Main Beach Travel Guide

Gold Coast

Southport which includes a sandy beach, swimming and tropical scenes
Southport which includes a sandy beach, swimming and tropical scenes
Main Beach showing marine life and coral
Main Beach featuring a beach and general coastal views
Southport which includes central business district, a beach and a high-rise building

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 holiday 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

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 ฿7,189 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
฿7,189
฿7,908 total
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Best place to stay

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

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 ฿7,327 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
฿7,327
฿8,060 total
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a marina and private hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
Amaxing

Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026

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 ฿6,290 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
฿6,290
฿6,919 total
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Vg gc6rb4ssees

Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026

Sea World Resort
Xanadu Main Beach Resort

Xanadu Main Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
59 Pacific Street Main Beach QLD
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (975 reviews)
Great view. Rules about cleanliness after care is too strict!

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

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 ฿3,785 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
฿3,785
฿4,163 total
25 Feb - 26 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,445 reviews)
The drinking glasses were not washed properly. Full of soap. The hotel also lost power for 5 - 6 hours around 9 pm until 2-3 am and we were not notified or informed/ even a simple apology during checkout .we had to sleep without the air con in the humid QLD weather. Location was great.

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

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
The price is ฿4,966 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
฿4,966
฿5,463 total
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 8 restaurants and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
Room was great on the 17th floor. Great view of the river

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

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 Gold Coast Aquatic Centre 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
Southport Australia From Labrador

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
黃金海岸,是澳洲昆士蘭省的太平洋沿岸城市,人口52.7萬,北與府城布里斯本相鄰,南與新南威爾斯省堤維德岬接壤。座落於本市的邦德大學為昆士蘭省唯一的私立大學;且有一設於黃金海岸的分校為公立格里菲斯大學之最大校區。

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


Main Beach Travel Guide