See the best possible of southeast Queensland’s shoreline with these unbelievable Gold Coast seashores!
The Gold Coast seashores are a triple deal with, with solar, surf, sand year-round. This coastal strip boasts constant sunshine, epic level breaks, and countless stretches of powdery dunes.
Positioned in Queensland, the Gold Coast is the state’s second-largest metropolis. The Gold Coast shoreline stretches alongside the Pacific Ocean, bordered by Larger Brisbane to the north and New South Wales to the south. Many of the Gold Coast’s well-known seashores lie alongside the long-lasting 40-km Gold Coast Freeway.
With its lengthy catalogue of seashore choices, you could be not sure the place to go. In fact, you’ll be able to go to all of them. But when you need to select, our information on one of the best Gold Coast seashores will enable you to plan the right seashore day!
The Finest Gold Coast Seashores
From browsing seashores to quiet escapes, the Gold Coast has one thing to tickle your fancy, irrespective of your temper. There are the surf breaks of Burleigh Heads, the glitzy skyline of Surfers Paradise, or the untamed allure of the Spit.
Then, a bit of flip off the busy highway will take you to hidden pockets of paradise, the place serene shores and surreal sunsets are the norm. Let’s discover one of the best seashores on the Gold Coast.
Northern Seashores on the Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise
The crown jewel of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise is a sprawling unfold of golden sand punctuated by gleaming skyscrapers fringing the Pacific Ocean. The suburb’s beating coronary heart is Surfers Paradise Seashore, the spot that cemented the Gold Coast’s repute as a premier vacationer hub.
Surfers Paradise may not have one of the best or greatest waves, however its waters are perfect for dips and browsing classes. And with the bronzed lifeguards patrolling the seashore, you’ll really feel secure splashing about. Nonetheless, you need to you should definitely swim solely between the pink and yellow flags.
All the two kilometres of Surfers Paradise Seashore has a paved promenade for roller-blading, skateboarding, biking, or sundown strolling. After sunset, the seashore turns into a nightlife hotspot as evening owls flock to the mega-clubs, cocktail bars, and evening markets.
Surfers Paradise is understood for its skyline. Take in unbelievable views on the SkyPoint Commentary Deck in Q1, Australia’s tallest tower. Need one thing fancy and romantic? A connoisseur dinner with a sightseeing tour could be a stunning possibility.
Budds Seashore
Few individuals exterior the Gold Coast find out about Budds Seashore. In any case, it’s not technically a seashore or a suburb however a small riverside neighborhood hidden in a quiet nook of Surfers Paradise.
Whereas urbanization has overtaken Surfers Paradise, Budds Seashore retained its old-school, sleepy village allure. And to assume it’s solely about 1.2 kilometers from the buzzing metropolis middle.
Budds Seashore sits on the financial institution of the Nerang River, making it an idyllic spot for stress-free river dips, fishing, boating, and, throughout sure instances of the yr, dolphin watching.
For households, Budds has a spacious, lush park with loads of shade, barbeques, and a playground. It additionally has a few riverfront cafes that serve tasty meals, nice espresso, and cocktails at sundown.
Predominant Seashore
A brief distance north of Surfers Paradise is Predominant Seashore, markedly extra mellow than its neighbour however simply as mesmerizing. Regardless of its chill vibe, it does include some bustle. Many of the motion occurs at Tedder Avenue, a stylish tree-lined strip filled with boutiques, cafes, and eating places.
Predominant Seashore’s beachfront resorts additionally entice travellers in search of quiet however not out-of-the-way locations to remain.
For avid walkers and cyclists, the Gold Coast Oceanway is a 36-km coastal route with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean that begins right here.
Discover Teddy Avenue and revel in its eating and purchasing choices. Bike across the Gold Coast Oceanway or watch the sundown from certainly one of its viewpoints. For a soothing seashore stroll, head to Predominant Seashore Vacationer Park. You soak within the park’s swimming pool or lease a surfboard to hone your abilities.
Take to the rainforests with these wonderful Gold Coast hikes!
The Spit
Positioned on the northernmost fringe of the Gold Coast, the Spit is the poster youngster of pure magnificence. This 5-km strip of golden sand juts into the Gold Coast Seaway, separating the Broadwater, an enormous estuary, from the Pacific Ocean.
Regardless of being comparatively untamed, it’s hardly a backwater. Proof of this are the opulent resorts, connoisseur eating places, and theme parks that make the Spit their residence.
One of the iconic landmarks within the Spit is the sand-pumping jetty, widespread amongst locals for fishing and lengthy strolls. One other is the Federation Stroll, a 3.5-km pathway that programs via a coastal reserve of assorted wildlife.
