafes, shops and services.

The small surf makes Surfers Paradise an ideal place to swim, and there's an abundance of space and sand to relax on. This patrolled beach is monitored for extended hours every day, so you can make the most of your holiday. Don't forget that the Queensland sun is quite strong, so make sure you apply plenty of sunscreen.

Every Friday, beachfront markets are located along the esplanade, and are a great place to pick up souvenirs and knick knacks.

An ideal family spot, Broadbeach has a number of playgrounds, sheltered picnic areas and barbecues. The consistent surf here means that it is a great place to try your hand at riding the waves, or to watch the surf lifesavers during competition time!

Stretching for some 2 kilometres, Broadbeach faces to the east. Running parallel to the shore is a deep gutter (approximately 5 metres from the beach), which helps to create large waves.

Broadbeach Mall is located just a few metres from the beach, and is an ideal place to grab a bite to eat, or snap up a few bargains. Kurrawa Surf Club is a great spot to enjoy a meal, and is popular with the locals.

As its name suggests, Mermaid Beach is a tranquil spot to enjoy all the Gold Coast has to offer. Much quieter that its northern neighbours, Mermaid Beach is set away from the many high rises that dominate the skylines of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The beach has a small swell, making for ideal swimming conditions. However, board riders can generally find some action off the banks.

The kids will love burning off some energy in Ken Mansbridge Park, and the many quiet picnic and barbecue areas provide a great place for a low cost lunch or dinner.

Another good family beach, Nobby Beach has calm beach breaks and plenty of picnic areas.

Miami Beach offers a relaxing beachfront with plenty of shade, sheltered barbecue and picnic areas. The surf picks up a little when there's a south-easterly, beaten only by the swell off Burleigh Point.

Fishing off the rocks during a small swell, when the wind is teasing from the west, is your best chance for a decent catch of dart and bream. The fishing platform at Pizzey Park is the spot to catch mangrove jack, bream and flathead around high tide.

Head south to Burleigh along the path or head up the cliff to some breathtaking views.

Hosting many professinal surfing championships, Burleigh Heads is a point break that is famous the world over. The picnic and barbecue areas are ideal for those do-it-yourself meals. Otherwise, pop over to the cafe precinct on James Street. Here you will find a number of laidback family cafes, offering a variety of food and beverages.

Parklands line the beaches of Burleigh, creating a tranquil setting and ensuring it is a great place to keep cool on a hot day! Some of the most picturesque and iconic beach scenes can be spotted here, from the traditional pines to the glistening water and unobstructed sunsets.

Take a scenic walk from Miami cliffs to the headland, or try a trail through the Burleigh Heads National Park. A quick climb up the cliff reveals some of the stunning views this area is known for, which stretch along the coastline.

Tallebudgera is the ideal spot for a family day out. The calm warm waters of the creek offer safe swimming for younger children. Barbecue facilities include a sheltered picnic area and well equipped children's playground.
 
For the surfers, small beach waves can be found off the open beach just south of the headland, where they are protected from the wind.

Fishing from the beach is productive with the rock wall offering excellent opportunities to access the deeper waters of the channel.

Take a walk across the bridge and around the headland, through the National Park to Burleigh Heads, or enjoy the more secluded beach to the south.

Offering pristine white sandy beaches, Palm Beach is usually quieter than the beaches situated further north.

Palm Beach boasts a wide boardwalk adjacent to the Surf Life Saving Club, where you will find tables and chairs - the perfect spot for a relaxing meal while the kids explore the nearby playground.

The smaller surf break means the beach is much quieter and is an ideal spot to paddle out and body surf.

Dart and bream can be caught from the beach or in the hollows on either side of the rock walls at high tide.

Currumbin boasts a charming beach that benefits from a constant breeze. The small waves are perfect for beginner surfers, while the stronger right-hand break that runs across the mouth of the river is recommended for more experienced riders.

Slightly away from the beach lies a calm creek, the perfect area to take smaller children. There are also a number of rockpools at Currumbin Beach, ideal for budding scientists and inquisitive minds!

Tugun and Bilinga both offer clean sandy beaches of a quality that easily rival those further north, without the crowds.

Shaded picnic and barbecue facilities sit adjacent to the beach, with children's playgrounds to entertain the kids.

Surfers will find plenty of breaks on the open beaches, without the lineups or hassles found at other breaks.

Fish the beach for dart and bream during the day or at night, with the cooler months bringing more fish. South at Bilinga, fish the rocky outcrops with good results.

Stroll south along the beach, enjoying a break from the crowds, and follow the walkway to enjoy the shade provided by the overhanging trees.

Kirra Point is the most famous surfer's beach on the Gold Coast. 

Enjoy the shaded areas off the boardwalk and let the kids roam free in the children's playground. The wide white sandy beach offers loads of space for a kick of the football or a hit of cricket.  

Experienced surfers will be challenged and beginners will enjoy the smaller swell closer to the shore. Kirra is most popular during the cyclone season, when the east and north-east winds increase the swell. The current can be strong, pulling to the north, so keep an eye on your mates.

Fish off the beach any time for dart and bream, or try your luck at high tide next to the stormwater drain.

Take a tranquil walk across the soft warm sand to Greenmount, or get comfy and watch the surfers try their luck off the point.

With plenty of sand at Greenmount, there's enough space for everyone to have a relaxing day. Enjoy the warmth of the sun or relax in the shade of the Norfolk Pines. Coolangatta and Greenmount are the only north-facing beaches along the Gold Coast, offering ideal sheltered conditions.

Stroll along the esplanade to one of the children's playgrounds or enjoy a barbecue lunch. The surf club offers spectacular views over the beach to Surfers Paradise and is a great place for a leisurely meal.

Small, clean surf breaks can be found at Greenmount, increasing in size to around two metres as you head north towards the point. The best surfing can be found around the point at Snapper Rocks, where there are consistently larger clean breaks.

Enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of sun damage.

• Wear a long-sleeved shirt, a broad-brimmed hat, and take care to apply sunscreen to exposed skin.
• Avoid being outside in the middle of the day and take care to drink plenty of water in the warmer months.
• The sun can be just as damaging in the winter months as it is in the middle of summer. Limit your exposure to ensure that you do not burn.
  

For your safety, Surf Lifesavers use the following flag systems to inform swimmers of conditions:

• Red and Yellow Flags - These represent the safest swimming spots. Be sure to swim between the flags.
• Yellow Flags - CAUTION! Potentially dangerous conditions
• Red Flags - DANGER! Beach is closed due to dangerous conditions
• Red and White Chequered Flags - Sharks have been sighted in the area
• Blue Flags - Surfers' board riding area

Surf Lifesavers