Whether you’re yearning for a relaxing escape or an action-packed adventure, the Gold Coast offers some of the best beach havens to visit in the country. From expansive stretches of pristine island sands to metro city foreshores and coves off the beaten track, we guarantee you’ll no sooner be enjoying a dip than saying ‘ah, the serenity’.
Here’s 7 of the best Gold Coast beach hideouts.
In The North
Jumpinpin, South Stradbroke Island
The word of traditional aboriginal origin, ‘Jumpinpin’ is arguably one of South East Queensland’s and (by proxy) the Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets. What was once a part of the Stradbroke Island mainland; the now Jumpinpin channel or bar – on the northern tip of South Stradbroke Island – is graced with surrounding exquisite aqua blue waters and secluded beaches of both North and South Stradbroke Islands.
At just 2kms across the Gold Coast Broadwater from the northern Gold Coast suburbs of Paradise Point and Runaway Bay, travel by boat, water taxi, jet ski or kayak to spend your days taking in the breathtaking sights camp-side, out on the water or on a mini-expedition exploring the South Island’s 1800-hectare conservation park.
Labrador Foreshore
Located directly in front of Harley Park on Marine Parade, Labrador Foreshore is a quiet stretch of sand, perfect for you to throw down a towel and enjoy the sunshine. If you’re a seafood lover, be sure to wander south a few metres until you reach Charis Seafood – one of the largest seafood venues on the Gold Coast.
It’s regularly stocked with the freshest catches of cooked and fresh fish, whole fish and prawns, as well as oysters, mussels, clams, scallops, squid, octopus, crab, lobster and bugs. If you’re hankering for more, pick up some classic hot chips, crumbed calamari and a hamburger for a delightful feast in the park or back down on the foreshore. The Charis Seafoods’ staff also feed the local pod of pelicans on the Broadwater daily at 1.30pm – it’s some sea-rious entertainment.
The Spit, Main Beach
The Spit is the most northern slice of Gold Coast paradise adjoining the beautiful coastal stretch, and with it comes some spectacular open ocean views. Here you’ll find a walkway that leads to the sand pumping jetty and pier that’s frequented by local fisherman and dog owners who are drawn to the surrounding off-leash dog beach.
There’s also a quaint little café and takeaway kiosk near the entry of the walkway and Doug Jennings Park, perfect for your morning coffee before soaking up the rolling surf and sand.
Budds Beach, Surfers Paradise
In the popular holiday-goers suburb of Surfers Paradise, nestled just a few streets away from Cavil Avenue, (bordered by the Gold Coast Highway and Nerang River) lies Budds Beach Reserve. Offering a relaxed, beachside town vibe, the riverside area offers over 200 metres of golden sand, as well as city barbeque facilities and picnic tables overlooking the water.
Didn’t pack a lunch? Enjoy everything from gourmet toasties to Barramundi burgers and chips just over the road at local’s haunt, Bumbles Café.
In The South
Echo Beach, Tallebudgera
Your next stop is none other than Burleigh’s southern neighbour, Echo Beach at Tallebudgera Creek. While it may not be entirely hidden, the journey to get there (aside from swimming directly across the creek from the Tallebudgera Leisure Centre side) will sure feel like one.
At the base of the walking track in Burleigh Heads National Park, just south of Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre (positioned on the Gold Coast Highway), the short track will lead you to where rich vegetation of the headland meets the sea. This cove is entirely flat and truly one of the city’s most beautiful swimming spots. While the Echo Beach side of the river is not flagged or patrolled, the Palm Beach side is monitored by our local surf lifesaving heroes.
Currumbin Creek
Home to one of the best places to stand-up paddleboard on the coast, Currumbin Creek’s unique charm is not one to miss. Its calm waters of the lower estuary, to east of the Currumbin Bridge (along the Gold Coast Highway) where the catchment trails out to sea also makes this area perfect for swimmers of all ages.
For the adventurous; hire a stand-up paddleboard from The Boatshed from as little as $20 for an hour and a half; a double kayak from $25 or fishing equipment from just $10 per day. A range of cafés, restaurants and surf clubs with incredible views are also close by, with Currumbin Viking’s Surf Life Saving Club a mighty fine place for your late afternoon feast.
Greenmount Beach, Coolangatta
To seasoned local and travelling surfers, Greenmount has always been a popular spot thanks to its neighbouring famous surf break, Snapper Rocks. Yet despite being the lesser-known beach to metro Gold Coast rivals Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads, its simplistic beauty is one you just have to experience and enjoy for yourself.
Spanning over 300 metres of pristine sandy shores before meeting Coolangatta Beach to the north and Froggies Beach just around the corner, opt to spend the day basking in the sun under a beach umbrella with a good book in hand or enjoy the glorious views in motion from the sidelines with the 4 kilometre (round trip) Coolangatta to Point Danger Walk. When you reach the top of the Point Danger hill, venture through the seaside art gallery, Dbar House attached to Café Dbar to shop a collection of coastal inspired art, accessories and clothing.
And there you have it – seven of the Gold Coast’s best beach hideouts to add to your holiday itinerary list.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.