The realm north of the jetty has a shallow shore and delicate swells for newbie surfers, whereas the Broadwater facet is a favorite spot for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. There are additionally loads of boat excursions and cruises for individuals who want to unwind whereas sightseeing.
For some retail remedy, try Marina Mirage. On Saturdays, from morning to midday, it hosts a Farmers Market the place you should purchase natural produce, freshly baked items, and artisan merchandise.
Central Seashores on the Gold Coast
Broadbeach
One of the family-friendly seashores on the Gold Coast, Broadbeach is well as plushy as its neighbors, Surfers Paradise and Mermaid Seashore. However past its upscale resorts and complex eating scene, you’ll discover play areas, healthful parks, and festivals for all ages.
The suburb’s seashore life facilities round Kurrawa, a pristine strip that spans two kilometres lengthy. Dotted all through are playgrounds, barbeque areas, and seashore volleyball courts. Its beachside parks typically host weekend markets, yoga lessons, and occasions like Blues on Broadbeach and Groundwater Nation Music Competition.
Waves alongside Broadbeach could be erratic, so it’s not one of the best spot to surf. However, with its heat, clear waters and patrolled lifeguard towers, it’s one of many most secure locations for youths to swim. Nonetheless, pay attention to the climate and keep inside the pink and yellow flags.
Feeling beached out? For those who’re travelling with children, try the All Skills Playground at Kurrawa Park.
Or, take a brief stroll from the ocean to the Pacific Truthful Procuring Centre for window purchasing and eating out. Go to Broadbeach on the primary or third Sunday of the month to buy at its Artwork and Crafts Market.
For someplace quieter, head to Cascades Gardens, a rainforest park that overlooks the Nerang River. You may stroll down the Kokoda Memorial Stroll to study in regards to the bravery of Australian troopers who fought throughout WWII.
In search of extra actions? Attempt these Issues to Do on the Gold Coast, Australia
Mermaid Seashore
There’s extra to Mermaid Seashore than the ultraluxe Hedges Avenue, a.okay.a. Millionaire’s Row, a.okay.a. the Gold Coast’s most elite deal with. In contrast to many Gold Coast seashores, the beachfront is sort of empty, freed from crowds or high-rises.
The most effective factor about Mermaid Seashore is it’s open to the general public, and also you don’t need to be a resident of Millionaire’s Row to take pleasure in it.
There’s ample sandy house to throw down your towel and catch a suntan. The seashore additionally has patrolled areas for swimming and reasonable swells for browsing.
Nobby Seashore and Miami Seashore
Nobby Seashore is a laid-back haunt, the place you would possibly rub elbows with the locals. It’s a bit of busier than Mermaid Seashore however nonetheless considerably secluded.
Nobby Seashore is on the foot of a rocky hill known as North Nobby. Public showers, barbeque areas, and shaded picnic tables line its beachfront. On the southern portion of Nobby Seashore is a paved pathway for cyclists, joggers, and walkers.
Stroll additional down south, and also you’ll discover the secluded Miami Seashore. There’s a park and lookout atop the Miami headland, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in attractive 180-degree views of the ocean and the shoreline.
For surfers, the swells in Miami are beginner-friendly. If studying to trip the waves is in your bucket record, add taking a surf lesson in Miami in your Gold Coast itinerary.
Burleigh Seashore
Burleigh Seashore is likely one of the star points of interest of Burleigh Heads, probably the most bohemian suburb on the Gold Coast. Flanked by Nobbys Head to the north and Burleigh Head to the south, Burleigh Seashore has a big space of calm waters which can be secure to swim in all yr spherical.
Past the sheltered part is the place heart-raising adventures begin, not less than for knowledgeable surfers. The spot across the Burleigh headland is world-famous for its surf breaks and attracts native and worldwide vacationers.
For those who’re new to browsing, you’ll be able to benefit from the milder swells on the primary seashore. For these wishing to work on their abilities, Burleigh Seashore has a few of the finest surf colleges on the Gold Coast. These embody the Cheyne Horan College of Surf and the Godfathers of the Ocean, run by former world skilled surfer Michael Barry.
For hikers, Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park, which covers many of the headland, has an internet of trails that meander via clusters of Norfolk pines.
Those that need to delve into historical past whereas exploring the Burleigh headland (known as Jellurgal in Yugambeh, an historic Aboriginal language) can e-book a culturally immersive guided stroll.
Southern Seashores on the Gold Coast
Palm Seashore
Virtually all seashores on the Gold Coast have a novel function that units them other than one another, whether or not it’s big surfs or glistening skyscrapers.
Palm Seashore appears to don’t have anything stunning to make it stand out from different seashores. However this familiarity makes it a comfortable and sometimes uncrowded alternative for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and even a bit of browsing.
