Main Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Sea World featuring colourful reefs and marine life
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$189 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
NZ$189
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"The service was good and the staff friendly ."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 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$330 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$330
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Free parking & beautiful accommodation"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 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$412 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
NZ$412
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"Nice property"

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 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$304 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
NZ$304
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Our stay at Seaworld was amazing and free entry to the park was a huge bonus. Would definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

Sea World Resort
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$468 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$468
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (299 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$204 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
NZ$204
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Evert staff interaction i experienced was helpful, professional and friendly. The staff definitely made my stay so much easier and more enjoyable! Rooms are clean and well presented. Very happy with the entire experience."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, an IHG Hotel
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
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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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