Main Beach Travel Guide

Gold Coast

Southport which includes a sandy beach, swimming and tropical scenes
Main Beach
Main Beach
Southport which includes central business district, a beach and a high-rise building
Sea World showing a pond, a water park and rides

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

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr Main Beach QLD
The price is ฿9,352 per night from 15 Jan to 16 Jan
฿9,352
฿10,288 total
15 Jan - 16 Jan
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
Was wash clean an parking was easy

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
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 ฿7,050 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
฿7,050
฿7,755 total
1 Feb - 2 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
Amazing resort,close to the beach,great pool and swim up bar. All staff are super friendly,happy and courteous! Special shout out to Marie for helping us with an issue with our room and for her generosity!! The rooms are probably a bit dated, but we did not spend too much time in our room anyway. ...

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 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 ฿4,969 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
฿4,969
฿5,466 total
1 Feb - 2 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
My family loved the offer of accommodation and park tickets

Reviewed on 6 Jan 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (970 reviews)
We got a fully renovated apartment with all we need. The view was great 👍

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025

Xanadu Main Beach Resort
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 ฿5,808 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
฿5,808
฿6,389 total
19 Jan - 20 Jan
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,020 reviews)
Clean, spacious rooms.

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

The Star Grand at The Star 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 ฿3,574 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
฿3,574
฿3,931 total
26 Jan - 27 Jan
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! (1,386 reviews)
Great place to stay , excellent breakfast

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Novotel Surfers Paradise
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
Default Image

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 Cooke Murphy Oval.

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


Main Beach Travel Guide