📍21 Best Gold Coast Beaches From A Local. (2024.) (Family, Hidden & Dog-Friendly.)

LOOKING FOR THE BEST GOLD COAST BEACHES?

If you’re looking to visit the sunny Gold Coast, chances are that hitting the beaches is high up there on your list of things to do in Australia’s premier seaside destination. But with over two dozen golden beaches across 35 km of coastline to choose from, how do you decide which glorious stretch of sand to dip your toes into?

To help you pick the perfect spot, here’s a rundown of all the pros and cons of the best Gold Coast Beaches, including ones that are great for swimming, surfing, family outings, and bringing the dogs, along with some hidden gems as well from a quasi-local who lives an hour down the road and has visited many of the illustrious city’s many sandy shorelines.

1. Surfers Paradise Beach.
Surfers Paradise.

Surfers Paradise is the epicentre of the Gold Coast, the tourist heartland. Many of the city’s wide range of attractions are located here and it’s also the meet-up point for numerous tours. Much of it centres around the Cavill Mall, where the abundance of restaurants and souvenir shops are there to help visitors fill their bellies and bags with all sorts of goodies.

The mall also lies directly across from the most famous strip of sand on the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise Beach, so you can go for a swim straight after you’ve done some retail therapy or finished an activity or vice versa.

And because there is so much to do within walking distance of the beach, including catching the tram to access other parts of the city, it’s the ultimate place to go for travellers looking for the quintessential Gold Coast experience but who are low on time.

On the flip side, it is very busy and congested, so folks coming in by car will have a hard time finding a parking space if it’s not with their hotel. It’s also very expensive and beachfront parking is particularly challenging at night on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday when many of the spaces are reserved for the foreshore’s market vendors from 5 pm.

Pro Tip: If you’re driving in, the Bruce Bishop Car Park is a great option for affordable all-day parking. It’s secure & within walking short distance of the mall & beach.

✔️ Pros.

• Gorgeous, world-famous beach. 
• It’s patrolled.
• The highrises make a spectacular backdrop.
• Close proximity to many attractions.
• 1km to the major attraction, Skypoint, which is easily accessible by tram.
• Meet-up point for a lot of tours.
• Vibrant nightlife.
• A lot of high-end and low-budget accommodation options.
• 550m to Cavill Avenue Station. Easy to get here from Brisbane and around the coast.
• Plenty of eating options.
• Many souvenir shops.
• Beachfront Night Markets. – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 5 pm.
• Vodafone Gold Coast 600 Supercar Race – Usually late Oct.

❌ Cons.

• Often very busy.
• Very tourist-orientated.
• Hard to navigate by car and parking is difficult to find and expensive.
• Some closures and diversions during the Gold Coast 600.
• There’s an influx of rowdy teenagers during Schoolies with the beach closed off to the public during that period. (Typically around mid-late Nov for 2 weeks.)

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2. Main Beach.

If you still want to be close to the action but want somewhere a little less intense and panic-inducing, another great beach is Main Beach. Although the name is slightly confusing as it’s not the city’s “main” stretch of the sand, this spot just north of the aforementioned beach is a little more peaceful and is typically a little easier to park too.

It’s a great alternative because while it’s not tourist central, it’s near enough to it to still enjoy the city vibes. It’s also patrolled and has a much more prolific amount of beachfront hotels for guests to stay at and lap up the fresh ocean breeze from their accommodation digs.

✔️ Pros.

• Patrolled.
• Plenty of beachfront accommodation.
• A bit easier to navigate and find a parking space.
• 2km from Surfers Paradise and Cavill Mall.
• 800m walk from the Main Beach tram stop. Easy access from Brisbane & other parts of the GC.

❌ Cons.

• Can sometimes be congested.
• Some closures and diversions during the Gold Coast 600.

3. Burleigh Heads Beach.

Halfway down the 35km stretch of coastline between the Spit and Point Danger is Burleigh Heads, home to one of the best Gold Coast beaches. What makes Burleigh Heads Beach such a special place is that it feels more akin to coastal favourites such as Noosa and Byron Bay than the more touristy city-meets-ocean vibe given off at Surfers Paradise.

With its foreshore lined with beautiful pine trees and the low-rise buildings not stealing the limelight, this beachside suburb exemplifies the quintessential laid-back lifestyle Australia is famous for.

