The Best Gold Coast Beaches (2025 Guide)

See the absolute best of southeast Queensland’s coastline with these incredible Gold Coast beaches!

The Gold Coast beaches are a triple treat, with sun, surf, sand year-round. This coastal strip boasts consistent sunshine, epic point breaks, and endless stretches of powdery dunes.

Located in Queensland, the Gold Coast is the state’s second-largest city. The Gold Coast coastline stretches along the Pacific Ocean, bordered by Greater Brisbane to the north and New South Wales to the south. Most of the Gold Coast’s famous beaches lie along the iconic 40-km Gold Coast Highway.

With its long catalogue of beach options, you might be unsure where to go. Of course, you can visit them all. But if you have to choose, our guide on the best Gold Coast beaches will help you plan the perfect beach day!

Surfer's Paradise Beach in Gold Coast
You can enjoy the golden sands and waves at Surfer’s Paradise Beach

The Best Gold Coast Beaches

From surfing beaches to quiet escapes, the Gold Coast has something to tickle your fancy, no matter your mood. There are the surf breaks of Burleigh Heads, the glitzy skyline of Surfers Paradise, or the untamed charm of the Spit.

Then, a little turn off the busy road will take you to hidden pockets of paradise, where serene shores and surreal sunsets are the norm. Let’s explore the best beaches on the Gold Coast.

Northern Beaches on the Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise

The crown jewel of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise is a sprawling spread of golden sand punctuated by gleaming skyscrapers fringing the Pacific Ocean. The suburb’s beating heart is Surfers Paradise Beach, the spot that cemented the Gold Coast’s reputation as a premier tourist hub.

Surfers Paradise might not have the best or biggest waves, but its waters are ideal for dips and surfing lessons. And with the bronzed lifeguards patrolling the beach, you will feel safe splashing about. Still, you have to be sure to swim only between the red and yellow flags.

The entire two kilometres of Surfers Paradise Beach has a paved promenade for roller-blading, skateboarding, cycling, or sunset strolling. After sundown, the beach becomes a nightlife hotspot as night owls flock to the mega-clubs, cocktail bars, and night markets.

Surfers Paradise is known for its skyline. Soak up incredible views at the SkyPoint Observation Deck in Q1, Australia’s tallest tower. Want something fancy and romantic? A gourmet dinner with a sightseeing tour might be a lovely option.

Budds Beach

Few people outside the Gold Coast know about Budds Beach. After all, it’s not technically a beach or a suburb but a small riverside neighborhood hidden in a quiet corner of Surfers Paradise.

While urbanization has overtaken Surfers Paradise, Budds Beach retained its old-school, sleepy village charm. And to think it’s only about 1.2 kilometers from the buzzing city center.

Budds Beach sits on the bank of the Nerang River, making it an idyllic spot for relaxing river dips, fishing, boating, and, during certain times of the year, dolphin watching.

For families, Budds has a spacious, lush park with plenty of shade, barbeques, and a playground. It also has a couple of riverfront cafes that serve tasty meals, great coffee, and cocktails at sunset.

Nerang River in Gold Coast
Serene views along the beautiful Nerang River in Gold Coast

Main Beach

A short distance north of Surfers Paradise is Main Beach, markedly more mellow than its neighbour but just as mesmerizing. Despite its chill vibe, it does come with some bustle. Most of the action happens at Tedder Avenue, a trendy tree-lined strip full of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

Main Beach’s beachfront resorts also attract travellers looking for quiet but not out-of-the-way places to stay.

For avid walkers and cyclists, the Gold Coast Oceanway is a 36-km coastal route with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean that starts here.

Explore Teddy Avenue and enjoy its dining and shopping options. Bike around the Gold Coast Oceanway or watch the sunset from one of its viewpoints. For a relaxing beach stroll, head to Main Beach Tourist Park. You soak in the park’s swimming pool or rent a surfboard to hone your skills.

Take to the rainforests with these amazing Gold Coast hikes!

The Spit

Located at the northernmost edge of the Gold Coast, the Spit is the poster child of natural beauty. This 5-km strip of golden sand juts into the Gold Coast Seaway, separating the Broadwater, a vast estuary, from the Pacific Ocean.

Despite being relatively untamed, it’s hardly a backwater. Proof of this are the opulent resorts, gourmet restaurants, and theme parks that make the Spit their home.

One of the most iconic landmarks in the Spit is the sand-pumping jetty, popular among locals for fishing and long strolls. Another is the Federation Walk, a 3.5-km pathway that courses through a coastal reserve of various flora and fauna.

