Main Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Southport which includes a sandy beach, tropical scenes and swimming
Golden beaches, a glistening Pacific ocean and sparkling skyscrapers this Gold Coast suburb may be shiny but isn’t all flashy.

Visit Main Beach in the city of Gold Coast in Queensland to relax on its beautiful beach, experience its nightlife and enjoy its family-friendly nature attractions.

Main Beach is one of the more popular beachside suburbs of the Gold Coast. This northern suburb is just a few hours south of the state capital Brisbane and its marina is easily reached by boat. What makes Main Beach so attractive, however, is that it is surrounded by water. The aptly named Narrowneck isthmus is all that connects the suburb to mainland Southport.

Originally known as Southport East, Main Beach has been a vacation spot for more than a century. The Southport Surf Life Saving Club and local Main Beach Pavilion are lasting icons of those early days.

Join the locals for a jog at sunrise or pre-dinner strolls at sunset. Go for a swim between the flags or learn how to surf with one of the many surf schools that line the beach. You can even sign up for epic Jetpack, Jet Ski or Jet Board adventures.

For something different, head to the Marina Mirage Waterfront Shopping and Dining precinct, which also has farmers markets on Saturday mornings. You can also buy your seafood straight from the fishing trawlers at the Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-Operative at The Spit.

The Spit is the northern boundary point of Main Beach and marks the start of the Broadwater of the Nerang River. Go fishing or take a boat trip from Doug Jennings Park on the northern tip, or get your fitness up in the ocean-facing Philip Park. The Gold Coast offers excellent whale and dolphin watching, scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities, even close to shore.

The kids can have safe marine encounters in nearby Sea World and watch the Thunder Lake Stunt show. To let them mellow out afterwards, follow the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve to spot special seabirds in the dunes.

Take an evening stroll along Tedder Avenue for elegant alfresco dining. Try local prawns paired with a crisp white wine from the hinterland to celebrate all that’s good about the Gold Coast.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Main Beach Hotel Deals

Novotel Surfers Paradise
Novotel Surfers Paradise
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$200 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
NZ$200
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,054 reviews)
"This hotel is right of Surfer's paradise. We had had a deluxe room wrh ocean view and was in good clean refreshed order. Buffet breakfast is definitely worth booking, lots to choose from. Easy transport tram, train etc to almost anywhere on gold coast. . BUT, we were on on 27th floor and the street ..."

Reviewed on 16 Sep. 2024

Novotel Surfers Paradise
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$392 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
NZ$392
per night
21 Oct - 22 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (975 reviews)
"Absolutely loved our stay this is the second time staying and it never disappoints Everything was perfection especially the breakfast buffet"

Reviewed on 9 Sep. 2024

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
5 out of 5
71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$435 per night from 22 Sep to 23 Sep
NZ$435
per night
22 Sep - 23 Sep
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"Older but still a lovely property"

Reviewed on 13 Sep. 2024

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
Sea World Resort
Sea World Resort
4.5 out of 5
Sea World Drive Main Beach Gold Coast, Main Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$381 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
NZ$381
per night
8 Oct - 9 Oct
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Fantastic staff, lots of activities for kids."

Reviewed on 18 Sep. 2024

Sea World Resort
voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$224 per night from 29 Sep to 30 Sep
NZ$224
per night
29 Sep - 30 Sep
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Good location, great price
"Great location at a great price. There was an issue at check-in, but it was handled really well."

Reviewed on 15 Sep. 2024

voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
5 out of 5
38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$491 per night from 25 Sep to 26 Sep
NZ$491
per night
25 Sep - 26 Sep
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (405 reviews)
"Organised for anniversary chocolates and staff went way and beyond absolutely top notch service will never stay anywhere else when I’m at Gold Coast"

Reviewed on 10 Sep. 2024

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Main Beach

Main Beach featuring general coastal views, a skyscraper and a sandy beach

Southport

Beaches, spas and theme parks are some highlights of Southport. Make a stop by Australia Fair Shopping Centre or Broadwater Parklands while you're exploring.

Southport
Surfers Paradise showing a city, a sunset and a sandy beach

Surfers Paradise

Cavill Avenue and Home of the Arts are a few top attractions in Surfers Paradise. Hop around the city on the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station and check out the area's stunning beaches, luxurious spas and popular shops.

Surfers Paradise
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Labrador

Labrador is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Ian Dipple Lagoon or Chirn Park.

Labrador
Gold Coast which includes food, drinks or beverages and outdoor eating

Broadbeach Waters

Broadbeach Waters is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Dracula's Cabaret and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.

Broadbeach Waters
Broadbeach which includes a sandy beach, a high-rise building and skyline

Broadbeach

The stunning beaches, first-class casinos and popular shops are notable features of Broadbeach. Make a stop by The Star Gold Coast or The Oasis while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Broadbeach South Light Rail Station to get around town.

Broadbeach
Default Image

Carrara

Golf courses, restaurants and beaches highlight some of the noteworthy features of Carrara. Make a stop by Palm Meadows Golf Course or Heritage Bank Stadium while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Carrara


Main Beach Travel Guide

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