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

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$396 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
NZ$396
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
Great stay
"Still a great hotel with a brilliant buffet breakfast. The dinner restaurant has a great location overlooking the pool area and has a very tasty menu."

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2025

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 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 NZ$330 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
NZ$330
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Arrived at the property around 230 pm. Check in due at 3pm got room keys around 3 30 pm. Staff, environment and vibe of the resort was perfect only few things needs to be fix was room service furniture found old and rusted apart from that all was good. Special thanks for team expedia who helped us ..."

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2025

Sea World Resort
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$408 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
NZ$408
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a marina, and private hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Very good. Overall building was tired looking and needed maitenance. Pool area was a standout."

Reviewed on 27 Feb. 2025

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
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$220 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
NZ$220
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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! (1,225 reviews)
"Hotel is in a great location, close to the beach and shops."

Reviewed on 6 Mar. 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
5 out of 5
2669 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is NZ$168 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
NZ$168
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,135 reviews)
"This accommodation is absolutely beautiful, great facilities and close walking distance to lots of bars, restaurants and the beach. The staff were really welcoming, accommodating and friendly. We look forward to staying here again in the future."

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2025

Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
Q1 Resort & Spa
Q1 Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$321 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
NZ$321
includes taxes & fees
12 Mar - 13 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,292 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 6 Mar. 2025

Q1 Resort & Spa
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 Gold Coast Aquatic Centre 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
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 Cooke Murphy Oval.

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
Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Nobby Beach and Putt Putt Golf Mermaid Beach, 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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