The area north of the jetty has a shallow shore and gentle swells for beginner surfers, while the Broadwater side is a favourite spot for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. There are also plenty of boat tours and cruises for those who prefer to unwind while sightseeing.

For some retail therapy, check out Marina Mirage. On Saturdays, from morning to noon, it hosts a Farmers Market where you can buy organic produce, freshly baked goods, and artisan products.

Central Beaches on the Gold Coast

Broadbeach

One of the most family-friendly beaches on the Gold Coast, Broadbeach is easily as plushy as its neighbors, Surfers Paradise and Mermaid Beach. But beyond its upscale resorts and sophisticated dining scene, you’ll find play areas, wholesome parks, and festivals for all ages.

The suburb’s beach life centers around Kurrawa, a pristine strip that spans two kilometres long. Dotted throughout are playgrounds, barbeque areas, and beach volleyball courts. Its beachside parks often host weekend markets, yoga classes, and events like Blues on Broadbeach and Groundwater Country Music Festival.

Waves along Broadbeach can be erratic, so it’s not the best spot to surf. But, with its warm, clear waters and patrolled lifeguard towers, it’s one of the safest places for kids to swim. Still, take note of the weather and stay within the red and yellow flags.

Feeling beached out? If you’re travelling with kids, check out the All Abilities Playground at Kurrawa Park.

Or, take a short stroll from the sea to the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre for window shopping and dining out. Visit Broadbeach on the first or third Sunday of the month to shop at its Art and Crafts Market.

For somewhere quieter, head to Cascades Gardens, a rainforest park that overlooks the Nerang River. You can stroll down the Kokoda Memorial Walk to learn about the bravery of Australian soldiers who fought during WWII.

Looking for more activities? Try these Things to Do on the Gold Coast, Australia

Mermaid Beach

There’s more to Mermaid Beach than the ultraluxe Hedges Avenue, a.k.a. Millionaire’s Row, a.k.a. the Gold Coast’s most elite address. Unlike many Gold Coast beaches, the beachfront is almost empty, free of crowds or high-rises.

The best thing about Mermaid Beach is it’s open to the public, and you don’t have to be a resident of Millionaire’s Row to enjoy it.

There is ample sandy space to throw down your towel and catch a suntan. The beach also has patrolled areas for swimming and moderate swells for surfing.

Nobby Beach and Miami Beach

Nobby Beach is a laid-back hang-out, where you might rub elbows with the locals. It’s a little busier than Mermaid Beach but still somewhat secluded.

Nobby Beach is at the foot of a rocky hill called North Nobby. Public showers, barbeque areas, and shaded picnic tables line its beachfront. On the southern portion of Nobby Beach is a paved pathway for cyclists, joggers, and walkers.

Walk further down south, and you’ll find the secluded Miami Beach. There’s a park and lookout atop the Miami headland, where you can enjoy gorgeous 180-degree views of the sea and the coastline.

For surfers, the swells in Miami are beginner-friendly. If learning to ride the waves is on your bucket list, add taking a surf lesson in Miami on your Gold Coast itinerary.

Miami Beach in Gold Coast
Miami Beach looking north to Surfer’s Paradise, Gold Coast

Burleigh Beach

Burleigh Beach is one of the star attractions of Burleigh Heads, the most bohemian suburb on the Gold Coast. Flanked by Nobbys Head to the north and Burleigh Head to the south, Burleigh Beach has a large area of calm waters that are safe to swim in all year round.

Beyond the sheltered section is where heart-raising adventures start, at least for experienced surfers. The spot around the Burleigh headland is world-famous for its surf breaks and attracts local and international tourists.

If you’re new to surfing, you can enjoy the milder swells on the main beach. For those wishing to work on their skills, Burleigh Beach has some of the best surf schools on the Gold Coast. These include the Cheyne Horan School of Surf and the Godfathers of the Ocean, run by former world professional surfer Michael Barry.

For hikers, Burleigh Heads National Park, which covers most of the headland, has a web of trails that meander through clusters of Norfolk pines.

Those who want to delve into history while exploring the Burleigh headland (called Jellurgal in Yugambeh, an ancient Aboriginal language) can book a culturally immersive guided walk.

Southern Beaches on the Gold Coast

Palm Beach

Almost all beaches on the Gold Coast have a unique feature that sets them apart from each other, whether it’s giant surfs or glistening skyscrapers.

Palm Beach seems to have nothing surprising to make it stand out from other beaches. But this familiarity makes it a cozy and often uncrowded choice for an afternoon of swimming, sunbathing, and even a little surfing.

