12 Best Beaches on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast stretches across more than 70 kilometres of pristine coastline, offering something for every type of beachgoer—from family swimmers and surfers to those seeking quieter stretches away from the crowds. Here are the standout beaches worth visiting across the region.
- 1Beaches Burleigh Heads
1. Burleigh Beach
A reliable family-friendly option in Burleigh Heads with calm waters and good facilities, making it ideal if you want a straightforward beach day without the Surfers Paradise hustle.
View venue4.7(2,746)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Beaches Surfers Paradise2. Surfers Paradise Beach
The iconic Gold Coast strip where beachgoers, swimmers, and spectators gather. It's the social hub of the coast with plenty of cafes, shops, and facilities nearby.
View venue4.7(1,720)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Beaches Surfers Paradise3. Surfers Paradise Street Circuit
A unique beach experience tied to the famous motorsport venue. It's worth visiting if you're interested in the intersection of Gold Coast culture and coastal geography.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.6(282)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Beaches Burleigh Heads4. Palm Beach
Another solid option in Burleigh Heads, positioned as an alternative if you're exploring the local beaches and want to try a few within the same suburb.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.6(205)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Beaches Surfers Paradise5. Currumbin Beach
Located in Surfers Paradise, this beach provides another option along the main coast if you're willing to move a short distance from the prime tourist strip.
View venue4.8(387)· Google60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Beaches Coolangatta6. Coolangatta Beach
Sitting at the southern end of the Gold Coast near the NSW border, Coolangatta offers a different vibe from the more developed central beaches and attracts a more local feel.
View venue4.8(353)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Beaches Burleigh Heads7. Miami Beach
Another choice in the Burleigh Heads cluster, useful if you're beach-hopping through the area and want variety without travelling far.
View venue4.8(211)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Beaches Surfers Paradise8. Gold Coast beach
A general reference point for the broader Gold Coast beach experience, helpful as an orientation point if you're new to the region.
View venue4.7(394)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Beaches Burleigh Heads9. Tallebudgera Beach
Completing the Burleigh Heads selection, this beach rounds out the local options if you're dedicating a day to exploring that particular stretch.
View venue4.8(195)· Google57Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Beaches Broadbeach10. Kurrawa Beach
Located in Broadbeach, this option serves those wanting to explore the northern-central coast beyond the main Surfers Paradise precinct.
View venue4.8(152)· Google56Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Beaches Broadbeach11. Broadbeach
Another Broadbeach venue offering access to the developed beach precinct with its shopping and dining infrastructure nearby.
View venue4.8(93)· Google54Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burleigh Beach | 63/100 | 4.7(2,746) | — | Burleigh Heads | — |
| Surfers Paradise Beach | 62/100 | 4.7(1,720) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| Surfers Paradise Street Circuit | 62/100 | 4.6(282) | — | Surfers Paradise | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Palm Beach | 61/100 | 4.6(205) | — | Burleigh Heads | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Currumbin Beach | 60/100 | 4.8(387) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| Coolangatta Beach | 59/100 | 4.8(353) | — | Coolangatta | — |
| Miami Beach | 58/100 | 4.8(211) | — | Burleigh Heads | — |
| Gold Coast beach | 58/100 | 4.7(394) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| Tallebudgera Beach | 57/100 | 4.8(195) | — | Burleigh Heads | — |
| Kurrawa Beach | 56/100 | 4.8(152) | — | Broadbeach | — |
| Broadbeach | 54/100 | 4.8(93) | — | Broadbeach | — |
Frequently asked questions
Which Gold Coast beach is best for families?+
Burleigh Beach is noted as family-friendly with calm waters and good facilities. Southport Beach is also a quieter option suitable for families seeking a less crowded experience.
Are there quieter beaches away from tourists?+
Southport Beach and Coolangatta Beach, located at the quieter ends of the coast, tend to attract fewer crowds than the central Surfers Paradise strip.
What's the main difference between these beaches?+
The central beaches around Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are more developed with shops, cafes, and crowds. The Burleigh Heads cluster offers multiple options within one area, while Coolangatta at the southern end has a more local, less touristy atmosphere.
Can I visit multiple beaches in one day?+
Yes. The Burleigh Heads beaches are close together, making them ideal for a beach-hopping day. Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are also accessible in sequence along the coast.
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