Hang Ten at the Best Beaches on the Gold Coast

In Queensland, we’re lucky to have some of the best beaches in Australia, and you’ll find plenty of them on the Gold Coast. From quiet creeks to breaking waves, there’s a body of water to suit every activity and every level on your next coastal escape.

So whether you’re ready to lie low with a great beach read, or you’re prepared to give bodysurfing a crack, these are the best beaches on the Gold Coast to hit up on your holiday.

Palm Beach

Awarded Australia’s cleanest beach not once, but thrice, is the sparking jewel of the Gold Coast - Palm Beach. This suburb has been hard at work refreshing its image as one of the most desirable places to live in or visit, and the stunning beach is a massive drawcard.

With wide stretches of glittering white sand, several patrolled zones and dog-friendly zones, there’s plenty of room at Palm Beach for families, friend groups or lone wanderers to explore and enjoy. If you’re keen to hit the surf, find the surfer-friendly zones where the waves are crashing.

Once you’re tuckered out, there are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants around to refuel.

Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Rainbow Bay

You’ll find Rainbow Bay at the Southern end of the Gold Coast in Coolangatta. Stretching between Snapper Rocks and Greenmount Point, Rainbow Bay is a laid-back place to head for a swim. There are lifesaver patrols year-round, and you’re close by to accommodation and tasty eats, making it a perfect point to centre your next coastal escape around.

Towards Snapper Rocks is the best place to surf, and if you visit in April, you’ll get to experience the Corona Open Gold Coast competition (formerly known as the Quicksilver Pro), and see world-class surfers converge to a chance to surf a three-point break, conditions allowing.

It’s also one of the best Gold Coast beaches to spot migrating humpback whales from May to September.

Ask around your local cafe, and you’ll find they agree that Rainbow Bay is one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast.

Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta

Tallebudgera Creek

Running alongside the Burleigh Heads National Park, Tallebudgera Creek (or “Tally”, as it is affectionately known) is a popular channel of sparkling ocean water. Providing a sheltered and safe space for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding, Tallebudgera is one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast for holidaying families.

You’ll often spot a line of daring kids leaping off the bridge and into the water for a holiday thrill - so proceed with caution!

There are plenty of amenities for convenience, and you can bolster your itinerary with a bush walk, or head to the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre to discover the longstanding history and significance of this beautiful part of the GC for the traditional landowners.

1544 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach, Gold Coast Area

(Image Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Currumbin Estuary

Once popular as a dog beach thanks to its quiet banks and gentle waters, Currumbin Estuary has evolved into the ultimate destination for families. There’s a cafe and public toilets on site, as well as a huge children’s playground for any little ones that are more keen on climbing than swimming.

The waves here are minimal, so it’s perfect for young families to swim, snorkel and relax without the worry of rips or dumping waves to spoil any fun.

Pacific Parade, Currumbin, Gold Coast Area

Main Beach

Named ever so literally, Main Beach is Southport’s main surf beach. Popular with travellers, Main Beach is close to theme parks, accomodation, and a long stretch of cafes and restaurants to keep you fuelled and hydrated.

You can visit the Gold Coast’s original surf club at Southport, or pop by Pavilion 34, an old beach pavilion that’s been turned into a casual beach cafe.

Travel up Main Beach and you’ll soon find yourself at The Spit, where beautiful walks, amenities and watersports are all at your fingertips.

Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast Area

(Image Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Kirra Beach

Kirra has long held a reputation as one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast for family vacations, and sees holidaymakers return here time and time again to delight in the laid-back and cruisy energy that embodies the area.

It’s an ever-popular destination for surfers with endless waves breaking to ride. If you’re an early morning riser, head up Kirra Hill to watch the sunrise, before taking a restorative dip in the clear waters to begin your day.

Gold Coast, Gold Coast Area

Now that you’ve got your bucket list of the best beaches on the Gold Coast to visit, it’s time to plan the rest of your vacay. We’ve got the ultimate guide to where to eat, stay and play on the Gold Coast here.

Or, if you’re searching for some well-deserved R&R on your visit, explore the Gold Coast’s best day spas and book in a special treatment.