Main Beach

Gold Coast
Sea World featuring colorful reefs and marine life
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

Dorsett Gold Coast
Dorsett Gold Coast
4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is ¥15,446 per night from May 9 to May 10
¥15,446
per night
May 9 - May 10
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,222 reviews)
"Excellent customer service staff all enthusiastic and friendly"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Dorsett Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD
The price is ¥35,648 per night from Apr 30 to May 1
¥35,648
per night
Apr 30 - May 1
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! (1,000 reviews)
Friendly & helpful staff. Great Restaurant Meal.
"Reception staff were very helpful and friendly. It was a nice touch to find the concierge had already placed my bag in my room. Great to top off my busy day with a very relaxed great meal in the restaurant."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024

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 ¥28,118 per night from May 14 to May 15
¥28,118
per night
May 14 - May 15
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Best customer service we’ve received in a long time. Room was great and the cot for my son was in excellent condition (good quality, proper mattress). Only disappointing thing was no toaster in the room as we didn’t have breakfast included. Would love to stay longer but this is definitely a drawback. ..."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

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 ¥29,058 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥29,058
per night
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"A little dated but still a very nice resort."

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 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 ¥33,478 per night from May 5 to May 6
¥33,478
per night
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (337 reviews)
"Fantastic day"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
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 ¥23,134 per night from May 1 to May 2
¥23,134
per night
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 8 restaurants, and 6 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,069 reviews)
"Very limited selection of food in regards to restaurants . we walked to Broadbeach beach for quality food. Only Asian restaurants available. The coffee restaurant had limited pre packed selection of sandwiches"

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

The Star Grand at The Star 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.

Other neighborhoods 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 Cavill Avenue and Home of the Arts 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 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
Found this place last night. Felt like I was in Italy. So many great opportunities for pictures here.

Carrara

Golf courses, restaurants, and beaches highlight some of the noteworthy features of Carrara. Make a stop by Palm Meadows Golf Course or Heritage Bank Stadium while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Carrara

Main Beach