The Best Local Beaches To Visit On The Gold Coast
When it comes to glorious Gold Coast beaches, there is truly one for everyone - with kid-friendly, family-friendly and even dog-friendly Gold Coast beaches waiting to be enjoyed year-round! From iconic Surfers Paradise to the silky-soft sands of Palm Beach, soak up legendary beachside vibes with days full of sun, sea, sand, surf and plenty of serene shorelines to explore.
To help you choose the ultimate stretch of sand for an amazing day on the ocean, here are 10 of the best Gold Coast beaches to check out.
Surfers Paradise Beach
The poster child of Gold Coast beaches, Surfers Paradise Beach buzzes with lively beach games, wild watersports, designer-clad sun seekers and families making the most of the ocean. Located just a couple of minutes walk from voco® Gold Coast, it blends the best of beach, shopping, entertainment and dining into one amazing stretch of sand. Swim, surf and sunbathe on 2kms of patrolled coastline framed with a backdrop of towering buildings, beachside cafes and exciting attractions day or night. Spend the day sunning yourself before indulging in a spot of shopping at the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets. Explore the wonders of Cavill Avenue and eat, drink and party at the many rooftop bars and restaurants in the heart of the Gold Coast.
Distance from voco® Gold Coast:
Gold Coast Beach
The Easy Way to Head Further Afield
If you want to head further afield and check out some of the Gold Coast’s best-known icons without needing a car, jumping on the G: Link light rail is the easiest way to glide down the coast. Northcliffe and Florida Gardens stations are just steps away from voco® Gold Coast, with trains running every 7.5 to 30 minutes, 7 days a week. Hop on, hop off and explore more of the Gold Coast at your leisure.
Broadbeach
Home to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and a vibrant food and entertainment scene, Broadbeach is a must for fun-loving families and couples. The beach in Broadbeach itself is one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast, and for good reason. Pristine sands, gentle swells and endless opportunities for swimming, surfing and fishing await. Patrolled swim zones make it ideal for families looking to cool off in the sea while modern facilities and nearby entertainment complexes make it a great choice for lazy afternoons on the beach followed by upscale dinner and drinks, rooftop bars and nighttime entertainment.
Distance from voco® Gold Coast: 2.7km | 5-minute drive
Kurrawa Beach
Another popular beach destination in Broadbeach is Kurrawa Beach. Just a 10-minute drive from the action of Surfers Paradise, it offers a laid back and relaxed vibe perfect for long and lazy days with family and friends. Weekends tend to be busy, with sunseekers throwing down their towels at every turn. The best time to visit this Gold Coast beach is late afternoon, when the heat is more bearable and the crowds begin to disperse. It’s around this time you’ll also be treated to spectacular sunsets, when the Gold Coast is cast in a deep pink hue. The boardwalk and surf club provide ample leisure activities, with plenty of nearby dining, drinking and entertainment options. A little quieter than Broadbeach, it’s easy to hop between the two depending on what you’re looking for.
Distance from voco® Gold Coast:
Main Beach
If you like the look of Surfers Paradise Beach but prefer something a little less crowded, then Main Beach is the place for you. Take advantage of a stunning stretch of soft sand lapped at by smooth surf, perfect for swimming, surfing and soaking up some rays. Main Beach tends to have smaller crowds, even at the peak of summer, making it perfect for a mid-afternoon kickaround on the beach. Nearby, you’ll find Hollindale and Phillip Park, both offering plenty of shade and green space ideal for summer BBQs. Seaworld is also within easy walking distance, as are a myriad of ocean walking trails through the nature reserve.
Distance from voco® Gold Coast:
Mermaid Beach
With a name guaranteed to spark little kids' imaginations, Mermaid Beach is where childhood memories are made and one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast for families. Take advantage of this generous stretch of sand running 2kms just north of Nobby Beach, where the waves tend to be a little calmer and the sand a little warmer. Nearby, families can enjoy Putt Putt Mermaid Beach and the surrounding parklands. One of the benefits of Mermaid Beach is that it tends to be less crowded than neighbouring Nobby and Kurrawa Beach, which is ideal for beach picnics, volleyball and kite flying.
