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.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

A guide to the best Gold Coast beaches