But what makes this place my family’s personal favourite is that adjacent to the beach is Burleigh Hill, a beautiful oceanside park with lovely views of the Surfers Paradise skyline in the distance, then further up lies Burleigh Heads National Park, a small remnant of rainforest home to one of the Gold Coast’s best coastal walks leading to some of the city’s most beautiful lookouts.

The two trails, Ocean View Track and Ocean View Lookout Track have many fantastic viewpoints, but Tumgun Lookout along the latter path is the one not to miss out on. The spectacular spot overlooks Tallebudgera Creek and Tallebudgera Creek Beach which are both amazing beaches in their own right (and featured further down this list) making Burleigh Heads a great one-stop spot for a day on the coast.

✔️ Pros.

• Patrolled.
• Quieter and more laid back.
• Burleigh Hill is a gorgeous park with free BBQ facilities.
• Nearby Burleigh Heads National Park with short trails and lookouts.
• Views and access to Tallebudgera Creek. (See more about the creek in the Best Family Beaches section of this post.)
• Lots of accommodation options.

❌ Cons.

• Beachfront parking is difficult.

4. Currumbin Beach.

Further down the coast towards the New South Wales border is Currumbin, an even more laidback seaside suburb notable for its two striking geographical formations, Currumbin Rock and Elephant Rock. Both are features of Currumbin Beach making it one of the most beautiful, unique and photographable beaches on the Gold Coast.

The latter is also a lookout, which not only provides visitors with a lovely elevated perspective of the landscape but because the Gold Coast airport is nearby, it’s a fantastic place to do some plane spotting!

Furthermore, Currumbin Beach is right around the corner from Currumbin Alley, a calm sheltered area perfect for taking kids. But more on that later in the Best Family Beaches section.

✔️ Pros.

• Laid-back vibe.
• Stunning rock formations.
• Fantastic photography spot.
• Currumbin Beach is just around the corner, perfect for swimming, boogie boarding and surfing, so it’s got the best of both worlds.
• Great getaway/nature activity spot.
• Close to the Gold Coast Airport.

❌ Cons.

• Sometimes challenging to find parking.
• Limited variety of eating establishments.
• Far away from many tour/activity operators.
• No trains or tram stops nearby.

5. Kirra Beach.

Closing in on the New South Wales border is Kirra Beach. Kirra Beach continues the relaxed seaside feel, but this unassuming stretch of sand offers a little more prestige than some might expect.

That’s because it’s one of Mick Fanning’s favourite haunts. That’s right, Mick Fanning, the three-time world surfing champion, considers Kirra Beach one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast. The sporting legend is spotted occasionally on his board riding the waves here, so you know the swell is top-notch.

Chill vibes and good surf. What is there not to love? Nothing, really. It’s a lovely stripped-back beach experience perfect for those who don’t care about frills. Oh, and just across the road on the headland lies one of my favourite coastal lookouts on Kirra Hill, where you can watch said surfers or for early risers, catch the sun coming up over the horizon.

✔️ Pros.

• Patrolled.
• Great for surfing.
• Laid back vibe.
• Kirra Hill Lookout is nearby. Great photography spot.
• A few restaurant options.
• Close to the Gold Coast Airport.

❌ Cons.

• Can sometimes be hard to find a parking space.
• No trains or tram stops nearby.

6. Snapper Rocks.

At the southernmost point of Queensland’s coastline is Snapper Rocks, home to the most famous surf break in the world: the Superbank, which forms the longest, hollowest waves on the planet.

Because of this, it is not only is it another place Mick Fanning frequents but also where numerous surfing competitions take place, so for enthusiasts of the sport, it’s the ultimate must-visit beach on the Gold Coast, especially when there’s a strong southeast swell to create the dream conditions for the perfect barrel roll.

But even when the sea is flat, Snapper Rocks is a beautiful place to visit, especially if you head up to the border where the Point Danger Lighthouse and one of the best lookouts along the coast is and look across the Queensland and New South Wales coastlines at the same time.

✔️ Pros.

• Excellent for surfing.
• Relaxed, coastal town feel.
• Picturesque location.
• Close to Point Danger Lighthouse & Lookout.
• Great for a variety of photography and on-shore whale watching.
• Very close to Gold Coast Airport.
• A few restaurants at The Strand.

❌ Cons.

• Not patrolled
• Hard to find parking.
• No train or tram stations nearby.

