Main Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.
A school of striped fish swimming near a coral reef.
A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.
A beach with high-rise buildings in the background.
A rocky landscape with palm trees and a sign that reads "Imagine SeaWorld Australia".

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.


Stay near popular Main Beach attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best Main Beach Hotel Deals

Sea World Resort

Sea World Resort

Sea World Drive Main Beach Gold Coast Main Beach QLD
The price is NZ$384 per night from 19 July to 20 July
NZ$384
19 July - 20 July
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)
"Great location, so much for the kids to do and enjoy, staff were beyond accommodating, kind and friendly the service is 2nd to none !!"

Reviewed on 26 June 2026

Sea World Resort
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$378 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$378
29 June - 30 June
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 ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,000 reviews)
"Rooms were very spacious, perfect breakfast, lovely staff. Pool facility was basic woth some tiles needing repair. The lifts location was very far from lobby."

Reviewed on 20 June 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$407 per night from 28 June to 29 June
NZ$407
28 June - 29 June
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 ...
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
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$238 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$238
29 June - 30 June
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! (1,508 reviews)
"Nice reception staff."

Reviewed on 23 June 2026

Novotel Surfers Paradise
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
158 Ferny Avenue Surfers Paradise QLD
The price is NZ$488 per night from 15 July to 16 July
NZ$488
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Breakfast take too long to get a sit and when you finally get a table there we’re not food on display"

Reviewed on 25 June 2026

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
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$514 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$514
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (785 reviews)
"Loved the pools and locations. The beach is right there! And it was so peacful up in our room (ocean side, 35th floor)."

Reviewed on 26 June 2026

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.

Our guide on where to stay in Main Beach

Find the best Main Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Main Beach
Learn more about Main 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.

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.

Coolangatta

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Coolangatta. Make a stop by Kirra Beach or The Strand while you're exploring the area.

Burleigh Heads

A noteworthy feature of Burleigh Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Head National Park.

Southport

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



Main Beach Travel Guide

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