With the Gold Coast stretching kilometre after kilometre, it can be hard to work out which of the many beaches are the absolute best. You are literally spoiled for choice and each beach on the Gold Coast comes with its own characteristics. Whether you’re looking for the best spots to surf or to simply throw down a towel and soak up some rays, here you will discover 5 must-see Gold Coast beaches.
The top 5 Gold Coast Beaches:
1. Surfers Paradise
Possibly the most internationally-renowned beach on the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise remains true to its name. With 3km of soft golden sand, endless opportunities for beach sports, the esplanade fitness trail and the perfect place to catch waves, there is something for everyone here. From the beach, you are just a stone’s throw away from Cavill Avenue and the best nightlife hotspots in Surfers Paradise, so during the evening, there is just as much to keep you entertained as during the day.
Why You Will Love it
There are plenty of facilities to help make your time in Surfers Paradise more enjoyable, such as the indulgent restaurants and bars, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, Cavill Mall, Timezone, putt putt, go-karting and the Sling Shot & Vomatron; just to name a few. This iconic beach is a hotspot for families, couples, and solo visitors. With so much to see and do you are guaranteed a fun-filled day, while the evening offers up plenty of amazing opportunities too.
How to Get There?
If you are planning on driving to Surfers Paradise, you should be aware that there is limited parking available in the area. For this reason, it is highly recommended to use public transport. When using public transport, you can take one of the TransLink buses that regularly pass Surfers Paradise as it makes its way along the Esplanade. You can also take the G: Link light rail, which passes through the area.
By Car – 5 minutes
- Head south on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 toward Monaco St for 95 m
- Turn left onto First Ave for 300 m
- Turn left onto Old Burleigh Rd for 650 m
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Fern St for 140 m
- Turn left onto Garfield Terrace for 450 m
- Continue onto Northcliffe Terrace for 500 m
- Continue onto Esplanade
Surfers Paradise Beach. Queensland, Australia
Public Transport
- From Florida Gardens, get the tram GLKN Helensvale light rail
- Get off after 3 stops at Cavill Avenue
- Walk for about 10 min, 850 m
- Head north on Surfers Paradise Blvd toward Elkhorn Ave
- Turn right onto View Ave. Turn left onto Esplanade. Then turn right
2. Tallebudgera Creek
While not officially a beach of its own, one of the most breathtaking blue-water estuaries on the Gold Coast can be found at Tallebudgera Creek. For those who are looking for a place to swim without the fear of being caught up in large waves, you will find no better place than here.
Separating Palm Beach and Burleigh Beach, it offers the best of both beaches all wrapped into one.
Why You Will Love it
One of the main attractions of this area is the possibility of seeing dolphins swimming up and down the creek. It is one of those rare places where freshwater meets seawater, idyllically lined with indigenous flora and fauna, and provides the settings for a family-friendly day out. The addition of lifeguards along the beach area means that it is perfect for families with small children. If you can arrive for sunset, you will be treated to one of the most spectacular views of your life.
How to Get There?
Reaching Tallebudgera Creek is easy, especially as there are plenty of places to park in the surrounding area of Palm Beach. However, the absolute best way to reach the creek is by parking at Burleigh Hill and then following the headland round until you are provided with a sneak peek of the glistening Creek through the gaps in the trees. You can use the TransLink Journey planner to work out your route to Tallebudgera Creek.
By Car – 15 minutes
- From Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise
- Head south on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 toward Monaco St for 6.7 km
- Continue straight to stay on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 for 3.8 km
- Turn right onto Tallebudgera Dr for 400m
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Murlong Cres
- Destination will be on the right after 350 m
Tallebudgera Creek, Murlong Park, Murlong Cres, Palm Beach QLD 4221, Australia
Public Transport
- From Florida Gardens, get the Tram – GLKS – Broadbeach South
- Get off after 2 stops at Broadbeach South
- Walk for about 3 min to Broadbeach South station, stop B
- Get the Bus 777 toward Gold Coast Airport
- Get off after 7 stops at Twenty Seventh Avenue
- Walk for about 12 min, 1.0 km
3. Main Beach
For those who appreciate something a little bit more laid back and less high-octane than Surfers Paradise, Main Beach will be the perfect choice for you. Located to the north of Surfers Paradise, this beautiful white sand beach offers a less crowded place to enjoy the very best that the Gold Coast has to offer. From here, you can also see South Stradbroke Island in the distance while many upmarket resorts run along the coastline.
Why You Will Love it
Main Beach encapsulates everything that you could want from a true Gold Coast Beach. The main advantage that it has over other beaches on this list is the fact that it does not become overcrowded on a regular basis. For those looking to take a swim, always keep between the flags as there are very few lifeguards around. If you are looking for a naturally beautiful beach that offers plenty of peace and quiet, then you are going to fall in love with Main Beach. Facilities include beach wheelchairs and wheelchair accessible beach matting, public toilets, and public BBQ facilities.
