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
$224 nightly
The price is $247 total per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$247 total
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Total with 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)
Wonderful family holiday, meals were excellent, pool and facilities very relaxing.

Reviewed on Oct 11, 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
$197 nightly
The price is $216 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$216 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with 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! (1,023 reviews)
Had a beautiful stay for a special occasion in the Broadwater Suites. Very busy with kids and families in main area of resort but was quiet in the room. Breakfast was amazing at the buffet. Would highly recommend.

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Sea World Resort
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD
$192 nightly
The price is $211 total per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
$211 total
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Total with 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! (1,010 reviews)
I had a great stay! The room was clean, comfortable, and nice and quiet, perfect for a good night’s rest. The breakfast was absolutely amazing with plenty of delicious options. Overall, a really positive experience and I’d happily stay again.

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Pacific Views Resort

Pacific Views Resort

4 out of 5
5 Woodroffe Avenue, Main Beach, QLD
$231 nightly
The price is $231 total per night from Oct 27 to Oct 28
$231 total
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star 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! (789 reviews)
Excellent property..loved it

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2025

Pacific Views Resort
Xanadu Main Beach Resort

Xanadu Main Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
59 Pacific Street, Main Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star 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! (957 reviews)
Our first room had construction going on next door. Noisy, dirty, dusty. We could not open any doors or windows. Xanadu changed our room.....but we should not have been put in that room in the first place

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

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
$111 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
$122 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star 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! (1,303 reviews)
Friendly staff Great location Hotel amenities Great breakfast Comfy beds Definitely recommend…

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
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
Default Image

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


Main Beach

Choose one or more items to build your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia