Main Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southport which includes a sandy beach, tropical scenes and swimming
Main Beach
Main Beach
Southport which includes a beach, a skyscraper and city views
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

Activities


Our pick of the best Main Beach Hotel Deals

Sea World Resort
Sea World Resort
4.5 out of 5
Sea World Drive Main Beach Gold Coast, Main Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$330 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
NZ$330
includes taxes & fees
9 Feb - 10 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! (1,000 reviews)
"A nice location and highly recommended if you have younger kids and will be spending time at Sea World. Is a bit further up the GC but nice and quiet and well located to get to other theme parks. Great kids play area and activities during the holidays. Only improvement would be a little more healthy ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jan. 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 NZ$397 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
NZ$397
includes taxes & fees
9 Feb - 10 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (982 reviews)
"Very nice 80s style hotel"

Reviewed on 3 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 NZ$443 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
NZ$443
includes taxes & fees
9 Feb - 10 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! (1,000 reviews)
Good stay
"Overall good. Pool was nice, along with pool bar. Needed more food options."

Reviewed on 29 Jan. 2025

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Xanadu Main Beach Resort
Xanadu Main Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
59 Pacific Street, Main Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (904 reviews)
"Our third stay at the property and it did not disappoint Great locatiom, clean, quiet building."

Reviewed on 2 Feb. 2025

Xanadu Main Beach Resort
Novotel Surfers Paradise
Novotel Surfers Paradise
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$202 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
NZ$202
includes taxes & fees
3 Mar - 4 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! (1,200 reviews)
"The only thing that let it down was the fact we waited for over 20 minutes for the lift, to get down, one morning!"

Reviewed on 31 Jan. 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$251 per night from 12 Feb to 13 Feb
NZ$251
includes taxes & fees
12 Feb - 13 Feb
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 8 restaurants, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Lovely place to visit always something happening"

Reviewed on 3 Feb. 2025

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

Home of the Arts and Chevron Renaissance 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
Default Image

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 Oasis or The Star Gold Coast 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 Soak Bathhouse, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Gold Coast.

Mermaid Beach


Main Beach Travel Guide

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