Gold Coast, located southeast of Brisbane, is a major tourist destination in Australia. It boasts a 70-kilometer stretch of sunny beaches, with 35 beaches that attract visitors from all over the world. Many international parties and events are held here, and it is renowned as the "Surfers Paradise" due to its stable and excellent surfing conditions.
Below, we will introduce the top 5 beaches and attractions in Surfers Paradise and the surrounding area of the Gold Coast in order, starting from Main Beach in the north to Burleigh Heads in the south. This coastal stretch is where tourists frequently visit and is definitely a must-visit area on the Gold Coast!
1. Main Beach
Located at the northern end of the Gold Coast, Main Beach is just 5 kilometers away from Surfers Paradise. It has beautiful beaches and great surf spots. Nearby, you'll find the famous Australian theme park, Sea World, and the heritage site Southport Bathing Pavilion. You can also experience snorkeling or diving near the wreckage of the Scottish Prince ship. Along the coast, there are also many cafes, bars, and shopping centers. If you plan to spend some time in the Gold Coast area, it is recommended to start your journey here and head south!
◎ Address: Main Beach, QLD 4217
◎ Transportation: From Gold Coast Airport, take bus number 700/777 or Con-x-ion shuttle bus to "Broadbeach South" and then transfer to bus number 705 to get off at "Sea World". From Brisbane, take the train to "Helensvale" and then transfer to bus number 704 to get off at "Sea World". (Find Car Hire Deals | Car rental in Australia)
◎ Recommended activities: Aquaduck Safari City Tour | Parasailing | Hot Air Balloon Ride | Jet Boat Ride
◎ Website: Main Beach
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
(If you're planning to go into the water at Main Beach, the Aquaduck amphibious vehicle is a unique way to explore Surfers Paradise. Many tourists enjoy this experience. You can get a discounted price through this "discount link" instead of the official website.)
2. Surfers Paradise
This area is an absolute must-visit for tourists coming to the Gold Coast! It not only offers a wide variety of restaurants and shopping malls but also serves as the heart of the entire coastline and beach. Visitors from all over the world gather here to enjoy activities such as surfing, shopping, and exploring the vibrant nightlife. If you're a traveler who enjoys Australian bar and nightclub culture, don't miss out on experiencing it here!
◎ Address: Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland 4217, Australia
◎ Transportation: From Gold Coast Airport, take bus number 761/777 or Con-x-ion shuttle bus for about 45 minutes and get off at "Ferny Avenue". From Brisbane Airport, take the train to "Helensvale" and then transfer to the light rail, get off at Cavill Avenue. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car rental in Australia)
◎ Recommended activities: Aquaduck Safari City Tour | Parasailing | Hot Air Balloon Ride | Jet Boat Ride
◎ Website: Surfers Paradise
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
◎ Note: From late November to early December, there are partial beach adjustments and closures due to the Schoolies Nation Music Festival, a major event for Australian high school graduates. If you choose to travel during this time, please pay extra attention.
(The G:link Gold Coast Light Rail, running along Surfers Paradise Boulevard, parallels the coastline and passes through the bustling Surfers Paradise shopping district. The architecture and scenery along the way create a vacation atmosphere, making it a recommended experience when visiting the Gold Coast!)
(Facing the shopping district of Surfers Paradise, there are many major shopping centers. It's a paradise for shoppers.)
(Cavill Avenue, located across from the entrance to Surfers Paradise Beach, is the liveliest place in the area. It offers a wide range of cafes, restaurants, clothing stores, souvenir shops, and more.)
(Adjacent to Surfers Paradise Beach, there is a beachfront park where you can enjoy a pleasant walk. It is equipped with outdoor showers, public toilets, and other facilities that beach visitors can use for free.)
(The first time you arrive at the beach, you can't help but admire the endless coastline. The impression it gives is truly that the Gold Coast is boundless.)
3. Broadbeach
Continuing south from Surfers Paradise, you'll reach Broadbeach. You can easily get there by taking the G:link light rail or walking from the city center. Broadbeach is actually connected to Surfers Paradise Beach, and although it may not have as many crowds as the shopping area, it offers similar beach quality and surfing conditions. If you prefer a quieter beach experience, this is a highly recommended choice!
◎ Address: Broadbeach, QLD 4218
◎ Transportation: From Gold Coast Airport, take bus number 700/777 or Con-x-ion shuttle bus to "Broadbeach South". From Brisbane Airport, take the train to "Helensvale" and then transfer to the light rail, get off at "Broadbeach South". (Find Car Hire Deals | Car rental in Australia)
◎ Recommended activities: Aquaduck Safari City Tour | Parasailing | Hot Air Balloon Ride | Jet Boat Ride
◎ Website: Broadbeach
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
(Since the coastline is really long, visitors can choose to take the light rail for north-south travel.)
(Broadbeach is located south of Surfers Paradise, offering a different view and atmosphere along the coastline. Many locals prefer this quieter beach. It has a distinctive charm.)
4. Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach is located just south of Broadbeach and is connected to it (the coastline is really long!). This area is home to several unique hotels and famous family-friendly golf courses. When you come here, you'll feel that the pace seems slower compared to the beaches further north. Just lie on the beach, read a book, and enjoy your own afternoon!
◎ Address: Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
◎ Transportation: Same as Broadbeach (both beaches are within walking distance). The difference is that the G:link light rail does not pass through this area. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car rental in Australia)
◎ Recommended activities: Aquaduck Safari City Tour | Parasailing | Hot Air Balloon Ride | Jet Boat Ride
◎ Website: Mermaid Beach
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
5. Burleigh Heads
Finally, we arrive at the southernmost end of the coastline. Burleigh Heads is known for its challenging waves due to the surrounding rocky formations. Similar to Snapper Rocks Superbank near Coolangatta further south, it is renowned as the area where the longest waves in the world are most likely to occur! Nearby, there is Burleigh Heads National Park, where visitors can enjoy the unique landscape and coastal views of the Gold Coast. It is a favorite spot for photographers!
※ The beach information is the same as Mermaid Beach (they are connected). Here is the information for the national park:
◎ Address: Burleigh Head National Park, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
◎ Transportation: From Gold Coast Airport, take bus number 700/777 to "Burleigh Heads National Park". From Brisbane, take the train to "Varsity Lakes Train Station" and then transfer to bus number 765 to "Burleigh Heads National Park". (Find Car Hire Deals | Car rental in Australia)
◎ Recommended activities: Aquaduck Safari City Tour | Parasailing | Hot Air Balloon Ride | Jet Boat Ride
◎ Website: Burleigh Heads
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
(Burleigh Beach is the main beach in this area, with excellent sand and water quality. Compared to the other beaches on the Gold Coast mentioned earlier, there are fewer tourists here. It is mainly a beach frequented by locals. So, if you're looking for a local beach destination, this is highly recommended!)
(There are also many children's playgrounds near the beach. Many Australian families bring their children here to play on weekends or enjoy a leisurely picnic. It truly embodies the unique Australian characteristics.)
(Similar to Surfers Paradise, there are many businesses near Burleigh Beach, including restaurants, bars, clothing stores, dessert shops, cafes, etc. It provides convenient services for tourists.)
These are the top 5 beaches in the "Surfers Paradise" area of the Gold Coast and its surrounding region. When you visit the Gold Coast, the beaches are a must-visit and must-see attraction. We believe that after your visit, you will also fall in love with this world-class tourist destination!