Distance from voco® Gold Coast:
Nobby Beach
Patrolled year-round from 8am to 5pm, Nobby Beach is divided into two different sections; North Nobby and South Nobby. Popular with the surf crowd, Nobby Beach has generous swells and surfing breaks running the length of the beach. Naturally, the beach is more than just a surfing hotspot. It’s also popular with swimmers, sunbathers and day trippers looking for a highly accessible Gold Coast beach that offers plenty of facilities. Wheelchair users can take advantage of sturdy beach matting, accessibility points and platforms while others can enjoy public BBQs, showers, toilets, shaded dining areas and nearby parking.
Distance from voco® Gold Coast:
Miami Beach
Stretching 1km between North Nobby Beach and South Nobby Beach, Miami Beach is a narrow stretch of pristine sand that screams Gold Coast glamour. With the Pacific Ocean on one side and a beachfront reserve to the other, Miami offers respite from the crowds while being intimate enough to enjoy without feeling isolated. Reaching Miami is easy, taking one of the many reserve walking tracks that come off of Marine Parade. Enjoy BBQ, picnic, parkland and shower facilities with plenty of shaded areas to use during the hottest part of the day. If walking from Nobby Beach to Burleigh Beach, Miami Beach is an amazing place to take five and enjoy a bite to eat while soaking up beautiful views along the way.
Distance from voco® Gold Coast:
Burleigh Beach
Often voted as one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast, Burleigh Beach looks back toward the towering skyline of Surfers Paradise while offering a more relaxed seaside experience. Easy parking, nearby G: Link stations, parklands and clean and patrolled beaches make it a firm favourite with families, couples and those looking to relax. Just a stones throw from the bustling cafe culture of Burleigh Heads, be sure to make your way to the lookout point for views of some of the most magical sunsets in the region. Tallebudgera Creek offers up the perfect surroundings for cooling off from the heat of the day, while Burleigh Pavilion is the ultimate place to enjoy cocktails and fresh seafood with ocean views. Best visited from mid to late afternoon, you’re sure to find a spot to throw down your beach towel and relax with nothing but beautiful views, nearby facilities and the warm Pacific Ocean breeze.
Distance from voco® Gold Coast: 7.9km | 14-minute drive
Palm Beach
Home to lush parklands, preserved nature reserves and an iconic beach, Palm Beach is worth every second of the short journey from Surfers Paradise. Nestled between Burleigh Heads and Currumbin, there’s something to enjoy in every direction. From yoga on the beach to kayaking along the creeks, enjoy a vibrant beachside escape on pristine sands, surrounded by lots of fantastic family fun. Be sure to take a picnic rug to throw down in the Palm Beach Parklands, one of the area's most popular spots for alfresco dining on the coast. Changing rooms and showers can be found nearby, while dogs can enjoy the off-leash exercise area on the beach near Rockview Public Park. From kids playgrounds to on-site cafes serving up delicious beachside lunches, a visit to Palm Beach never disappoints.
Distance from voco® Gold Coast: 14.3km | 20-minute drive
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise and just a short 4-minute stroll to the beach, voco® Gold Coast serves up the ultimate Gold Coast experience with a twist. Soak up sweeping ocean vistas or distant hinterland views, with the best shopping, dining and entertainment right on your doorstep. Whether you’re staying for the night or stopping for the week, choose from stylish deluxe rooms and suites made for memorable Gold Coast getaways.
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise and just a short 4-minute stroll to the beach, voco® Gold Coast serves up the ultimate Gold Coast experience with a twist. Soak up sweeping ocean vistas or distant hinterland views, with the best shopping, dining and entertainment right on your doorstep. Whether you’re staying for the night or stopping for the week, choose from stylish deluxe rooms and suites made for memorable Gold Coast getaways.
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise and just a short 4-minute stroll to the beach, voco® Gold Coast serves up the ultimate Gold Coast experience with a twist. Soak up sweeping ocean vistas or distant hinterland views, with the best shopping, dining and entertainment right on your doorstep. Whether you’re staying for the night or stopping for the week, choose from stylish deluxe rooms and suites made for memorable Gold Coast getaways.
