The Best Gold Coast Beaches And Swimming Spots

Surf, swim or sunbake on these gorgeous sweeps of Gold Coast sand.

Queensland isn’t short on beaches, but it’s fair to say that the Gold Coast lays claim to some of the state’s biggest beauties and best surf breaks. And with over 300 days of sunshine promised per year, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy them, whatever the season.

We’ve scoured the region’s 52 kilometres of coastline to bring you the very best Gold Coast beaches. Grab your swimmers and sunblock, and enjoy!

Main Beach

Starting at The Spit (the northernmost spit of sand on the Gold Coast) and stretching for two kilometres all the way to Narrow Neck at the northern edge of Surfers Paradise, Main Beach was originally named due to being quite literally the main beach for the nearby town Southport.

This surf beach is patrolled all year round by lifeguards but it’s best saved for strong swimmers (or those only interested in dipping their toes in the water) because of the rips and occasionally treacherous surf. Having said that, Main Beach is mighty popular with surfers due to its open shore break, and it tends to be a tranquil spot if all you want to do is spend some one-on-one time with a good book.

Surfing at The Spit Gold Coast — It’s a popular surfing spot. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Surfers Paradise

Arguably the most iconic beach in the region, Surfers Paradise boasts great proximity to all the local attractions, whether it’s shopping at the beachfront market, exploring Home of the Arts, or grabbing a scoop of your favourite ice cream.

The suburb’s beach delivers two kilometres of golden sand and foamy surf as well as two diametrically opposed but equally tantalising views: the cobalt blue of the Pacific Ocean to your east and the urban jungle of steel and glass skyscrapers to your west. It’s a view unlike anything else in Australia. Once you’ve tanked up on vitamin D and beachside naps, head off on an afternoon walk along the wide, paved boulevard that lines this entire stretch of coastline.

Broadbeach

For a clean, calm, and quiet stretch of sand, you can’t go past Broadbeach. Not only is this beach away from the razzmatazz of Surfers, but thanks to the strip of greenery that backs the beach, and the fact that there are far fewer sky-high developments, you don’t get the shadows from skyscrapers stealing your afternoon sunshine.

Mermaid Beach

A little further along from Broadbeach is Mermaid Beach, a quieter spot than its next-door neighbour with a gentle atmosphere and flagged swimming areas. It’s a popular beach to swim, surf, play beach volleyball with the nets provided, or even beach-fish without the crowds.

Document your visit and wander across from Mermaid Beach Life Saving Club to take a photo with a statue of a little mermaid basking in the sun with her arms outstretched. While in Mermaid Beach, grab a coffee and an incredibly sweet treat from Bam Bam Bakehouse.

Mermaid statue at Mermaid Beach Gold Coast — Snap a photo with the mermaid while you’re there. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland/ Matthew Taylor Thomas)

Nobby’s Beach and Miami Beach

If you’re up for a long beach walk and you want an A to B route for purpose, look no further than the three-kilometre Mermaid to Miami Beach walk.

Miami Beach Gold Coast — Miami Beach turns on the charm. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

A short stroll down the shoreline from Mermaid Beach is Nobby’s Beach — a secret beach some might say! Deliciously sandwiched between Mermaid and Miami Beaches, it’s the perfect pit stop to enjoy a quick rest and snack. Once you arrive at pristine Miami Beach, you’ll find beautiful fine white sand and a headland that offers some protection from the breeze. Look out for the colourful rainbow stairs leading up the Lores Bonney Lookout which offers fantastic views of the coast.

If you want to keep going, you can follow the coastline all the way to Burleigh Head National Park.

Tallebudgera Creek

Want some quality time with the family? You absolutely must go to Tallebudgera Creek, best known for its sparkling creek which is framed by the Burleigh Heads National Park on one side and Palm Beach on the other.

Choose your own adventure here, with pockets of white sand dotting either side of the water. Those less confident in the water (or travelling with a brood) should plump for the southern Palm Beach side, where there are shallow waters, lifeguards patrol and there’s more parking. Otherwise opt for a spot like Echo Beach, which sits just snugly below the Burleigh Head National Park.

When the kids are asking for a snack, wander a few sandy footsteps to Custard Canteen for coffee, all-day brunch, pastries, and more.

Burleigh Heads

A spectacular curve of sand, backed by spiky pandanus palms and tall Norfolk pines, and framed by the skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise, almost like a hazy mirage in the distance, Burleigh Heads is the hippest hangout on the Gold Coast.

The headland is a great little spot for wannabe surfers to learn the ropes, with several local surf schools offering lessons. And if the waves are too hectic along the rest of the coast, this is the place to come: there’s almost always a calm place to swim in the sheltered waters here.

As the sun slips over the horizon, take your salty, sun-kissed self over to neighbouring restaurant Rick Shores , where bi-fold doors give way to stellar views over the whole Goldie coastline. Or do it the DIY way like the locals, and take to the parkland barbecues with a couple of steaks and a bottle of something sparkling (or a six-pack) and soak it all in.

Currumbin Beach

Another wonderful family beach option is the coastal nook of Currumbin Beach on the Southern Gold Coast, regularly voted Queensland’s cleanest beach.

Home to Elephant Rock (a well-known rock formation with a viewing platform at the top), you’ll also find sheltered calm waters for swimming and entertaining the kids.

For surfers, nearby Currumbin Alley is one of the most fun and exciting (and famous!) surf breaks on the coast.

Rainbow Bay Beach

Popular with families and surfers alike, Rainbow Bay Beach at the southernmost tip of Queensland, is a scene-stealer: think white sands lapped by Tiffany blue waters and fringed by tropical greenery. Thanks to its protected location, Rainbow Bay Beach – or Greenmount, as it’s sometimes known – has little in the way of waves, making it a safe spot to bring the whole family.

Rainbow Beach — Rainbow Bay Beach is a real scene-stealer. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

But edge a little closer to the rockpools at the southern end of this beach, and you’ll find one of Australia’s longest and most reliable point breaks: Snapper Rocks. This spot is for expert surfers only (world champions Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson are known to frequent the multiple barrel sections at this man-made break) as the surf here can be unrelenting.

Snapper Rocks Gold Coast — Find one of Australia’s longest and most reliable point breaks at Snapper Rocks. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Has the fresh ocean air piqued your appetite? Check out the local beachfront institution at Rainbow Bay Surf Club and chomp into the beer-battered flathead and chips.

Ready to see the green behind the gold? Discover the best Gold Coast Hinterland walks.

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

A guide to the best Gold Coast beaches