Main Beach

Gold Coast

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

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 $309 per night from Mar 10 to Mar 11
CA $309
CA $340 total
Mar 10 - Mar 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
the breakfast was outstanding and fresh. best i have

Reviewed on Jan 23, 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 CA $315 per night from Feb 11 to Feb 12
CA $315
CA $347 total
Feb 11 - Feb 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a 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 our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Still well maintained and enjoyable. Not alot of staff around so service can be a bit slow at times.

Reviewed on Jan 27, 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 CA $271 per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
CA $271
CA $298 total
Feb 19 - Feb 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (1,002 reviews)
My kids enjoyed the swimming area and sea world.

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2026

Sea World Resort
Xanadu Main Beach Resort

Xanadu Main Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
59 Pacific Street Main Beach QLD
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (973 reviews)
The room was spacious and had everything we needed. The team even gave us a nice welcome treat.

Reviewed on Feb 2, 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 CA $163 per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
CA $163
CA $179 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,431 reviews)
Great stay, room was clean and in good condition. Great views.

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026

Novotel Surfers Paradise
voco Gold Coast by IHG

voco Gold Coast by IHG

4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue Surfers Paradise QLD
The price is CA $159 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
CA $159
CA $175 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
Hotel is very clean, very friendly staff, the view from the room was amazing.. the location is amazing, just next to the tram station

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026

voco Gold Coast by IHG
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 showing a skyscraper, a coastal town and a sandy 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 sandy beach, a city 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 Budds Beach are major draws. Catch the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station to see more of the city.

Surfers Paradise
Southport Australia From Labrador

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
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 featuring a high-rise building, a beach 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

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