Main Beach

Gold Coast
Sea World showing coral and marine life
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

voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is HK$785 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
HK$785
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Friendly reception, clean, well maintained, comfortable and well-priced against comparable quality options. Overall a very nice stay."

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
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 HK$1,606 per night from 26 May to 27 May
HK$1,606
per night
26 May - 27 May
Book a 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 our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"A little dated but still a very nice resort."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2024

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 HK$1,652 per night from 21 May to 22 May
HK$1,652
per night
21 May - 22 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 our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Very clean"

Reviewed on 9 May 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 HK$1,416 per night from 19 May to 20 May
HK$1,416
per night
19 May - 20 May
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 pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"We had an excellent stay with other family members! Everyone enjoyed themselves, both adults and kids, and it ended well with the breakfast buffet the morning we left! The whole stay was excellent value!"

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Sea World 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 HK$867 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
HK$867
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Hotel is central to everything in Surfers Paradise which made it very convenient but the hotel doesn't have its own parking and the facilities are out dated"

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Novotel Surfers Paradise
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 HK$1,686 per night from 21 May to 22 May
HK$1,686
per night
21 May - 22 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (345 reviews)
"room was clean but when i moved the table to use. there was food under the base. windows outside all need a clean other than that it was nice a person from outside the resort was walking around the pool asking guests for cigarettes staff instead of moving on gave the women smokes which i found to ..."

Reviewed on 16 May 2024

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
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