Much less developed in comparison with its northern neighbors, Palm Seashore wins vacationers with its pure magnificence. Certainly, it has received the cleanest seashore in Queensland award thrice. It’s additionally one of many few locations on the Gold Coast the place you’ll be able to nonetheless see rows of rustic seashore shacks on the beachfront.
Don’t mistake Palm Seashore’s subdued vibe with dullness. For foodies, there are a number of cafes and eateries, together with the Palm Seashore Surf Membership. There are additionally a handful of playgrounds and weekend markets fringing the seashore.
Then, there’s Tallebudgera Creek, an estuary partly hemmed by the Burleigh headland. Due to its glowing waters and sandy banks, Tallebudgera Creek is widespread with households with tots and babies.
The Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the one one on the Gold Coast, lies on the shore of the Tallebudgera Creek.
Currumbin Seashore
Image-perfect Currumbin Seashore is a playground for outside lovers. Its twin points of interest – Currumbin Creek and Currumbin Alley – are the true definition of “one thing for everybody.”
The tranquil waters of Currumbin Creek are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Close to its mouth is Currumbin Alley, one of the crucial well-known surf breaks on the Gold Coast on account of its constant waves.
The Alley has spectacular swells for superior wave riders, nevertheless it additionally has sections (those nearer to the creek) with shallow, sheltered waters for fledgling surfers to hone their abilities.
The Currumbin rock wall is a favorite spot for fishing, whereas the close by Elephant Rock has a viewing platform the place you take pleasure in breathtaking panoramas. Go to in September to expertise the Swell Sculptures Competition, the most important outside artwork exhibition on the Gold Coast.
Inland, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a 27-hectare zoological backyard, is a nice break from the Gold Coast seashores.
Coolangatta Seashore
Coolangatta, a suburb situated on the southern finish of the Gold Coast close to the NSW border, has a few of the finest seashores on the Gold Coast. Suppose Kirra, Greenmount, and Rainbow Bay (extra on these under.)
The Coolangatta beachfront exudes a slower tempo and extra informal vibe regardless of being solely a 30-minute drive from the hectic Surfers Seashore.
Coolangatta Seashore itself is north-facing and shielded, with calm waters secure for swimming and newbie browsing classes. Seasoned surfers can chase the more difficult waves of the Snapper Rocks.
Take a break from swimming and discover Coolangatta’s beachside cafes, eateries, and markets. There’s loads of alfresco eating, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in tasty cocktails whereas watching the sundown or metropolis skyline within the distance.
Kirra Seashore
For those who’re in search of an attractive seashore that totally encapsulates the surf tradition of the Gold Coast, look no additional than Kirra.
It’s residence to the world-renowned Kirra Level, famous for its large swells and barrel waves. This small, craggy headland is a part of the World Surf Reserve and one of many 4 epic level breaks on the Gold Coast.
Regardless of its glittering repute because the non secular residence of browsing on the Gold Coast, Kirra Seashore is extremely easygoing. This Gold Coast seashore is quieter than most, with powdery dunes for sunbathing and sand fort constructing.
For swimmers, Kirra Seashore has tiny pockets of peaceable, protected waters exterior the highly effective surfs. The calm shallows are additionally wonderful for surf classes for all ages.
For those who want scenic walks, stroll down the wood boardwalk that winds round Kirra Level. Then, climb the tree-clad Kirra Hill for a few of the most magical sunsets on the Gold Coast.
Whereas Kirra is decidedly extra muted than many seashores on the Gold Coast, its cafe scene is surprisingly vibrant. Seize a espresso and brunch at certainly one of its thriving espresso outlets. For a tasty, inexpensive meal with hanging ocean views within the backdrop, the Kirra Surf Membership, one of many oldest on the Gold Coast, by no means disappoints.
Learn Subsequent: Queensland Highway Journeys – 11 BEST Drive Itineraries
Snapper Rocks
Snapper Rocks is extra of a rugged outcrop than a sandy seashore. However its recognition as a degree break, among the finest on the earth, makes it worthy of dialogue. Synonymous with epic swells, Snapper Rocks is a world browsing mecca frequented by WSL champs Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning.
Snapper Rocks marks the place to begin of the Superbank. The Superbank is a two-kilometre synthetic sandbar surf break with a formidable portfolio of quick barrels and lengthy, hole waves. From Snapper, it passes Rainbow Bay, Greenmount, Coolangatta Seashore, and Kirra.
On sure days, with the best circumstances, board riders can take off at Snapper and finish about two kilometres away in Kirra. Discuss one of the crucial intensive wave-riding experiences on the earth!
Not a surfer? You may watch professional surfers trip the waves from the grassy knoll overlooking Snapper Rocks. You may even strive fishing from the outcrop, although you need to be cautious of the massive swells.
