A local’s guide to the best beaches on the Gold Coast

Tallebudgera Creek is an eye-searingly blue estuary, fringed by one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast. Here, you can sun worship and swim without fear of getting tumble rolled by a vicious wave, which makes it a popular spot for all ages and watersports - even stand-up paddleboard yoga!

Forming a physical divide between Burleigh in the north and Palm Beach in the south, you’ll find ample parking on the Palm Beach side of the creek (this beach is also patrolled by lifeguards and is perfect for young families), and a handful of car spots on the northern side.

Better yet, for a truly take-your-breath-away introduction, park the car at Burleigh Hill and walk 15 minutes around the easy coastal track of Burleigh Head National Park where the idyllic creek and beaches first greet you through the trees. 

Eats nearby: Tallebudgera’s appeal is its remoteness from the masses,  but what makes it even better is picking up a freshly baked Portugese Tart from Custard Canteen on the Palm Beach side. Or, take a short-ish meander along the old highway to Espresso Moto for one of the best eggs benedict on the Coast and effortlessly friendly service to boot.

Hungry mid arvo? Try Wildernis or choose from a range of cuisines at market-style concept The Collective Palm Beach - the rooftop is the place to be when the sun's shining.

Main Beach

Decidedly more mellow than Surfers Paradise, Main Beach is fringed by sand dunes and some glitzy sprawling resorts. This expansive stretch of white sand continues all the way north to the Spit (a popular dog-friendly beach), with glimpses to South Stradbroke Island, and is a great spot to take a surf lesson.

The city’s 36-kilometre-long Gold Coast Oceanway also starts here, perfect for walking and cycling. 

Eats nearby: Grab fish and chips seaside, or dine overlooking bobbing yachts at Glass Dining - here's your guide to Main Beach.

Surfers Paradise

It’s the beach and tourist hub that puts the Gold Coast squarely on the international map. And with a backdrop of mega high-rises, arcade halls, ice-cream shops, and the inevitable shadows that fall by 3pm, the views here in Surfers Paradise will never get old - especially if you take them in from SkyPoint Climb, some stomach-flipping 270 metres above the sand. 

Pandanus palms and Tamarisk pines perfectly frame your holiday snaps and there’s plenty of sand for everyone, even on busy weekends. A wide, paved boulevard lines the entire stretch, ideal for walking, biking, skateboarding, or roller-blading, and free outdoor gym equipment is sprinkled along the track if you want to work off any recent overindulging.

Pay parking is available all along the beachfront, but be patient as spots fill up fast. And, as always, listen to advice from your friendly lifeguard and swim between the flags.

Eats nearby: There’s no end to the choices in this holidaymaker hotspot, but you can't get more classic than the BMD Northcliffe Surf Club for casual eats or sensational seafood at Seascape. The Island Rooftop is a popular local haunt come the weekend, but there's plenty to keep you busy when you're ready to come off the beach. If you're a sunrise beach person, check out this list of Surfers Paradise coffee spots to fuel your early start.

Accessibility: Surfers Paradise Beach has matting and beach wheelchairs available from September to May. Contact Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club for more information.

Broadbeach

Still with a glitzy, though slightly less high-octane and high-rise hotel backdrop, Broadbeach has ample glistening sand to throw down your towel. Shade is sparse so pack your sunscreen and umbrella, or head to Pratten Park with its large playground for the kids and free BBQs to partake in this fave Aussie pastime.

All beached out? Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is a 10-minute stroll from the water and is certain to impress even the most discerning of shopaholics.

Broadbeach also sets the scene for some of the most exciting Gold Coast events - from Blues on Broadbeach to Groundwater Country Music Festival. 

Eats nearby: From glamorous rooftop bars to casual cafes, choices here in Broadbeach are extensive. Grab brunch at Elk Espresso or Cardamom Pod, then pull into lively bar The Loose Moose for a beer. When the sun sets, seek cuisine from all over the globe like Japanese at Kiyomi, Italian at Orzo or Gemelli, or Asian fusion hotspots Mamasan and Hideaway Kitchen + Bar.

Mermaid Beach to Nobby Beach

It might be branded “Millionaire’s Row” but you don’t need a fat bank account to have a taste of the good life.

