Main Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Main Beach
Main Beach
Main Beach
Main Beach
Main Beach

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 holiday 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

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$417 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
NZ$417
20 Apr - 21 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
so excited when I booked this property, it was higher price than most properties in surfers Paradise Gold Coast arrived. Everything is dated carpet in the hallways ice machines didn’t work the entire time on each floor bathrooms are a combination triangular Jacuzzi shower bathtub terrible open the ...

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr Main Beach QLD
The price is NZ$312 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
NZ$312
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a marina and private hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
A lovely old (feeling)Versace hotel with modern fixtures and beautiful marble and parquet floors. Great sized clean rooms with comfortable beds. The pool was superb with food and cocktails brought poolside to enjoy. The staff were friendly and helpful. A delightful stay!

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Sea World Resort

Sea World Resort

Sea World Drive Main Beach Gold Coast Main Beach QLD
The price is NZ$322 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
NZ$322
12 Apr - 13 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Friendly staff, room was great

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Sea World Resort
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$239 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
NZ$239
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,453 reviews)
Breakfast was nice, room was a bit disappointing, no door separating the two bedrooms and "bathroom sink" everything was open. Soundproof was bad could hear the clubbing music loud and clear on the street.

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026

Novotel Surfers Paradise
Voco Gold Coast

Voco Gold Coast

4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue Surfers Paradise QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$214 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$214
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Great family spot

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026

Voco Gold Coast
Dorsett Gold Coast

Dorsett Gold Coast

4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue Broadbeach QLD
The price is NZ$226 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
NZ$226
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,494 reviews)
Very nice and chic.

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026

Dorsett Gold Coast
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

Southport

Southport

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

Southport
Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise

Home of the Arts and Budds Beach 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
Southport Australia From Labrador

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 Cooke Murphy Oval or Harley Park.

Labrador
Broadbeach Waters

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

Broadbeach

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

Broadbeach
Carrara

Carrara

Golf courses, restaurants and beaches highlight some of the noteworthy features of Carrara. Make a stop by Emerald Lakes Golf Club or People First Stadium while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Carrara


Main Beach Travel Guide

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