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 $294 per night from Mar. 31 to Apr. 1
CA $294
CA $323 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Great stay
"Still a great hotel with a brilliant buffet breakfast. The dinner restaurant has a great location overlooking the pool area and has a very tasty menu."

Reviewed on Mar. 5, 2025

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 CA $245 per night from Mar. 31 to Apr. 1
CA $245
CA $269 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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! (1,000 reviews)
"The resort has beautifully groomed grounds with plenty of places to cohabit with the bush turkeys. Despite catering for families with children I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the resort for solo travellers."

Reviewed on Mar. 11, 2025

Sea World Resort
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD
The price is CA $270 per night from Apr. 10 to Apr. 11
CA $270
CA $297 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a marina, and private hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"It was very convenient/close proximity to the celebration venue we were all at."

Reviewed on Mar. 23, 2025

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
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 $214 per night from Mar. 31 to Apr. 1
CA $214
CA $236 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 8 restaurants, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The Crowne Plaza rooms have a luxury feel at an affordable price"

Reviewed on Mar. 21, 2025

The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
Dorsett Gold Coast
Dorsett Gold Coast
4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is CA $158 per night from Apr. 27 to Apr. 28
CA $158
CA $174 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,494 reviews)
"The check in staff member was a bit fussy but the checkout person was great no fuss"

Reviewed on Mar. 25, 2025

Dorsett Gold Coast
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 CA $365 per night from Apr. 2 to Apr. 3
CA $365
CA $401 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (520 reviews)
"Just was an amazing place to stay"

Reviewed on Mar. 27, 2025

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 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 Gold Coast Aquatic Centre 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 Cooke Murphy Oval 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 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
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

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