Backed by the Gold Coast’s most exclusive address, Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach itself is actually a near-empty stretch of sand that can be enjoyed by all. Park in a side street or at Ken Mansbridge Park,  then stroll along sand so fine it squeaks between your toes.

To the south, Mermaid Beach blends into local’s hangout, Nobby Beach and Miami, with the knob of Miami headland offering a sweet stair climb and 180-degree views in both directions.

Eats nearby: It’s mostly residential along the beachside stretch of Mermaid, so scoot over to the highway or five minutes down to the hipster pocket of Nobby Beach where there are eating options a-plenty. Local's picks include decadent pastries at Bam Bam Bakehouse, exquisite contemporary Japanese at Etsu, Mexican and mezcal cocktails from Bonita Bonita and wholesome brunches at BSKT. Nearby, buzzy Miami Marketta is also worth a visit on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. 

Accessibility: Nobby's Beach has matting and beach wheelchairs available from September to May. Contact Nobby's Beach Surf Life Saving Club for more information.

Burleigh Heads

Ask any local and they’ll tell you Burleigh is where the magic happens.

Gold Coast’s answer to Byron Bay, this bohemian-slash-surfy pocket is backed by lush Burleigh Headland, fringed by majestic Norfolk pines, anchored by much-loved shopping strip, James Street, and home to one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast.

Patrolled and often well-protected from a southerly wind or swell, this right-hand point break is popular with the surfing crowd.

If you don’t feel like you’ve quite “discovered” a place until you’ve rubbed shoulders with the residents, well, you’ve found it. Burleigh Hill is a local’s weekend ritual for socialising in the sunshine.

Eats nearby: Life in Burleigh is made for the beach, so there’s no end to the phenomenal selection of places to refuel. Right by the sand, Rick Shores, Burleigh Pavilion and The Tropic are nearly as famous as the beach itself - but there are so many restaurants, rooftop bars and cafes to visit while you're here. This is the Gold Coast at its very best.

Currumbin

In the words of world champion surfer and local boy, Joel Parkinson, Currumbin probably has the most country small-town feel of any other suburb on the Gold Coast. Proof why we love it so much, and you will too.

The entrance to family-friendly Currumbin Creek is a dream scene as it spills in and out to the Pacific Ocean. This is one of your best options if you’ve ever wanted to try your coordination and patience with stand-up paddleboarding. A handful of operators hire SUP boards daily; try The Boat Shed below Thrower Drive bridge, and choose your direction depending on the wind and tide.

Got the surfboard in tow or eager to learn? Currumbin Alley, as it’s affectionately known, is a mellow right-hand break to suit all abilities. 

Eats nearby: More low-key than other Gold Coast beaches, Currumbin has a great selection of local haunts, like coffee and brunch at hole-in-the-wall joint The Salt Mill, and beach views and beach fare at Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC. It’s also home to Balter Brewing, which has become a household name for craft beer lovers. The brainchild of four local pro surfers, Balter HQ can be found less than five minutes’ drive away in the Currumbin industrial estate. Open Friday through Sunday afternoons, there’s no finer tank-to-tap to pint glass experience.

Coolangatta to Rainbow Bay

Haven’t quite made up your mind to pack up and make a permanent sea change? A visit to the best beaches on the southern Gold Coast, Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay could very well seal the deal.

This whimsical beachside postcode is the perfect area to spend a lazy Sunday (or a whole weekend). Made famous by Snapper Rocks, it’s one of Australia’s most reliable point breaks and home to world class surf events, along with world champs Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson. While we don’t recommend you head out to surf among the experts (it can be ruthless), the shallows and Greenmount are more suited to learners.

Once you’ve been for a dip, take a stroll from Point Danger viewpoint, past Froggies Beach, around Greenmount, along the esplanade at ‘Cooly’ and right through to Kirra – easily one of the Coast’s prettiest walks.

Eats nearby: No visit to the southern end is complete without frosty beverages and a cheap pub lunch at the characterful Rainbow Bay SLSC. Though you'll also be delighted by plant-based Greenhouse Canteen, Italian at Bassk and fun dive-bar vibes at Eddie's Grab House - a great spot for live music come nightfall.