The Gold Coast is without a doubt a beach with an endless sand bar, interrupted only by forested headlands, blue-water estuaries, and bronze lifeguards. Certainly, there are some big Gold Coast beaches, but there are also many smaller ones, each with its own personality.
Gold Coast beaches are best known for Surfers Paradise - and there is no doubt that it is the most famous. There is a great deal of magic to be discovered in this stunning destination once you venture further out and explore all the different pockets.
Are you ready to discover your new favorite way to unwind? The Gold Coast's most popular beaches, as recommended by locals.
Mermaid Beach to Nobby Beach
"Millionaire's Row" might have an unsavory reputation, but that doesn't mean you have to be a millionaire.
A near-empty stretch of sand, Mermaid Beach is the most exclusive address on the Gold Coast. The sand is so fine it squeaks between your toes, so park in a side street or at Ken Mansbridge Park.
A short stair climbs and 180-degree views in both directions can be found at Miami's knob of the headland, which merges Mermaid Beach with Nobby Beach and Miami.
There is no dining in Nobby Beach, but it's close to the highway or the hipster pocket of Mermaid where restaurants abound. Locals recommend Bam Bam Bakehouse for decadent pastries, Etsu for exquisite Japanese, Bonita Bonita for Mexican and mezcal cocktails, and BSKT for healthy brunches. You can also check out the buzzy Miami Market on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Main Beach
Known for its glitzy resorts and sprawling sand dunes, Main Beach is decidedly more mellow than Surfers Paradise. With views of South Stradbroke Island and glimpses of the Spit (a popular dog-friendly beach), this expansive stretch of white sand is the ideal place for surf lessons.
You can also walk and bike along the 36-kilometer-long Gold Coast Oceanway.
You can eat fish and chips at the seaside or dine at Glass Dining while watching yachts bobbing in the distance.
Surfers Paradise Beach
The Gold Coast is known for its beaches and tourist hubs. You will never get tired of the views in Surfers Paradise, particularly from Sky Point Climb, a stomach-flipping 270 metres above the sand with a backdrop of high-rises, arcade halls, ice-cream shops, and the inevitable shadow by 3 pm.
The Pandanus palms and Tamarisk pines that perfectly frame your holiday photos provide plenty of sand for the whole family to play in on busy weekends. There is a wide, paved boulevard where you can walk, bike, skate, or rollerblade, and there is free outdoor gym equipment if you need to burn off those calories.
Pay parking is available all along the beachfront, but be patient as spots fill up fast. And, as always, listen to the advice of your friendly lifeguard and swim between the flags.
For casual eats or sensational seafood at Seascape, there's no place more classic than the BMD Northcliffe Surf Club. When you're ready to get off the beach, the Island Rooftop is a popular local haunt. Those who like to start their day at sunrise might find these Surfers Paradise coffee spots helpful.
Broadbeach
There is plenty of glistening sand to throw down your Sand free luxury towel from Amity Blue on in Broadbeach, despite a slightly less high-octane and high-rise hotel backdrop. Taking advantage of this Aussie pastime requires sunscreen and an umbrella, or head to Pratten Park with its large playground and free BBQs.
Have you all had enough of the beach? Located just ten minutes from the water, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre will impress even the most discerning shoppers.
Aside from Blues on Broadbeach and the Groundwater Country Music Festival, Broadbeach also hosts some of the most exciting Gold Coast events.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Broadbeach, from glamorous rooftop bars to casual cafes. The Loose Moose bar is a lively spot where you can have a beer after brunch at Elk Espresso or Cardamom Pod. For a nightcap, check out Kiyomi Japanese restaurant, Orzo or Gemelli Italian restaurant, or Mamasan or Hideaway Kitchen plus Bar Asian fusion restaurant.
Coolangatta to Rainbow Bay Beach
Still unsure about packing up and moving to the sea? Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay, two of the premier Gold Coast beaches, could very well seal the deal.
There's nothing better than spending a lazy Sunday (or a whole weekend) at this whimsical beachside postcode. The Snapper Rocks point break has been a popular surfing destination for decades, being the home of world champion surfers like Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson. The shallows and Greenmount are more suitable for beginners than for experts (it can be ruthless).
Enjoy one of the Coast's most picturesque walks from the Point Danger viewpoint, past Froggies Beach, around Greenmount, along Coolly's esplanade, and all the way to Kirra.
A visit to Rainbow Bay SLSC is not complete without a cold drink and a cheap pub lunch. Besides Greenhouse Canteen, Bassk's Italian, and Eddie's Grab House - a dive bar with live music at night - you'll also find plant-based dishes and live music at Eddie's Grab House.
Burleigh Heads Beach
Anyone who lives in Burleigh will tell you it's where the magic happens.
Bohemian-slash-surfy Gold Coast pocket, Burleigh Headland is backed by Norfolk Pine Forest, anchored by James Street, one of the Gold Coast's premier shopping strips, and home to one of its finest beaches.
Surfers like this right-hand point break because of its protection from southerly winds and swells.
It is only by rubbing shoulders with its residents that you can truly discover a place. Burleigh Hill is a popular weekend destination for locals to socialize in the sun.
It is impossible to run out of places to refuel in Burleigh, as it is made for the beach. There are many restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes to visit while you're here, including Rick Shores, Burleigh Pavilion, and The Tropic, right on the sand. A true Gold Coast experience.
Tallebudgera Creek Beach
One of the premier beaches on the Gold Coast is guarded by Tallebudgera Creek, an eye-searingly blue estuary. This is a popular spot for water sports, including stand-up paddleboarding and yoga, as you can sun worship and swim without fear of being tumbled by a vicious wave.
Located between Burleigh in the north and Palm Beach in the south, the creek forms a physical dividing line between these two communities. On the Palm Beach side, you'll find plenty of parking, and on the northern side, there are a few parking spaces.
To truly experience the wonders of Burleigh Head National Park, park the car at Burleigh Hill and stroll 15 minutes along its easy coastal track. Idyllic creeks and beaches greet you through the trees.
Custard Canteen on the Palm Beach side offers freshly baked Portuguese tarts made with fresh local ingredients, making Tallebudgera's appeal even greater. If you're looking for the most delicious eggs benedict on the Coast and easy-going service, wander along the old highway to Espresso Moto.
Feeling hungry in the middle of the afternoon? A rooftop is a place to be when the sun shines. Choose from a variety of cuisines at Wilderness or The Collective Palm Beach - a market-style concept.
Currumbin Beach
Having a country small-town feel is probably what distinguishes Currumbin from other Gold Coast suburbs, says Joel Parkinson, a world champion surfer. Here are a few reasons why we're so in love with it, and you'll love it too.
This family-friendly creek spills into and out of the Pacific Ocean at the entrance to Currumbin Creek. You can try stand-up paddleboarding here if you've ever wanted to test your coordination and patience. It is possible to rent SUP boards from a handful of operators every day; check out The Boat Shed below Thrower Drive bridge, and decide on your direction based on weather and tide.
Are you looking to learn to surf or have you got a surfboard in tow? Known affectionately as Currumbin Alley, this right-hand break is suitable for all levels. The area even has a surf school for beginners.
Known for its low-key nature compared to other Gold Coast beaches, Currumbin offers plenty of local hangouts, including coffee and brunch at The Salt Mill, and beach views and beach fare at Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC. A household name for craft beer lovers, Balter Brewing is located here as well. In the Currumbin industrial estate, Balter HQ was created by four local pro surfers. You won't find a better tank-to-tap-to-pint-glass experience anywhere else.
