The Gold Coast is famous for its long stretch of beaches that suit every type of visitor. The Gold Coast is a coastal city in the southeastern corner of Queensland, Australia, located about 66 kilometers (41 miles) south-southeast of the state capital, Brisbane.
From calm beaches in Gold Coast, where families can relax, to lively shores filled with surfers, there is something for everyone. Known for sunshine, soft sand, and clear waves. This list will guide you through the top 10 good beaches on the Gold Coast.
The 10 Best Beaches You Need to Visit
1. Main Beach
Known for: Really calm water that’s perfect for families and kids.
Main Beach is a calm, wide beach next to The Spit and Southport. The sand is soft and the water can be gentle on many days. Walking along the breakwater gives easy views of the ocean.
Families like the shallow entry and the long flat sand. There are cafes and parks close by for a slow day out. It is a good choice for a quiet swim or a peaceful morning run. The area feels classy and relaxed, making it a top local pick.
2. Surfers Paradise Beach
Known for: Those tall buildings right behind the beach and being super famous.
This is the beach everyone knows about. You’ve probably seen it in movies or on Instagram. The sand goes on forever, and those huge buildings are right there behind you. Surfers love it here, especially if they’re just starting.
There’s always something happening – street shows, people selling stuff, music. Cavill Avenue is right there with all the shops and restaurants. Lifeguards are always watching, so it’s safe to swim. The view is incredible. It’s busy, but that’s part of the fun. One of the best beaches in Australia for sure.
3. Mermaid Beach
Known for: A quieter local vibe between Broadbeach and Miami.
Mermaid Beach is a quieter stretch of sand between Broadbeach and Miami. Here, the surf is pretty good if you know what you’re doing. The sand quality is top-notch – really fine and clean. There are some awesome cafes where you can grab breakfast after a morning swim.
It’s not as crazy busy as Surfers Paradise. The whole vibe is more relaxed and classy. Parking can be tough, but it’s worth it. Locals really love this spot, and you’ll see why when you visit.
4. Palm Beach
Known for: Being super chill with not too many people around.
Palm Beach is close to Tallebudgera Creek and offers long sandy shores. The beach has strong surf in places, while the creek offers calm, shallow water for kids and paddlers. The long walkways and parks make it easy to plan a full day outdoors.
Fishermen and paddle boarders come to the creek while surfers test the outer breaks. It feels less crowded than central Gold Coast beaches and keeps a relaxed local charm.
5. Burleigh Beach
Known for: Amazing surf and the coolest beach culture on Gold Coast.
Burleigh Beach is famous for a strong surfing scene and a lovely national park headland. The waves break near the headland, giving long rides for many surfers. The park has walking trails and green spaces that meet the sand. Cafes line the nearby streets so you can end a surf with a hot drink and a meal.
The beach is popular for exercise, beach games and sunset watching. Local families and visitors find it easy to reach and it is full of good beach culture on most days and hosts local events.
Read Also: Discover the Top 10 Beaches in Cairns
6. Kirra Beach
Known for: Waves that are so perfect, pro surfers come here to compete.
Kirra Beach boasts one of the finest point breaks along the coast and a small village atmosphere. The waves are very fast and powerful and this is why it is popular among experienced surfers. The beach has wide and clean sand and the hill views provide tranquillity to the beach.
On the hill, one can easily have a post-surf or post-swim meal at shops and cafes. Kirra is less noisy than the larger resorts and attracts the attention of people who love good surfing waves and a small town feeling.
7. Coolangatta Beach
Known for: Being super close to the airport and having great nightlife.
Coolangatta Beach is located at the bottom of the Gold Coast and has clear water. The expansive beach, the walking paths welcome leisurely early morning running and long walks along the beach. There are cafes and lookout points with wide sea views and a friendly, relaxed town centre.
On some days, the surf is great and nearby point breaks bring skilled riders. The beach also sees calm days, perfect for families and swimmers who want a gentler sea. Coolangatta has a mix of quiet beach days and more lively surf moments.
8. Broad Beach
Known for: Rich people live here and the beach is really wide.
Broadbeach has an extensive covered beach near parks, shops, and family-friendly areas. The space is equipped with playgrounds and picnic spots, with easy access to restaurants and shops. It has lifeguard patrols and swimming safety flags.
Events and markets add life to the nearby precinct on weekends and evenings. It is easy to find a calm spot for a picnic and a lively spot for a meal later. For many visitors, this beach offers the best blend of services and beach time on the Gold Coast and is safe.
9. Tallebudgera Beach
Known for: A creek that meets the ocean, making it one of the calmest beaches.
Tallebudgera Beach and its creek offer some of the calmest water on the coast for families and kayakers. On most days, the creek waters remain shallow and warm and are suitable for small children and stand-up paddleboards.
The sand is smooth, and the natural park around the beach gives a quiet, scenic feel. Locals bring picnics and spend long, easy days here. It is a top choice when you want a rest from big surf and crowded beaches and seek a calm beach spot on the Gold Coast.
10. Budds Beach
Known for: Super calm water that’s protected from big waves.
Budds Beach is on the Nerang River and offers a quiet spot in Surfers Paradise. The river water is calm and good for small craft and safe family paddles.
Local cafes and a quiet riverside walk make it easy to enjoy a slow morning or an easy evening. Budds Beach is not a main surf spot, but it is a lovely option when you want calm waters close to the heart of the city and it feels very calm.
Questions People Always Ask
Which beach should I take my kids to?
Main Beach and Budds Beach are your best bets. The water is calm and safe. Tallebudgera is also great because kids love playing in the creek. All these spots have good facilities too.
Where should I go if I want to surf?
Burleigh, Kirra, and Surfers Paradise are the top picks. Burleigh has world-class waves. Kirra gets perfect barrels. Surfers Paradise is good for beginners. Just check the conditions first.
Which beaches have the calmest water?
Budds Beach, Main Beach, and Tallebudgera are your calmest options. They’re protected from ocean swells, so the water stays pretty gentle.
When’s the best time to visit?
Gold Coast beaches are good all year round. Summer has the warmest water but more crowds. Winter is still nice and less busy. The weather is pretty reliable either way.
Where can I get good food near the beach?
Burleigh and Mermaid Beach have the best food scenes. Lots of great cafes and restaurants right on the beachfront. You can eat well without going far from the sand.
Conclusion
The Gold Coast has many styles of beach, from lively golden sand to calm creek shores. This list has the best beaches in Australia, with quieter options for families and paddlers. Pick a beach for the mood you want and always check flags and local updates for safety.
Enjoy the sun, sea, and sand on the Gold Coast. Visit one calm beach for relaxing and one surf beach for fun waves. This way, you can feel the full beauty and excitement of the coast.