Less developed compared to its northern neighbors, Palm Beach wins tourists with its natural beauty. Indeed, it has won the cleanest beach in Queensland award thrice. It’s also one of the few places on the Gold Coast where you can still see rows of rustic beach shacks on the beachfront.

Don’t mistake Palm Beach’s subdued vibe with dullness. For foodies, there are a variety of cafes and eateries, including the Palm Beach Surf Club. There are also a handful of playgrounds and weekend markets fringing the beach.

Then, there’s Tallebudgera Creek, an estuary partly hemmed by the Burleigh headland. Because of its sparkling waters and sandy banks, Tallebudgera Creek is popular with families with tots and small children.

The Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the only one on the Gold Coast, lies on the shore of the Tallebudgera Creek.

Surf Board Tallebudgera
Enjoy catching waves at the scenic Tallebudgera Creek

Currumbin Beach

Picture-perfect Currumbin Beach is a playground for outdoor lovers. Its twin attractions – Currumbin Creek and Currumbin Alley – are the true definition of “something for everyone.”

The tranquil waters of Currumbin Creek are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Near its mouth is Currumbin Alley, one of the most famous surf breaks on the Gold Coast due to its consistent waves.

The Alley has impressive swells for advanced wave riders, but it also has sections (the ones closer to the creek) with shallow, sheltered waters for fledgling surfers to hone their skills.

The Currumbin rock wall is a favourite spot for fishing, while the nearby Elephant Rock has a viewing platform where you bask in breathtaking panoramas. Visit in September to experience the Swell Sculptures Festival, the biggest outdoor art exhibition on the Gold Coast.

Inland, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a 27-hectare zoological garden, is a pleasant break from the Gold Coast beaches.

Coolangatta Beach

Coolangatta, a suburb located on the southern end of the Gold Coast near the NSW border, has some of the best beaches on the Gold Coast. Think Kirra, Greenmount, and Rainbow Bay (more on those below.)

The Coolangatta beachfront exudes a slower pace and more casual vibe despite being only a 30-minute drive from the hectic Surfers Beach.

Coolangatta Beach itself is north-facing and shielded, with calm waters safe for swimming and beginner surfing lessons. Seasoned surfers can chase the more challenging waves of the Snapper Rocks.

Take a break from swimming and explore Coolangatta’s beachside cafes, eateries, and markets. There’s plenty of alfresco dining, where you can indulge in tasty cocktails while watching the sunset or city skyline in the distance.

Kirra Beach

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach that fully encapsulates the surf culture of the Gold Coast, look no further than Kirra.

It’s home to the world-renowned Kirra Point, noted for its big swells and barrel waves. This small, craggy headland is part of the World Surf Reserve and one of the four epic point breaks on the Gold Coast.

Despite its glittering reputation as the spiritual home of surfing on the Gold Coast, Kirra Beach is incredibly easygoing. This Gold Coast beach is quieter than most, with powdery dunes for sunbathing and sand castle building.

For swimmers, Kirra Beach has tiny pockets of peaceful, protected waters outside the powerful surfs. The calm shallows are also excellent for surf lessons for all ages.

If you prefer scenic walks, stroll down the wooden boardwalk that winds around Kirra Point. Then, climb the tree-clad Kirra Hill for some of the most magical sunsets on the Gold Coast.

While Kirra is decidedly more muted than many beaches on the Gold Coast, its cafe scene is surprisingly vibrant. Grab a coffee and brunch at one of its thriving coffee shops. For a tasty, affordable meal with striking ocean views in the backdrop, the Kirra Surf Club, one of the oldest on the Gold Coast, never disappoints.

Read Next: Queensland Road Trips – 11 BEST Drive Itineraries

Snapper Rocks

Snapper Rocks is more of a rugged outcrop than a sandy beach. But its popularity as a point break, one of the best in the world, makes it worthy of discussion. Synonymous with epic swells, Snapper Rocks is a global surfing mecca frequented by WSL champs Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning.

Snapper Rocks marks the starting point of the Superbank. The Superbank is a two-kilometre artificial sandbar surf break with an impressive portfolio of fast barrels and long, hollow waves. From Snapper, it passes Rainbow Bay, Greenmount, Coolangatta Beach, and Kirra.

On certain days, with the right conditions, board riders can take off at Snapper and end about two kilometres away in Kirra. Talk about one of the most extensive wave-riding experiences in the world!