7. Broadbeach.

Directly south of Surfers Paradise lies Broadbeach, which is both the name of the suburb and the beach. This beautiful part of the Gold Coast has a much more relaxed, sleepy town feel and is a favourite for families thanks to Kurrawa Park located just behind the beach. There are plenty of BBQs and picnic areas spread out amongst the grassy areas as well as an all-abilities playground.

It’s the perfect place to transition from having a humble self-prepared meal enjoyed outdoors to building sandcastles and swimming in the surf. And with numerous affordable accommodations within walking distance, it’s a fantastic Gold Coast beach destination for family bonding.

✔️ Pros.

• Patrolled.
• More relaxed.
• Park with BBQs, picnic tables, lots of grassy areas and a playground behind the beach.
• Relatively close to the action at Surfers Paradise.
• Easier to find parking.
• 650m to Broadbeach Tram & Bus Stop.
• 2.7km to Skypoint.
• Lots of accommodation options such as the 5-star Sofitel Broadbeach hotel.

8. Tallebudgera Creek Beach.

No list of the best Gold Coast beaches is complete without Tallebudgera Creek Beach being on it. Located at the mouth of stunning azure blue Tallebudgera Creek, this sandy strip of paradise on the southern banks is a firm favourite, especially for families with young children, as the sheltered inlet creates smooth water that won’t overwhelm the little ones.

It’s an all-around great place to introduce to the joys of going to the beach. They can enjoy splashing and frolicking around without the waves knocking them around. For the same reason, it’s also an excellent place to explore on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard or give the activities a go for the first time.

✔️Pros.

• Calm azure blue water.
• Very picturesque.
• Great for families with young children.
• Excellent for numerous popular water-based activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
• Close and easy access to Burleigh Head National Park.
• 800m to the Burleigh North Bus & Tram Stop.

❌ Cons.

• Very busy.
• Not patrolled.
• Hard to find parking.

9. Currumbin Alley.

Further down the coast lies a fantastic Gold Coast beach perfect for some family fun by the ocean. Currumbin Alley forms the stretch of sand between the prominent rock formation Currumbin Rock and the estuary bridge and is a fantastic place to enjoy the water without contending with the waves.

It’s great for imaginative play and joyful exploration for the kids, and a great place for them to try their hand at snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. And if there are older kids who want to level up and go boogie boarding, surfing or just swimming in the waves, it’s only a hop, skip and jump to Currumbin Beach, so it’s the best of both worlds.

✔️ Pros.

• Laid-back vibe.
• Easier to get a parking space.
• Stunning rock formations.
• Fantastic photography spot.
• Currumbin Creek is just around the corner, perfect for youngsters, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, so it’s got the best of both worlds.
• It’s a great getaway/nature activity spot.
• Close to the Gold Coast Airport.

❌ Cons.

• Sometimes challenging to find parking.
• Limited variety of eating establishments.
• Far away from many tour/activity operators.
• No trains or tram stops nearby.

10. Greenmount Beach & Rainbow Bay Beach.

The previous two submissions on this list are great for young children to play in, thanks to the calm waters of the shallow river. But the other beaches might be too rough for kids who aren’t used to dealing with the uninhibited waves coming in straight from the ocean. Luckily, the Gold Coast has two beaches facing northward, protecting the shoreline from waves coming directly in from the sea, but which don’t entirely inhibit them either.

It’s what makes Greenmount and Rainbow Bay Beach near the Queensland/New South Wales border such great places to take the growing family. They are great transition beaches because there are still incoming waves, but are typically more gentle than the other beaches, so kids who haven’t quite levelled up to direct waves can still enjoy a similar experience.

✔️ Pros.

• Coastal town vibes.
• Gentle waves for young and inadequate swimmers.
• Easier to get a parking space.
• Near Kirra Hill Lookout and Point Danger Lookout.
• Close to the Gold Coast Airport.

❌ Cons.

• Far away from many tour/activity operators.
• No trains or tram stops nearby.

The Gold Coast is full of beaches. That’s what it’s famous for. It has a beach scene that rivals the best in the world. And while there are plenty of sandy spots to set up the tent, some spots are a little less prolific than others. So, if you’re looking for a place by the water less populated than the more well-known spots, these hidden Gold Coast beaches are perfect for you.

