Where you’ll find the best surf clubs in Queensland

Queensland may be famous for its bounty of beautiful beaches, but for Sunshine State locals, it’s the adjoining surf lifesaving clubs that are the real drawcard to the coastline. They’re where the community congregates with family in tow to enjoy a sunset beer, or to get a good look at one of the many international surf and beach events that take place here.

Make like a Queenslander and drop by the local on your next visit - this is where you’ll find the best surf clubs in Queensland.

Best surf clubs on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

Point Lookout SLSC

Overlooking Main Beach on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) sits the first addition to this gathering of the best surf clubs of Queensland. An expansive deck and beachfront views have made this place equally popular for weddings and for an afternoon beer with friends - accompanied by whale watching if you’re lucky.

Thirsty travellers make note: The Point Bar is typically open Fridays and weekends, with extended hours and weekday trading during school holidays.

Best surf clubs on the Sunshine Coast

Coolum Surf Club

One of the largest surf clubs in Queensland is in family-friendly Coolum. More than 240 volunteer surf life savers and a passionate surrounding community have helped this space achieve a handful of awards over the years. If the beachfront views don’t tempt you the activities will - trivia, bingo, live music, and raffles are all held regularly.

Rainbow Beach SLSC

Within arm’s reach of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) is 4WD haven Rainbow Beach and the Rainbow Beach SLSC. Traditional pub fare is what you’ll find being served here, from steaks and schnitzel to burgers and pizza, accompanied by unbeatable views of Double Island Point.

If you want to go all in on a decadent cold seafood platter for two, give them a call first - they need a few hours to put together these locally-sourced smorgasbords, packed with prawns, bugs, oysters and more.

Alexandra Heads SLSC

Further south is where you’ll find Alex Heads’ Surf Club, established back in 1924. Thanks to its resident longboarding break, this region has historically been home to a water-loving community. Ice cold beers and quality pub grub is promised at the recently revamped Lookout Bistro, while the Beach Kiosk serves up Grinders coffee, breakfast bites, fish and chips, and sandwiches from 6am - 2pm. The club's casual Bluff Bar is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday for those ready for beach views with live music, drinks and tapas-style snacks.

Noosa Heads SLSC

Sitting on iconic Hastings Street is arguably one of the most famous surf clubs in Queensland; Noosa Heads. Nestled into a protected corner of Noosa’s Laguna Bay, this beachfront destination is ideal for a pre- or post-swim beer and bite to eat while in the resort town.

Sunshine Beach SLSC

Down the road in Sunshine Beach sits another famous community watering hole. This suave space underwent an extensive revamp in recent years making it popular for functions and weddings. But its outdoor lawn and deck with million-dollar views means that it also remains a firm favourite among locals and holidaying families year-through. Try the barramundi yellow curry or the seafood chowder in a sourdough cob loaf - it's packed with local prawns, mussells and fish.

Best surf clubs on the Gold Coast

Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Club

On the southern end of the sparkling coast, Currumbin houses a beachfront surf life saving establishment that's a particular family favourite thanks to its quality pub grub and expansive outdoor seating, with kids of all ages welcomed (as long as they arrive accompanied by an adult).

Kurrawa SLSC

Closer to the bright lights of Surfers Paradise is Kurrawa in Broadbeach. Since 1958 this community hub has continued to maintain the safety of beach goers to the surrounding sandy stretch (which these days numbers 5000 daily). It also promises a decent feed, with a bar, cafe, bistro, and pizzeria found inside.

Southport SLSC

Back in 1924, a group of locals formed the Southport SLSC after a series of tragedies in the nearby surf. Since then the club has grown from a membership of 20 to more than 6000 and welcomed a restaurant, cafe, and bar, as well as a courtesy bus to service the surrounding 5 kilometre radius. Overlooking Main Beach, tuck into food that'll satisfy from breakfast through to dinner - and snacks in between. 

Rainbow Bay SLSC

Arguably the most famous of Queensland’s surf clubs can be found in Rainbow Bay, which neighbours world famous surf break Snapper Rocks, and plays host to a rotating calendar of major international surf events, like the Corona Open Gold Coast. Aside from events it’s ideal for dropping by for an ice cold beer while you watch the local surfers show off.

North Burleigh SLSC

Among the burgeoning dining scene of Burleigh Heads is North Burleigh SLSC. Uninterrupted sea views, icy cold drinks and a modern Australian menu is its forte, and nothing beats the 'troppo parmi' - a chicken parmi topped with pineapple, sriracha mayo, coconut prawns and mango chutney - which locals voted best on the coast. If you're a morning beach-goer, one side of the surf club is permanently devoted to coffee with Nectar Espresso open from 5.30am daily. 

Best surf clubs in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Ellis Beach SLSC

This Great Barrier Reef resident is non-negotiable while you’re in the Cairns area. Not only does the Ellis Beach SLSC nudge one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, but it’s home to a series of unbeatable specials, including cheap oysters and live music on Sundays.

Best surf clubs in Mackay

Eimeo SLSC

The Eimeo SLSC is possibly the youngest surf club in Queensland, opening its doors in December 2000 after taking over the space of the local catamaran club. Neighbouring the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Eimeo is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Mackay - it’s worth dropping by to take a look and enjoy a bite to eat at the club.

Best surf clubs in the Capricorn region

Yeppoon SLSC

For nearly 100 years now, the Yeppoon SLSC has been taking care of the surrounding community and coastline. These days the club is a popular place to gather for a meal and a drink - make your way straight to Poppies Beachside on the top floor and its adjoining licensed bar to while away the afternoon.

Ready to jump back in the water? Discover Queensland's best beaches here.