Not a surfer? You can watch pro surfers ride the waves from the grassy knoll overlooking Snapper Rocks. You can even try fishing from the outcrop, though you should be cautious of the big swells.

A short walk from Snapper leads to Point Danger, a headland with a park that offers sweeping views of Surfers Paradise, Byron Bay in northern NSW, and the vast blue ocean. It also has the Captain Cook Memorial Lighthouse and the Centaur Remembrance Walk. If you visit between June and November, you might see migrating humpback whales from the lookout.

For sunbaking sessions sans the crowd, head to Froggies Beach, a small, white-sand cove hidden between Snapper Rocks and Point Danger.

Planning your trip to Gold Coast? Read our 7 Day Gold Coast Itinerary

Rainbow Bay

Shaped like a crescent, Rainbow Bay is a wide white sand beach with low waves and sheltered waters where even tots can splash on safely. It’s the go-to for families looking for an exciting but uncrowded beach day on the Gold Coast.

But Rainbow Bay does get a fair share of pro surfers because of its proximity to Snapper Rocks. If you choose not to get wet, there’s plenty of room on the sand to spread your towel and work on your tan.

A grassy, hilly parkland frames the beach from behind. Picnic tables, barbeque areas, and playgrounds dot the park. There’s a walking track that leads to Point Danger. From the lookout, you can gaze at Snapper Rocks and see surfers conquer the waves.

After a long day of swimming and walking, head to the Rainbow Bay Surf Club and enjoy a chilled sundowner while watching the sunset.

Greenmount Beach

Of Coolangatta’s main beaches, Greenmount Beach is perhaps the most laid-back. Greenmount, protected from the winds by a rocky headland, is a safe spot for swimming. Its milder swells and easy sand-bottomed breaks lure beginner and intermediate surfers.

Greenmount’s pristine track of sand and slower pace of life make it perfect for beach yoga, picnics, and general beach lounging.

If you want to stretch your legs, stroll along the path wrapped around Greenmount Point. Don’t forget to pause on the wooden boardwalk and contemplate the stunning seaside views of the Gold Coast.

For a place to grab snacks and ice-cold drinks, drop by the Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Surf Club on the shores of Greenmount Beach. Established in 1911, it is the oldest surf club on the Gold Coast and in Queensland.

Greenmount Beach, Gold Coast Queensland
Join the others for some epic surfing at Greenmount Beach

What is the Best Time to Visit the Gold Coast

With nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, the Gold Coast attracts visitors no matter the season. But if you want to soak up the beach culture, visit the Gold Coast between May and October.

Thanks to low rainfall and warm weather, the days are perfect for beach bumming on the vibrant Gold Coast.

February to April is the prime surfing season, while May to November is best for whale watching on the Gold Coast, with August as the peak.

Where to Stay on the Gold Coast

Choose your accommodation near the best beaches so you can make the most of your time on the Gold Coast. Here are some top-rated recommendations for all budgets!

Best Luxury Accommodation: The Langham, Gold Coast

This five-star hotel in Surfers Paradise Beach is ideal for those seeking sophistication, relaxation, and exceptional service on the Gold Coast.

It features beachfront access, a luxurious spa, world-class dining, multiple pools, and a rooftop bar with ocean views.  

Best Mid-Range Accommodation: Turtle Beach Resort

This tropical resort offers self-contained, family-friendly apartments with cooking facilities. It has four swimming pools, waterslides, an onsite restaurant and bar, a mini golf course, a cinema, and free parking. It’s a five-minute walk from the quiet Mermaid beachfront.

Best Budget Accommodation: Surf Inn Backpackers

This adults-only boutique hostel in the heart of Surfers Paradise offers dorms and private rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a complimentary breakfast.

It’s close to the beach, restaurants, and public transport. It also has a nightly club schedule for those who love the nightlife and sunset boat cruises on Thursdays.

Is the Gold Coast worth visiting?

Gold Coast is definitely worth visiting as it has some of the best beaches in Australia! The Gold Coast boasts over two dozen beautiful beaches along its 32-kilometre coastline, making it one of Australia’s best seaside destinations.

Even the fussiest beach critic will find a sweet spot on the Gold Coast to sink in their toes.

Pick Surfers Paradise for food and nightlife, Kirra for beginner surfers, Snapper Rocks for the pros (or for watching them), Palm Beach for dog walking, Tallebudgera Creek for swimming, and the Spit for a little bit of everything.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Picture of Alesha and Jarryd

Alesha and Jarryd

Hey! We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

Join the Team

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

Related Posts

Leave a comment