The Beaches

Head to the beach for a swim. Almost all Gold Coast beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and provided you swim between the flags, are very safe.  

If you're looking for a spot that's calmer for the kids, there's a protected swimming enclosure at Southport, just opposite Australia Fair. Tallebudgera Creek also offers plenty of protected spots away from the surf, and the views...!

Go for a walk on the beach at sunrise to welcome a new day. After dark you'll have the beach to yourself as you watch the moon rise out of the ocean, gilding the landscape with a silver sheen. 

The beaches are generally safe, but use your common sense at places that are deserted in the wee hours.

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 or 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 highrises on the other side. You can also stroll along the Sandpumping Jetty, which will give you an even better panorama, but it will cost you a small fee.

The Spit is a very popular surf spot as the breaks are regular and clean. However you are likely to see experienced surfers paddling across the strong courants 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 and the opportunity to spot wildlife. A well maintained bike path runs from the Seaway to Surfers Paradise for the enthusiast.

Sheltered BBQ facilities and a playground for the kids can be found at Philip Park (Opposite Seaworld) and a café serve refreshments at the northern end near the big car park.

So named for it's relationship to the town of Southport, Main beach was the first surf beach to be frequented by locals. Bordered by the Spit and the Broadwater to the north, and Surfers Paradise to the south, Main Beach remains a popular surf and fishing beach.

If you're feeling energetic, the small surf is perfect for a surf so hire a board and head out. Once you've worked up an appetite, grab a snack at the historic bathing pavilion, or drop in to the surf lifesaving club. 

Fish from the beach at any time of the day for dart and bream. Winter months bring better catches with more fish and less competition. Head to the fishing platform off Barney Street, near the Southport Bridge to catch whiting, bream and trevally as the tide comes in.

Sunrise is the best time for a walk with a spectacular view and cooler temperatiures. Consider strolling along the beach into Surfers Paradise and stopping in for breakfast.  

Surfers Paradise is undoubtedly the Gold Coast's busiest beach. Once known as Elston, Surfers Paradise locals voted for a name change in the 1920's and became the famous destination everyone knows. 

The beach is only a couple of steps from all the conveniences. The shops, eateries, and diverse entertainments of Cavill Avenue will provide you with everything you like or need. Cool down from the heat with a delicious ice-cream, take a break from the sand for lunch, fall for new trendy swim-wear or simply refuel on sun-screen.
In Surfers Paradise the atmosphere is both vibrant and relaxing, a perfect mix for the perfect holidays.

From Cavill Avenue, walk to the Surfers Paradise arch – a famous landmark at the beach entrance, where you are more than likely to stop for a photo shot! Once your feet in the sand turn around, and admire the impressive contrast between the massive highrises and the endless blue ocean. It is absolutely mind-blowing.

The swimming is very good, but can be a bit strong at time. Lifesaver guards are posted there every day for extended hours. The surf is small but adequate if you get out and away from the crowds.

Along the beachfront, a delightful night market comes alive every Friday, and in summer free movies are regularly projected on a huge screen right in the middle of the beach. Here your seat is your own towel, a nice way to end your day at the beach, isn’t it?

Broadbeach boasts well equipped parks with sheltered picnic areas, ample BBQ's and great playgrounds for the kids.

Stroll along the popular ocean paths and experience the beach markets in Kurrawa Park or head into Broadbeach Mall to a laid back cafe or shop at the Oasis and local shopping precinct.

The surfing swell is small yet consistent, but be prepared to share it with the surf life savers at carnival time.

Fish off the beach for dart and bream or enjoy a walk along the shore into Surfers Paradise.

Mermaid Beach is like its name, very charming. It is somewhat quieter than Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Far from the high rises, houses and small buildings fringed the beach creating a delightful setting – you wish you lived there!

The surf is generally low key but a few good waves can be found off the banks.

Mermaid Beach Surf Club is an ideal location to have lunch or a couple of drinks with stunning views. You can enjoy also sheltered picnic areas and let the children go wild in the playground in Ken Mansbridge Park.

Miami Beach offers relaxing beachfront with plenty of shade with sheltered BBQ and picnic areas.

The surf picks up a little when there's a south-easter, only beaten 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.

Nobby's beach offers calm beach breaks and good BBQ and picnic areas. 

Burleigh Heads is a world famous point break hosting many annual professional surfing championships.

Across from the surfing action, James Street is a laidback cafe precinct featuring an assortment of family owned retailers surviving the push to sell out to the chain stores. Further north on the Esplanade you will find another serie of eateries, as well as some barbecues facilities in the beachfront parks.

A beautiful walk will bring you from the Miami cliffs to the breaks at the headland. You can also enjoy shorter and easier trails through the Burleigh heads National Park and try to spot wallabies.

The car park at the top of Goodwin Terrace is the perfect vantage point to check out the swell or to watch the day fade from tangerine to hot pink to purple.

Tallebudgera is the ideal spot for a family day out. The calm warm waters of the creek offer safe swimming for younger children. BBQ facilities include a sheltered picnic area and well equipped children's playground area.
 
For the surfers, small beach waves can be found on 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 those 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 kid's explore the nearby playground.

The swell waits for those happy to accept a smaller surf break in exchange for a break from the crowds. 

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

Currumbin boasts a charming beach that benefits of 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.

The Surf Club hang straight up the water offering fantastic views over the coast.

Currumbin also features a calm creek sightly away from the beach that is perfect if you have toddlers with you.

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

Shaded picnic and BBQ facilities sit adjacent to the beach, with children's playgrounds to amuse 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 and less competition. 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 storm water 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.

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

Clean small surf breaks can be found at Greenmount, increasing in size to around two metres as you head north toward the point. The best surfing with consistently larger clean breaks, can be found around the point at Snapper Rocks.
 
Enjoy an afternoon walk along the beach and watch as the views to the north open up as you go. 

Enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of sun damage.

• Wear long sleeved shirts, a broad-brimmed hat, 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.