Main Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southport which includes a sandy beach, tropical scenes and swimming
Main Beach
Main Beach
Southport which includes a beach, a skyscraper and city views
Sea World which includes a water park, a pond and signage

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$391 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
NZ$391
1 Dec - 2 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
It was wonderful. We stayed for my son's birthday. Manager arranged beautiful card, chocolates and bottle of wine. Made his birthday special. Breakfast was amazing. Staff very helpful and responsive.

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

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$422 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
NZ$422
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a marina, and private hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Certain aspects are very good and residual style and furniture from the Versace is still present, however it’s starting to feel a little tired in places. Still recommend the experience

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Sea World Resort

Sea World Resort

4.5 out of 5
Sea World Drive Main Beach Gold Coast, Main Beach, QLD
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$342 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
NZ$342
30 Nov - 1 Dec
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
clean room and staff very helpful

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2025

Sea World Resort
Pacific Views Resort

Pacific Views Resort

4 out of 5
5 Woodroffe Avenue, Main Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$442 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
NZ$442
25 Nov - 26 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (790 reviews)
Pacific Views Resort was excellent for our short stay for work. A fantastic location right across the road from the beach and 5 mins walk to Tedder Avenue. We stayed in apartment 715 which had great views of the ocean and beach and a very large balcony. Main Beach is a hidden gem - close to Surfers ...

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2025

Pacific Views Resort
The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast

The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast

5 out of 5
8 Casino Drive, Broadbeach, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$283 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
NZ$283
30 Nov - 1 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 8 restaurants, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Great stay. .

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025

The Star Grand at The Star 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$207 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
NZ$207
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,334 reviews)
Good location to walk to everything in Surfers. Very close to grocery store for snacks! Lots to do and see on foot all around. .

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
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 showing a coastal town, a high-rise building and a city

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 showing a sunset, a beach and a city

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 Cooke Murphy Oval.

Labrador
Gold Coast showing 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 featuring skyline, a sandy beach and a high-rise building

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 People First Stadium or Carrara Sports Complex while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Carrara


Main Beach Travel Guide

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