Hang Ten at the Best Beaches on the Gold Coast

Queensland is known the world over for having 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 on your next coastal escape.

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.

Greenmount Beach

For somewhere a little less crowded than the main drags, head to Greenmount Beach, located at the south-eastern end of Coolangatta Beach. There are plenty of nearby hotels if you’d like to make this your base for your Gold Coast stay, as well as cafes to fuel you along.

Sheltered by headlands (that make for a lovely walk!), this quietly buzzing stretch of sand is well-catered for with picnic tables, toilets, barbecues and showers, making it very easy to make a day of it.

Greenmount Beach, 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

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 for 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.

Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta

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Palm Beach

Awarded Australia’s cleanest beach many times over, is the sparkling 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 areas, 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

Currumbin Beach & 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 who 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

Surfers Paradise

This world-famous 2km stretch of sand is the very beach people conjure in their mind’s eye when someone says Gold Coast. Lined by high-rise towers, it’s always awash with activity, whatever the season. Popular for both surfing and swimming, visitors can take advantage of the numerous surf schools to learn a new trick or two.

For anyone not keen on sand, the beach can be enjoyed via The Oceanway, a walking and cycling path that runs along the beach. A plethora of drinking and dining options are mere steps away for post-beach day refuelling.

Main Beach

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

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

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 cruisey energy that ensonces the area.

It’s a 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 of things to do 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.