How to Get There?
When travelling to Main Beach by car, you will find that there is plenty of parking in the many side streets surrounding the area. You can also use the surf club car park but bear in mind that space may be limited during peak times. For those using public transport, you can take the TransLink bus that runs along SeaWorld Drive.
By Car – 13 minutes
- Head south on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 toward Monaco St for 95 m
- Take Beach Parade to Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 in Surfers Paradise for 2 min (500 m)
- Turn left onto First Ave for 100 m
- Turn left onto Beach Parade for 290 m
- Turn left onto Wharf Rd for 91 m
- Turn right onto Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 for 8 min (4.3 km)
- Continue on Waterways Dr to your destination for 4 min (2.2 km)
- Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto Waterways Dr for 650 m
- Continue onto MacArthur Parade for 190 m
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Seaworld Dr for 500 m
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on Seaworld Dr
- Go through 1 roundabout for 750 m. Turn left for 72 m
Main Beach. Queensland 4217, Australia
Public Transport
- From Old Burleigh Rd at First Avenue get the Bus -705 Seaworld
- Get off after 14 stops at Seaworld
- Walk for about 5 min, 400 m
- Head north. Turn right toward Seaworld Dr
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Seaworld Dr
- Turn right
4. Coolangatta Beach
At the tip of the Southern Gulf Coast, Coolangatta Beach is the perfect hotspot for catching the waves or spending a lazy day in the sun. For those looking for a little bit of surf, Snapper Rocks creates one of the longest waves in the world that has now become legendary and is perfect for all ability levels. Coolangatta Beach is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Why You Will Love it
For those looking to experience the genuine laid-back way of life as only could be found in Australia, then this is the place for you. There is a decidedly slower pace here that blends perfectly with some high-intensity surfing opportunities. The shallows make for a perfect family day out, and for those who want to explore a little further, you can enjoy one of the prettiest Coastal walks from Danger Viewpoint to Kirra beach located right next to Rainbow Bay, it is one of the few beaches on the Gold Coast where you can enjoy true tranquillity.
How to Get There?
For those driving by car, there is plenty of parking available on the streets that line the beachfront. Reaching the beach by public transport is easy by getting off at Griffith Street, which is just one street away from Coolangatta Beach. You can use the Translating Journey planner to plan your journey.
By Car – 26 minutes
- Head south on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 toward Monaco St for 6.7 km
- Continue straight to stay on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2
- Continue to follow Gold Coast Hwy for 13.1 km
- Use the left lane to continue on Coolangatta Rd for 210 m
- Keep left to continue on Musgrave St for 220 m
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Musgrave St for 700 m
- Continue onto Marine Parade for 290 m
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on Marine Parade for 350 m
Coolangatta Beach. Queensland, Australia
Public Transport
- From Florida Gardens, get the tram – GLKS Broadbeach South
- Get off at Broadbeach South
- Walk for about 2 min to Broadbeach South station, stop A
- Get the bus -700 Tweed Heads
- Get off after 49 stops at McLean St at Queen Elizabeth Park
- Walk for about 1 min, 140m
5. Nobby Beach
Nobby Beach is a popular must-visit family destination named after a bull that disappeared in the 19th century, only to be found here. As with nearly all of the beaches on the Gold Coast, there are abundant opportunities to ride the waves, explore the shops and grab a bite to eat.
Why You Will Love it
What is there not to love about Nobby Beach? An uber-trendy and family-friendly atmosphere combined with clean sand and crystal clear waters make for an unforgettable beach. Toward the southern end of the beach, there is a child’s playground and a walking track perfect for those with young children. When you want to escape from the heat of the day, you can head to one of the many restaurants, cafes and bars in the precinct area. Facilities at Nobby Beach include disabled beach access points and wheelchair platforms, public toilets, public BBQ facilities, and a beach surf life-saving club.
How to Get There?
If you are arriving by car, there are plenty of parking spaces on the side streets as well as at the surf club car park. For those who intend on using public transport, you can use the TransLink Journey planner to work out your route. Buses regularly run past Nobby Beach, making it a cinch to get to.
By Car – 8 minutes
- Head south on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 toward Monaco St for 4.0 km
- Turn left onto Seashell Ave for 300 m
Nobby Beach. Queensland, Australia
Public Transport
- From Florida Gardens, get the tram – GLKS Broadbeach South
- Get off at Broadbeach South
- Walk to Broadbeach South station, stop B
- Get the bus -777 Gold Coast Airport for 2 stops
- Get off at Tamborine Street
- Walk for about 9 min, 750 m
- Head south on Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2 toward Tamborine St
- Turn left onto Heron Ave