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 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

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 ฿6,964 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
฿6,964
฿7,660 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Great stay
"Still a great hotel with a brilliant buffet breakfast. The dinner restaurant has a great location overlooking the pool area and has a very tasty menu."

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

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 ฿5,800 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
฿5,800
฿6,380 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The resort has beautifully groomed grounds with plenty of places to cohabit with the bush turkeys. Despite catering for families with children I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the resort for solo travellers."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Sea World Resort
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD
The price is ฿6,965 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
฿6,965
฿7,661 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"It was very convenient/close proximity to the celebration venue we were all at."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Imperial Hotel 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
The price is ฿5,082 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
฿5,082
฿5,591 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very clean facilities, and mostly helpful staff. The options for tables in the casino is very limited but provided for a fun evening. Lots of variety for dining options which makes things more interesting should you stay multiple nights."

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2025

The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
Dorsett Gold Coast
Dorsett Gold Coast
4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is ฿4,442 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
฿4,442
฿4,886 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,495 reviews)
"We had a lovely couple of days the facilities were good the room was clean and tidy unfortunately couldn't use the pool because of the weather but that didn't really matter still had a good time"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2025

Dorsett Gold Coast
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 ฿8,652 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
฿8,652
฿9,517 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 5-star 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (520 reviews)
"Just was an amazing place to stay"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2025

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.

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

Home of the Arts and Chevron Renaissance 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
Default Image

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 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
Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Nobby Beach and Putt Putt Golf Mermaid Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Gold Coast.

Mermaid Beach

Main Beach Travel Guide