Main Beach Travel Guide

Gold Coast

A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.
A school of striped fish swimming near a coral reef.
A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.
A beach with high-rise buildings in the background.
A rocky landscape with palm trees and a sign that reads "Imagine SeaWorld Australia".

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.


Stay near popular Main Beach attractions

Things to do


Top hotels in Main Beach

Sea World Resort

Sea World Resort

Sea World Drive Main Beach Gold Coast Main Beach QLD
The price is ฿6,667 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
฿6,667
฿7,333 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa 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 reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,020 reviews)
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Reviewed on 15 Jul 2026

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 ฿6,559 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
฿6,559
฿7,214 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury 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 ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,001 reviews)
"First time at this hotel. I’ve stayed in other Sheraton’s before. This would certainly meet the mark. Love the service and attitude of the staff, always willing to help. Just that the hotel is a little bit dated and need some sprucing up to keep up with the times. Pity the pool is not very big for ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 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 ฿6,580 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
฿6,580
฿7,238 total
13 Aug - 14 Aug
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Property is run down and need a serious face lift. Not worth the money."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2026

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 ฿4,224 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
฿4,224
฿4,646 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (1,503 reviews)
"We had a very relaxing stay at the Novotel the beds were great"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2026

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 ฿8,915 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
฿8,915
฿9,806 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (797 reviews)
"We had a great time! Room was clean, and staff was very nice."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2026

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
Dorsett Gold Coast

Dorsett Gold Coast

4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue Broadbeach QLD
The price is ฿3,954 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
฿3,954
฿4,350 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,568 reviews)
"Perfect Gold Coast location."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2026

Dorsett 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.

Where to stay in Main Beach

Find the best Main Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Surfers Paradise

Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Beach 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.

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.

Coolangatta

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Coolangatta. Make a stop by Kirra Beach or Coolangatta Beach while you're exploring the area.

Burleigh Heads

A noteworthy feature of Burleigh Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Head National Park.

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.



Main Beach Travel Guide