Main Beach

Gold Coast
Southport which includes swimming, tropical scenes and a sandy beach
Main Beach
Main Beach
Southport which includes cbd, a high-rise building and a beach
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 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

Things to do


Top hotels in Main Beach

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 €336 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
€336
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (981 reviews)
"It’s a great place if you are going for a tropical vibe. At times, you cannot tell that this is Gold Coast. Feels like a warm Indonesian Resort. Staff were great, greeting us every time we passed by. A few bits on the lobby roof were peeling, and some very minor scratches on the woodwork but otherwise ..."

Reviewed on 26 Nov 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 €199 per night from 24 Dec to 25 Dec
€199
includes taxes & fees
24 Dec - 25 Dec
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Staff were great rooms were clean heaps of fun and great place to stay with the family kids loved it."

Reviewed on 9 Dec 2024

Sea World Resort
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD
The price is €401 per night from 26 Dec to 27 Dec
€401
includes taxes & fees
26 Dec - 27 Dec
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)
"Had my 2 kids and myself there for 8 days was beautiful. Room was amazing the kids had a ball and where s swept off their feet . Staff always where on top of there game . Well done stuff .. I was there 8mth bak approximately with my partner and she was also amazed. 5 star 🌟 🤩 ✨️ 😍 ♥️"

Reviewed on 15 Dec 2024

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €418 per night from 14 Jan to 15 Jan
€418
includes taxes & fees
14 Jan - 15 Jan 2025
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! (463 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on 17 Dec 2024

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
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
The price is €152 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
€152
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 8 restaurants, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice buzzing property with beach and shopping at 15 mins walk..property was modern and well maintained. Pool area was fun for the kids"

Reviewed on 19 Dec 2024

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 €157 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
€157
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
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! (1,143 reviews)
"Fantastic stay with kids"

Reviewed on 17 Dec 2024

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 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

Home of the Arts and Chevron Renaissance 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 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
Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Nobby Beach and Mermaid Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Gold Coast.

Mermaid Beach

Main Beach

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