Main Beach Travel Guide

Gold Coast

A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.
A school of striped fish swimming near a coral reef.
A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.
A beach with high-rise buildings in the background.
A rocky landscape with palm trees and a sign that reads "Imagine SeaWorld Australia".

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.


Stay near popular Main Beach attractions

Things to do


Top hotels in Main Beach

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 Rp4.578.059 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
Rp4.578.059
Rp5.035.865 total
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury 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 ...
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
Sea World Resort

Sea World Resort

Sea World Drive Main Beach Gold Coast Main Beach QLD
The price is Rp4.489.853 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
Rp4.489.853
Rp4.938.838 total
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa 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 reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"There was so much to do, everything was very convenient, the rooms were great and comfortable. A little smaller than what they seemed from photos. But we spent little time there so not a deal breaker. The buffet dinners and breakfast were great, even with our fussy toddlers. We honestly had the best ..."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2026

Sea World Resort
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr Main Beach QLD
The price is Rp2.987.212 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
Rp2.987.212
Rp3.285.933 total
13 Oct - 14 Oct
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 ...
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
158 Ferny Avenue Surfers Paradise QLD
The price is Rp5.916.869 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
Rp5.916.869
Rp6.508.556 total
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice place to stay! If there is any slide at the pool, it would be perfect"

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2026

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

5 out of 5
6 Orchid Ave Surfers Paradise Surfers Paradise QLD
The price is Rp3.201.199 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
Rp3.201.199
Rp3.521.319 total
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
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
The price is Rp5.130.234 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
Rp5.130.234
Rp5.643.257 total
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (846 reviews)
"Luxe accom in every way"

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2026

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.

Where to stay in Main Beach

Find the best Main Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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.

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.

Burleigh Heads

A noteworthy feature of Burleigh Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Head National Park.

Coolangatta

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Coolangatta. Make a stop by Kirra Beach or Coolangatta Beach while you're exploring the area.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Tallebudgera Creek and Palm Beach while in the area.



Main Beach Travel Guide