A brief stroll from Snapper results in Level Hazard, a headland with a park that gives sweeping views of Surfers Paradise, Byron Bay in northern NSW, and the huge blue ocean. It additionally has the Captain Cook dinner Memorial Lighthouse and the Centaur Remembrance Stroll. For those who go to between June and November, you would possibly see migrating humpback whales from the lookout.
For sunbaking classes sans the gang, head to Froggies Seashore, a small, white-sand cove hidden between Snapper Rocks and Level Hazard.
Planning your journey to Gold Coast? Learn our 7 Day Gold Coast Itinerary
Rainbow Bay
Formed like a crescent, Rainbow Bay is a large white sand seashore with low waves and sheltered waters the place even tots can splash on safely. It’s the go-to for households in search of an thrilling however uncrowded seashore day on the Gold Coast.
However Rainbow Bay does get a fair proportion of professional surfers due to its proximity to Snapper Rocks. For those who select to not get moist, there’s loads of room on the sand to unfold your towel and work in your tan.
A grassy, hilly parkland frames the seashore from behind. Picnic tables, barbeque areas, and playgrounds dot the park. There’s a strolling observe that results in Level Hazard. From the lookout, you’ll be able to stare upon Snapper Rocks and see surfers conquer the waves.
After an extended day of swimming and strolling, head to the Rainbow Bay Surf Membership and revel in a calming sundowner whereas watching the sundown.
Greenmount Seashore
Of Coolangatta’s primary seashores, Greenmount Seashore is maybe probably the most laid-back. Greenmount, protected against the winds by a rocky headland, is a secure spot for swimming. Its milder swells and straightforward sand-bottomed breaks lure newbie and intermediate surfers.
Greenmount’s pristine observe of sand and slower tempo of life make it excellent for seashore yoga, picnics, and basic seashore lounging.
If you wish to stretch your legs, stroll alongside the trail wrapped round Greenmount Level. Don’t overlook to pause on the wood boardwalk and ponder the beautiful seaside views of the Gold Coast.
For a spot to seize snacks and ice-cold drinks, drop by the Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Surf Membership on the shores of Greenmount Seashore. Established in 1911, it’s the oldest surf membership on the Gold Coast and in Queensland.
What’s the Finest Time to Go to the Gold Coast
With almost 300 days of sunshine a yr, the Gold Coast attracts guests irrespective of the season. However if you wish to take in the seashore tradition, go to the Gold Coast between Might and October.
Due to low rainfall and heat climate, the times are excellent for seashore bumming on the colourful Gold Coast.
February to April is the prime browsing season, whereas Might to November is finest for whale watching on the Gold Coast, with August as the height.
The place to Keep on the Gold Coast
Select your lodging close to one of the best seashores so you’ll be able to take advantage of your time on the Gold Coast. Listed below are some top-rated suggestions for all budgets!
Finest Luxurious Lodging: The Langham, Gold Coast
This five-star lodge in Surfers Paradise Seashore is good for these in search of sophistication, leisure, and distinctive service on the Gold Coast.
It options beachfront entry, an expensive spa, world-class eating, a number of swimming pools, and a rooftop bar with ocean views.
Finest Mid-Vary Lodging: Turtle Seashore Resort
This tropical resort presents self-contained, family-friendly flats with cooking amenities. It has 4 swimming swimming pools, waterslides, an onsite restaurant and bar, a mini golf course, a cinema, and free parking. It’s a five-minute stroll from the quiet Mermaid beachfront.
Finest Price range Lodging: Surf Inn Backpackers
This adults-only boutique hostel within the coronary heart of Surfers Paradise presents dorms and personal rooms, an outside swimming pool, and a complimentary breakfast.
It’s near the seashore, eating places, and public transport. It additionally has a nightly membership schedule for individuals who love the nightlife and sundown boat cruises on Thursdays.
Is the Gold Coast value visiting?
Gold Coast is unquestionably value visiting because it has a few of the finest seashores in Australia! The Gold Coast boasts over two dozen stunning seashores alongside its 32-kilometre shoreline, making it certainly one of Australia’s finest seaside locations.
Even the fussiest seashore critic will discover a candy spot on the Gold Coast to sink of their toes.
Decide Surfers Paradise for meals and nightlife, Kirra for newbie surfers, Snapper Rocks for the professionals (or for watching them), Palm Seashore for canine strolling, Tallebudgera Creek for swimming, and the Spit for a bit of little bit of every little thing.
DISCLAIMER: Among the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks, which implies in case you e-book lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we are going to obtain a small fee at no additional price to you. These commissions assist us hold creating extra free journey content material to assist individuals plan their holidays and adventures. We solely advocate one of the best lodging, excursions and merchandise that ourselves or our improbable editorial staff have personally skilled, and usually overview these. Thanks on your help, sort good friend!
