Main Beach Travel Guide

Gold Coast
Sea World featuring marine life and coral
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

Dorsett Gold Coast
Dorsett Gold Coast
4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is £92 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
£92
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,227 reviews)
"Excellent customer service staff all enthusiastic and friendly"

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Dorsett Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD
The price is £167 per night from 7 May to 8 May
£167
per night
7 May - 8 May
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 their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Staff were friendly and polite at all times. Happy to answer any questions. Room felt spacious, comfortable and quiet."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Imperial Hotel 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 £130 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
£130
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Best customer service we’ve received in a long time. Room was great and the cot for my son was in excellent condition (good quality, proper mattress). Only disappointing thing was no toaster in the room as we didn’t have breakfast included. Would love to stay longer but this is definitely a drawback. ..."

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

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 £166 per night from 10 May to 11 May
£166
per night
10 May - 11 May
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"A little dated but still a very nice resort."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2024

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 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
The price is £185 per night from 13 May to 14 May
£185
per night
13 May - 14 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (338 reviews)
"Fantastic day"

Reviewed on 28 Apr 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 £132 per night from 7 May to 8 May
£132
per night
7 May - 8 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 8 restaurants and 6 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,063 reviews)
"Service button had worn out. Didn’t realise what it was till the end of the stay"

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
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
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Carrara

Golf courses, restaurants and beaches highlight some of the noteworthy features of Carrara. Make a stop by Palm Meadows Golf Course or Heritage Bank Stadium while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Carrara

Main Beach Travel Guide

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