11. The Spit.

First up is the Spit. The Spit isn’t hidden per se. It’s actually pretty busy. It’s where the theme park, Sea World, is, where numerous water-based tours and helicopter flights depart from and where people go to enjoy a day by the Gold Coast Seaway. But the beach itself is a somewhat overlooked part of The Spit. Some of that may be because most areas of the coastline are visible from the road, so people tend to go to those places instead.

Whereas getting to the ocean here requires walking through the dunes. You can’t see anything but scrub driving past. But the little extra effort is worth it because it’s much less crowded and is one of the few beaches that’s kept in a more natural state.

✔️ Pros.

• Patrolled.
• More Secluded.
• Most natural ocean-facing beach on the Gold Coast mainland.
• Very close to SeaWorld.
• Close to Surfers Paradise and its many attractions.
• Even closer to many water-based tours and activities and flights.
• Easy parking.
• Close to the Hopo Ferry Service.

❌ Cons.

• Not close to any train or tram stops.
• Limited eating options.

12. Broadwater Parklands.

On the opposite side of the Gold Coast Seaway is the Broadwater Parklands, a large riverfront area featuring grassy areas, picnic tables, BBQs and, of course, a beach. This relaxing place is fantastic for families looking to have a day out by the water but who find the ocean too choppy. Go for a swim, kayak or stand-up paddle boarding, or just go for a stroll along the foreshore, or dip your toes into the water.

✔️ Pros.

• The calm water is perfect for kids, weak swimmers, kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders.
• Great place to watch the boats pass by.
• Beautiful sprawling parkland with a dynamic playground
• Very close to the Broadwater Parklands Tram Stop.
• Just a Hopo ferry ride across from SeaWorld, where you can park for free.
• Australia Fair is nearby and has 3 hours free parking.

❌ Cons.

• Busy.
• Difficult to find a parking space on the street.

13. Pelican Beach.

Another lovely beach on the Gold Coast Seaway is Pelican Beach. It’s one of those places most people visiting the city pass, but it’s, surprisingly, not as frequently visited as you may expect. Perhaps that has to do with its location, which is in a bit of an awkward spot. It’s on the southern bank of the Nerang River to the east of the Sundale Bridge and the car park is on Waterway Drive, which is the main road to Sea World and the alternative route to Surfers Paradise.

The beach is only narrow but it’s a lovely little place to take a refreshing dip and a pleasant stroll. It’s also a great spot to watch all the boats passing by as all the ocean-bound ones have to go through here and this is about as close as you can get to them.

✔️ Pros.

• Calm water for kayaking and stand-up paddling boarding.
• Picturesque.
• Great for boat-watching. Where the amphibious vehicles enter the water.
• Usually easy parking.
• 600m to Main Beach tram stop.

❌ Cons.

• Somewhat of an awkward spot.

14. Wave Break Island.

As you may have noticed from this list, the Gold Coast has a lot of beaches, but none are as special as Wave Break Island, because not only is it separate from the mainland, as the name suggests, but it’s also one of the few places in the city where you can go reef snorkelling.

The small man-made sand island sits just back from The Spit and South Stradbroke Island to break up the waves as they enter the Gold Coast Seaway providing safer conditions for boats passing through.

Consequentially, it created a safe haven for the local underwater residents and is the reason it’s one of the best-hidden beaches on the Gold Coast. Unfortunately, no form of public transportation services it, so you’ll have to get there by your own means. Alternatively, you can book a dedicated snorkelling tour around the island and experience one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

✔️ Pros.

• Great snorkelling spot.

Cons:

• Requires a boat to get there, or a tour. You could try swimming but I wouldn’t recommend it. If you do, keep a close eye on the vessels cruising the seaway.

15. Budds Beach.

Budds Beach is one of the Gold Coast’s best hidden beaches because despite being so close to Surfers Paradise, the buzzing CBD of the city, virtually no one knows about it.

This beautiful stretch of sand located 1.2km away from Cavill Mall on the Nerang River is perfect for travellers looking to stay within the vicinity of Surfers but who also want to take a dip in the river, and the views of the million-dollar houses over on Chevron Island aren’t bad either! The calm waters also make it the perfect place to try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding.

Hire one out and go your own way, or get an instructor to teach you how to paddleboard like a pro because I can tell you after getting a lesson from Go Vertical SUP Hire that while looks easy and relaxing, there is more of a technique and a learning curve to it than meets the eye, but it’s loads of fun.

✔️ Pros.

