Main Beach

Gold Coast

Southport featuring a sandy beach, tropical scenes and swimming
Main Beach showing marine life and coral
Main Beach featuring a beach and general coastal views
Southport showing cbd, a sandy beach and a high rise building
Sea World showing a waterpark, rides and signage

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 $219 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$219 total
per night
Dec 1 - Dec 2
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! (1,003 reviews)
Spotless room, great facilities and the most wonderful staff. They looked after us like we were special guests. Couldnt recommend it enough x

Reviewed on Nov 23, 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 $274 total per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
$274 total
per night
Dec 2 - Dec 3
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)
clean room and easy access to seaworld park, great for kids

Reviewed on Nov 16, 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 $210 total per night from Dec 10 to Dec 11
$210 total
per night
Dec 10 - Dec 11
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. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Excellent Service!

Reviewed on Nov 21, 2025

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Pacific Views Resort

Pacific Views Resort

4 out of 5
5 Woodroffe Avenue Main Beach QLD
The price is $255 total per night from Dec 3 to Dec 4
$255 total
per night
Dec 3 - Dec 4
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (793 reviews)
Very good

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2025

Pacific Views 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 $167 total per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
$167 total
per night
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Book a stay at this 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! (1,014 reviews)
A little dated but otherwise fine

Reviewed on Nov 23, 2025

The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
Mantra Legends Hotel

Mantra Legends Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd. & Laycock St Surfers Paradise QLD
The price is $105 total per night from Nov 30 to Dec 1
$105 total
per night
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
Friends staf . I felt very welcome

Reviewed on Nov 21, 2025

Mantra Legends 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 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 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 Budds Beach 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 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
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 People First Stadium or Carrara Sports Complex while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Carrara


Main Beach

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