Main Beach

Gold Coast
Southport featuring swimming, a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Main Beach
Main Beach
Southport which includes a skyscraper, central business district and a sandy beach
Sea World showing rides, a pond and a water park
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


Main Beach Hotel Deals

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 CA $293 per night from Feb. 20 to Feb. 21
CA $293
CA $322 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 20 - Feb 21
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (982 reviews)
"Great hotel and location. Direct access to beach and pool facilities in hotel, service is great from front desk, dining, pool. Would recommend."

Reviewed on Jan. 3, 2025

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $319 per night from Jan. 28 to Jan. 29
CA $319
CA $351 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 28 - Jan 29
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! (973 reviews)
"Great hotel with amazing swimming pool and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2025

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 CA $220 per night from Feb. 5 to Feb. 6
CA $220
CA $242 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 5 - Feb 6
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 breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Room was great and staff were amazing!"

Reviewed on Jan. 11, 2025

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 CA $162 per night from Feb. 10 to Feb. 11
CA $162
CA $178 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 10 - Feb 11
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! (1,189 reviews)
"Location is great. 30 seconds to Cavil Ave and a short walk to the beach. Pool, spa and tennis court were great. you can borrow body boards for the beach. A lot of patience is needed in the morning / night during busier periods with the lifts. Waiting up to 10 mins was not uncommon. Some occasions ..."

Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2025

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 CA $194 per night from Jan. 27 to Jan. 28
CA $194
CA $214 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 27 - Jan 28
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 8 restaurants, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"The room was good but the cleaniness could have been better. They need to check for dust build up in hard to reach areas. I am tall so no issues as far as reaching in those areas."

Reviewed on Jan. 18, 2025

The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
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 CA $162 per night from Feb. 9 to Feb. 10
CA $162
CA $179 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 9 - Feb 10
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"It was amazing. Had everything I needed and was a stones throw from the beach. Had a great time there."

Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2025

voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
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 which includes a skyscraper, general coastal views and a beach

Southport

Beaches, spas, and theme parks are just a few things travelers enjoy about Southport. Check out Australia Fair Shopping Centre or Broadwater Parklands while you're exploring the area.

Southport
Surfers Paradise which includes a city, a beach and a sunset

Surfers Paradise

Known for its stunning beaches, luxurious spas, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Surfers Paradise. Top attractions like Home of the Arts and Chevron Renaissance are major draws. Catch the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station to see more of the city.

Surfers Paradise
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Labrador

Labrador is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Ian Dipple Lagoon and Chirn Park while in the area.

Labrador
Gold Coast showing food, outdoor eating and drinks or beverages

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 featuring a high rise building, skyline and a beach

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 Soak Bathhouse, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Gold Coast.

Mermaid Beach

Main Beach

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