Main Beach Travel Guide

Gold Coast

Southport which includes a sandy beach, swimming and tropical scenes
Main Beach
Main Beach
Southport which includes central business district, a beach and a high-rise building
Sea World showing a pond, a water park and rides

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 holiday 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


Top hotels in Main Beach

Sea World Resort

Sea World Resort

4.5 out of 5
Sea World Drive Main Beach Gold Coast Main Beach QLD
The price is Rp4.521.368 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
Rp4.521.368
Rp4.973.505 total
22 Dec - 23 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
Overall great experience

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025

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 Rp5.023.742 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
Rp5.023.742
Rp5.526.116 total
19 Jan - 20 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Room was a bit outdated, and no hot water which was a bummer, we had a villa. But the grounds are beautiful and the food was epic! Staff were also so beautiful friendly and accommodating.

Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr Main Beach QLD
The price is Rp5.262.545 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
Rp5.262.545
Rp5.788.800 total
22 Dec - 23 Dec
includes taxes & fees
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 their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Pool wasn’t the cleanest and staff at the pool bar were slack. Restaurant and reception staff were very welcoming and good and the concierge was very good too. food was also nice as well as the hotel room spacious enough and comfy beds.

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Pacific Views Resort

Pacific Views Resort

4 out of 5
5 Woodroffe Avenue Main Beach QLD
The price is Rp12.436.750 per night from 29 Dec to 30 Dec
Rp12.436.750
Rp12.436.750 total
29 Dec - 30 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (794 reviews)
Everything was great, no complaints at all. Always happy to stay there.

Reviewed on 8 Dec 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 Rp3.060.516 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
Rp3.060.516
Rp3.366.612 total
22 Dec - 23 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 8 restaurants and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Yes very well maintained and friendly staff

Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025

The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
voco Gold Coast by IHG

voco Gold Coast by IHG

4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue Surfers Paradise QLD
The price is Rp2.104.132 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
Rp2.104.132
Rp2.314.545 total
22 Dec - 23 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Our room was overlooking the beach with clear ocean views. Voco offers a range of dining options which are reasonably priced. Hotel staff are generally very friendly and accommodating. We had a couple of housekeeping issues which were quickly resolved by staff, which demonstrated fantastic management! ...

Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025

voco Gold Coast by IHG
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 neighbourhoods around Main Beach

Main Beach featuring general coastal views, a skyscraper and a sandy beach

Southport

Beaches, spas and theme parks are some highlights of Southport. Make a stop by Australia Fair Shopping Centre or Gold Coast Aquatic Centre while you're exploring.

Southport
Surfers Paradise showing a city, a sunset and a sandy beach

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise Beach and Home of the Arts are a few top attractions in Surfers Paradise. Hop around the city on the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station and check out the area's stunning beaches, luxurious spas and popular shops.

Surfers Paradise
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Labrador

Labrador is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Ian Dipple Lagoon or Cooke Murphy Oval.

Labrador
Gold Coast which includes food, drinks or beverages and outdoor eating

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 which includes a sandy beach, a high-rise building and skyline

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
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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 neighbourhood.

Carrara


Main Beach Travel Guide