• Calm riverside beach close to Surfers Paradise.
• Great place for enjoying aquatic activities.
• Easy to find parking.
• Beautiful views of expensive homes.

16. Mermaid Beach, Nobby Beach & Miami Beach.

Back along the coastline, Mermaid Beach, Nobby Beach and Miami Beach are the less frequented Gold Coast beaches. That’s primarily because they don’t sit alongside the Gold Coast Highway and are more suburban areas.

That’s not to say that there isn’t any beachfront accommodation, there’s a fair bit, not visited by the masses so the continuous long stretch of sand that are these three beaches are way less busy than their neighbours.

✔️ Pros.

• Fewer beachgoers.
• Has Mick Schamburg Lookout.
• Lots of beachfront accommodation.

❌ Cons.

• Not a lot of parking.

17. South Stradbroke Island.

A lot of people are familiar with North Stradbroke Island, a large island west of Brisbane revered for its natural beauty. Far fewer people are aware of South Stradbroke Island, the much smaller, less known chunk of land beneath it.

An even smaller number of folk realise how far it extends down the coast, even though anyone whose even taken a cruise to Wave Break Island or out to the ocean has been past it. It’s that piece of land that lies opposite The Spit making up the other side of the entranceway to the Gold Coast Seaway.

And it’s home to the longest uninterrupted stretch of beach on the Gold Coast. And the least visited. Because while you hop on a tour to get a taste of the island they don’t visit the whole thing. And as there’s so much sandy real estate, you can find your own piece of paradise and it’s likely you won’t see another soul. It just depends on how out of the way you’re willing to go to experience it.

✔️ Pros.

• A long pristine beach when little foot traffic.
• Can reach the island by ferry or on a tour that leaves from Mariners Cove.
• Mariners Cove is typically easy to park your car.
• Alternatively, you could kayak or boat across.

❌ Cons.

• Most expensive to get to.

The Gold Coast beaches aren’t just for people. There are also plenty of fantastic places where human’s best friends can enjoy the seaside too.

18. The Spit Dog Beach.

The Spit is the long peninsula at the northernmost point of the Gold Coast’s beachy coastline and home to the first of the city’s many pooch-friendly beaches. The Spit Dog Beach lies at the very top of it, where the break wall for the Gold Coast Seaway starts. It’s a nice, quiet stretch of sand where puppies can run free to their hearts’ content.

✔️ Pros.

• Typically easy to find a parking space.

19. Marine Stadium.

Marine Stadium is another dog-friendly beach on The Spit. But while The Spit Dog Beach faces the ocean, this one lies on the other side of the peninsula and is therefore protected from the waves, perfect for puppies who prefer to splash around in the water rather than just run amok on the sand.

✔️ Pros.

• Usually easy parking.

20. Tallebudgera Off Leash Dog Beach.

Tallebudgera Creek Beach is a hugely popular spot for families to enjoy the water, but did you know that just around the corner is a fantastic dog-friendly beach too? Tallebudgera Off Leash Dog Beach is a fantastic place to take your four-legged furball to have fun chasing and mingling with other dogs on the sand and in the ocean.

✔️ Pros.

• Away from the road.

❌ Cons.

• Very hard to get a parking space.

21. Palm Beach Dog Off-Leash Beach.

A little further down the coast is what many would consider the best dog-friendly beach on the Gold Coast. That’s because, at Palm Beach Off-Leash Beach, your puppy can experience the typical beach scene and frolic in the waves and feel the ocean breeze in their fur on one side, then they can head over to the creek and dog-paddle their sweet little hearts out on the other side, so they get the best of both worlds during one play session. Win-win.

✔️ Pros.

• Typically lots of doggies for your pooch to mingle with.
• Ocean and creek beaches so it’s the best of both worlds.
• Secluded and not close to any roads.

❌ Cons.

• Tough to get a parking spot.

Gold Coast Beaches Map.

Gold Coast Beaches Map.

Gold Coast Beaches Map.

• Budget: Woodroffe Hotel. Review.
• Mid-Range: Novotel Surfers Paradise. Review.
• Luxury: Sofitel Broadbeach. Review.

Whether you’re looking for the classic beach experience or something tamer, want somewhere well-known or discover a lesser-known haunt, or just want a place to let your dog run wild, there are plenty of fantastic beaches on the Gold Coast for everyone.

If you plan to visit the Gold Coast, consider looking at these other posts.