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


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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$5,023 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
NT$5,023
NT$5,525 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & 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! (1,002 reviews)
"The staff very friendly especially in the restaurant."

Reviewed on 2025/6/22

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
The price is NT$5,179 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
NT$5,179
NT$5,696 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & 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! (1,004 reviews)
"Everything"

Reviewed on 2025/6/22

Sea World Resort
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD
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! (1,000 reviews)
More like a casa then a palazzo.
"The hotel is now dating. Needs some tlc. Still a very nice place to stay. Breakfast could have been more for the price. Or it should cost less per person. The old fabrics are now very well worn in the lobby time to let got of the past and bring in the emperors new clothes."

Reviewed on 2025/6/11

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
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! (924 reviews)
Good Location
"Always a great stay at Xanadu. The facilities are great & good location. Unit was very nice & mostly comfortable. Issue with heating but every effort was made to fix. The showers in both bathrooms were very sensitive with temperature control & as a result, you could not shower for long. There was ..."

Reviewed on 2025/6/24

Xanadu Main Beach Resort
Dorsett Gold Coast
Dorsett Gold Coast
4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is NT$2,845 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
NT$2,845
NT$3,129 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,485 reviews)
"Great hotel in a good location Broadbeach, walking distance to Pacific Fair and public transport. I found the central heating to be quite useless at cooling the room, thought this could've just been a one off but also stayed at the Dorsett Melbourne the same week and had the same issue. Be mindful ..."

Reviewed on 2025/6/23

Dorsett Gold Coast
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$4,122 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
NT$4,122
NT$4,534 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 8 restaurants, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"We loved staying at the Casino would stay there again central to everything great in the evening lots to choose from and fabulous atmosphere"

Reviewed on 2025/6/24

The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
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 Surfers Paradise Beach are major draws. Catch the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station to see more of the city.

Surfers Paradise
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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
Found this place last night. Felt like I was in Italy. So many great opportunities for pictures here.

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 neighborhood.

Carrara

Main Beach

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