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

Sea World Resort
Sea World Resort
4.5 out of 5
Sea World Drive Main Beach Gold Coast, Main Beach, QLD
The price is €181 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
€181
includes taxes & fees
26 Feb - 27 Feb
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Had a great time at SeaWorld resort. Highlight was the pool and water play area kids has a blast! Friendly staff too! Only downside was having no cutlery or bowls and plates in the room. They definitely don't want you eating your own food so we ended up buying paper plates and bowls and cereal so ..."

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2025

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 €218 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
€218
includes taxes & fees
26 Feb - 27 Feb
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Great stay. Beautiful amenities 🙏"

Reviewed on 16 Feb 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 €243 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
€243
includes taxes & fees
26 Feb - 27 Feb
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Overall my stay at this property was very enjoyable. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The room was a good size and the beds were very comfy. The room was also clean and tidy. The buffet breakfast had a very good selection, with a view of the massive pool area. A very good place to stay."

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2025

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
5 out of 5
2669 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is €86 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€86
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,115 reviews)
"Stayed before and will definitely come back"

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2025

Meriton Suites Broadbeach, 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 €120 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
€120
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
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! (1,213 reviews)
"I really enjoyed my stay at the Novotel. My room had a view of tall buildings in the front, the beach to the right and the canals to the left. Big thanks to the receptionist who greeted me on arrival (can’t remember his name but he’s from Brazil) 🌈"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
5 out of 5
6 Orchid Ave Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is €139 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
€139
includes taxes & fees
26 Feb - 27 Feb
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Great stay, special mention to Kim in the executive lounge, she was unreal with her service, we have never felt so welcomed in lounge before!!!! Thanks Kim"

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2025

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & 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.

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
Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Nobby Beach and Putt Putt Golf 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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