SITE PARTNER:  

Gold Coast Beach Trips

Updated: May 20, 2020

Think Gold Coast and you immediately picture long strips of sublime sunny coastline, beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal clear water. The perfect swimming spots, famous surf breaks, iconic pavilions and picturesque parks give the Gold Coast its irresistible allure. Delve a little deeper and you’ll discover the best-kept secrets happily shared by larrikin locals and friendly lifeguards that make each beach an absolute gem and a must-do experience.

Southern Beaches

Marking their magic, the Gold Coast’s north-facing southern beaches were recognised in 2016 as a World Surfing Reserve - a special 16-kilometre stretch of protected coastline extending from spectacular Snapper Rocks to iconic Kirra Beach. The Reserve is one of only eight such World Surfing Reserves in the world.

Beautiful, laid-back Rainbow Bay is popular with families and swimmers, with a shallow sand-banked pool
Greenmount Point offers great photo opportunities, with spectacular panoramic views over
Iconic Coolangatta Beach or ‘Cooly’ has been a long-time holiday favourite on the southern Gold Coast
Often referred to as Australia’s 'spiritual home of surfing', Kirra is one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic surfing spots
Tugun Beach is a long but relatively protected southern Gold Coast beach that exudes laid-back, old school charm
Currumbin Beach is one of the jewels in the Gold Coast’s crown, popular with swimmers, surfers and families
The Gold Coast’s Palm Beach, or Palmy as the locals call it, is a spectacular long wide white sand beach
Tallebudgera Beach is undisputed as one of the most spectacularly scenic places on the Gold Coast with
Central Beaches

Some of the Gold Coast's best beaches are located an easy one-hour drive from Brisbane, including Burleigh Beach and Broadbeach, which attract visitors and locals alike with their cool vibe and buzzy urban strips.

Bohemian Burleigh is home to one of the most iconic and beautiful beaches in Australia with clear blue waters
The Gold Coast's Miami Beach is a pristine kilometre-long white-sand strip offering
Nobby Beach is a quiet stretch of sand away from the hustle and bustle of Surfer’s Paradise
Magical Mermaid Beach is a beautiful near empty two-kilometre stretch of sand, with a cruisy laid-back vibe
Broadbeach is a vibrant recreational beach within an urban shopping hub

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Experience the beauty, wit and timeless brilliance of Bach
La Boite Theatre presents Second Coming, a love letter to Earth wrapped in corporate salvation
Australia’s biggest voices come together for Queensland Fringe’s spectacular Final Night.
Table Mation at Waterloo Bay Hotel is about to transform the way Brisbane dines
Round up your mates and get ready for a raceday like no other!
Better Off Red blends bold flavours, fine wine and unforgettable entertainment
Brisbane audiences are invited to experience the connection between memory and food
The critically-acclaimed one-hander play returns to QPAC's Playhouse
Experience an unforgettable evening of soaring vocals and timeless classics
EDITOR'S PICK

GreazeFest 2026

GreazeFest, the iconic hot rod and rockabilly festival, is back for three huge days of cool cars, live music and kustom kulture
GreazeFest 2026
MUST DO

International Cake Show Australia

From full day workshops to mini decorating classes, there's something for everyone at the International Cake Show Australia
International Cake Show Australia
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do July 31- Aug 2

Australia's favourite hot red fest cruises into town, Ben Lee takes the stage at On The Green, Luminous Lantern Parade returns to South Bank Parklands and an American-style sports bar opens in the city
This Weekend July 31 - Aug 2
COMING UP

What's on in September in & near Brisbane

From Brisbane Festival taking over the city to the magical Jim Henson blockbuster at QAGOMA and Laidley Spring Festival, the best things to do in and around Brisbane in September:
What's on in September 2026
DINING DESTINATION

Sipping and Snacking on King St

King Street has become one of Brisbane's premier dining destinations, serving up everything from award-winning restaurants and global flavours to casual eats, cocktails and decadent desserts
Sipping and Snacking on King St
BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs
Best Restaurants in Brisbane
Best Of Brisbane

Brisbane's Best 50 Bars

Whether you're after breezy drinks by the river, a stiff whiskey in an underground bar, a cosy laneway hideaway or a rooftop with views, here's 50 of Brisbane's best bars
Best Bars in Brisbane
A Spectacular Barbra Streisand Tribute Hits QPAC
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT