General Information

Gold Coast Beaches are fun and ripe for exploration, no matter what your interest. Down by the water you can take a leisurely swim, tackle some of the world's best surf breaks or scuba dive historic shipwrecks. Between the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the city limits you'll find a gathering place for everyone - at outdoor cafes, family entertainment parks and colourful shopping centres. Beyond the bright lights is the enchanted hinterland, offering breathtaking scenery and a priceless rainforest legacy.
The Gold Coast is famous for its stunning beaches with 70km of uninterrupted coastline. You'll be overwhelmed by the choice - open stretches of white sandy beaches with rolling ocean, protected family beaches nestling amongst palms and rocky headlands, rock pools and island retreats.
Beach culture is a way of life on the Gold Coast. Go for an early morning walk, try beach fishing or cool off in a protected waterway. Beaches extend from South Stradbroke Island in the north to Cabarita Beach to the south. Learn to surf - there are numerous surf schools.

There are more than 40 patrolled beaches in peak seasons with the Gold Coast City Council's professional lifeguards plus volunteers from Queensland Surf Life Saving Clubs, a proud tradition for more than 90 years. Holidaymakers can visit clubs for a bite to eat. The Gold Coast hosts Australian surf and surf life saving championships and many locals have won Australian or world titles. Parklands adjacent to beach areas offer family-friendly facilities.

South Stradbroke Island
The island features 22km of open ocean beach with melaleuca wetland and remnant Livistona rainforest. The Gold Coast's most unpopulated beach, you can visit South Stradbroke via a 20-minute ferry ride from Runaway Bay Marina (20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise). There are several resorts offering day tripper facilities including water sports and guided environmental tours and a Gold Coast City Council-serviced camping facility. Take a water taxi or hire a boat from Mariner's Cove to reach the island and there's also a marina at Couran Cove for boat owners.

Main Beach
A popular beach for early morning walks; try the scenic path from Surfers Paradise north passing Narrowneck where an artificial reef has been created to protect this expanse of sand from big surf. Stop for refreshments at the historic Main Beach bathing pavilion or the Southport Surf Life Saving Club, or head to Main Beach's Tedder Avenue. Further north, you can head out along the 500m jetty at The Spit - take your fishing rod along. Dive sites include the wreck of the Scottish Prince. The Federation Walk heads through Littoral forest.

Surfers Paradise
Nominated as ''the world's best beach'' by the 'Travel Channel' awards, Surfers Paradise lives up to its name. Free beach volleyball competitions offer fun while the nearby cafes and shopping areas make it easy to take a break with an ice-cream. Just off the beach is Cavill Avenue with shops and plenty of dining options. Every Friday night a popular craft market is set up along the beach esplanade where you can find quality handicrafts and gifts.

Broadbeach
With a wide expanse of sand and adjoining parkland offering playground equipment and picnic facilities, Broadbeach is home to Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club, host of the annual Australian Surf Lifesaving Titles. Broadbeach Mall and Surf Parade are lined with trendy outdoor cafes, a choice of major shopping centres and award-winning restaurants. There's a craft market on the first and third Sunday of every month and a lantern craft market Friday nights (September to May).

Burleigh Heads
Burleigh's distinctive beach is studded with pines and pandanus palms. The gently curving beach is protected by Burleigh headland, offering magical views north to Surfers Paradise skyline. Famed worldwide for its tubular Burleigh Barrel waves, the beach is also the venue for major international surfboard riding tournaments. There are two surf clubs, and Burleigh Heads National Park offers pleasant walks.

Tallebudgera
Just north of Palm Beach, Tallebudgera has a choice of beaches to suit everyone. Catch a wave on the ocean side or head to the still waters on the estuary of the Tallebudgera Creek where you can kayak. The estuary beach is patrolled during peak periods by the local Neptune's Beach Patrol, a volunteer group which originated as an all-female patrol.

Currumbin-Palm Beach
Currumbin is a photographer's paradise with spectacular views north and south. The gentle surf and small rock pools make the area's beaches popular with young families. Try your hand at a spot of fishing along the picturesque Currumbin Creek. A multiple winner of Queensland's cleanest beach award, Palm Beach has a Surf Life Saving Club.

Kirra Point
The Gold Coast's famed board-riding beach is known as Kirra Point. Kirra produces challenging waves for the experienced surfer, as well as smaller waves closer to shore for beginners. It is a great place to watch the experts at work and get some pointers if you are learning to ride a board. Try hiring a long board for the day, guaranteed fun for the young at heart. Nearby Duranbah is another surfing hot spot.

Coolangatta
Near the Queensland border, Coolangatta has some of the region's prettiest beaches. The rugged headland of Point Danger (named by Captain Cook) offers superb views - look out for dolphins in the waters below. North-facing beaches Rainbow Bay and Greenmount are popular protected beaches with great surfing. Coolangatta's bistros and cafes are close by for lunch or a snack. On the second Sunday of the month market stalls are set up along the beachfront.