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
$193 nightly
The price is $212 total per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
$212 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
Total includes taxes and fees
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)
"The service reflects on the very long wait for ordered drinks, in the bar especially but also at breakfast"

Reviewed on Jul 22, 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
$165 nightly
The price is $181 total per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
$181 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
Great stay with breakfast
"Had a 3 night stay here- great value for money especially if you can get the theme park tickets and breakfast included. Breakfast was busy but as we got there early we never had to wait. Stayed on the first floor in the park wing and it was great being able to walk straight out to the pool. We had ..."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Sea World Resort
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD
$189 nightly
The price is $208 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$208 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total includes taxes and fees
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)
"This property is in a perfect location for me. A lovely hotel, although I feel that the rooms are getting tired and could do with an upgrade."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

5 out of 5
6 Orchid Ave Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$135 nightly
The price is $149 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$149 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"convenient location, friendly staffs, noisy during weekend nights due to night club next door."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
Dorsett Gold Coast

Dorsett Gold Coast

4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD
$88 nightly
The price is $97 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$97 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,482 reviews)
"Stayed in the one-bedroom. Room had issues with the climate control but was easily fixed by the hotel staff. Tv only included local channels. Would’ve been nice if it had Netflix, YouTube etc"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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
$264 nightly
The price is $290 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$290 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (587 reviews)
"We loved staying here. Was spacious, clean and convenient. Bus stops about 100m up the road which is easy to get everywhere including the airport. The pools were great and right on the beach"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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 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 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 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
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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