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$321 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
NZ$321
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
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! (990 reviews)
"We always enjoy our stay at SeaWorld and the premium rooms with a view are nicely decorated and very comfortable. We made the most of all the restaurants at the resort and really enjoyed both the dinner and brekky buffet. The kids loved the pool area and we all enjoyed the easy access to the theme ..."

Reviewed on 11 Apr. 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$385 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
NZ$385
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Our stay was beautiful, the service was amazing. The property does need an upgrade."

Reviewed on 7 Apr. 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$388 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
NZ$388
includes taxes & fees
24 Apr - 25 Apr
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)
"It was very convenient/close proximity to the celebration venue we were all at."

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 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$167 per night from 18 May to 19 May
NZ$167
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,219 reviews)
"Great staff, convenient location close to all places of interest. Property does need an update, and the renovations point to that being a priority."

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
Dorsett Gold Coast
Dorsett Gold Coast
4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is NZ$235 per night from 11 May to 12 May
NZ$235
includes taxes & fees
11 May - 12 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,506 reviews)
"great stay"

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

Dorsett Gold Coast
voco Gold Coast by IHG
voco Gold Coast by IHG
4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$203 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
NZ$203
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"We were impressed with everything here at Voco, during Easter they arranged wonderful activities for the kids and staff are super helpful and amazing. Tram is literally right outside and plenty of dining options to choose if not staying to eat at the hotel. We will definitely come again."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

voco Gold Coast by IHG
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
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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 Cooke Murphy Oval or Harley 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 Putt Putt Golf Mermaid Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Gold Coast.

Mermaid Beach


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