Hashtag holiday snaps! There are plenty of lush coastal locations on the Gold Coast to fill your feed with stretches of white sand, perfect surf, blue hues and great views. To save you scouting, here’s our take on Gold Coast’s 5 most Instagrammable beaches. No filter required…
GREENMOUNT BEACH & RAINBOW BAY
Fun fact: Rainbow Bay, Greenmount Beach and Snapper Rocks are essentially all the same place. But whatever location you tag in your post, you’ll be touting a truly gorgeous location. The beautiful bay with peeling waves, a perfectly positioned surf club and a lone palm tree leaning over an iconic lifeguard tower make for some quality content. There’s a coastal walk where pathways meander around headlands and along beachside boardwalks. The Rainbow Bay Surf Club is a prime position for the perfect sundowner shot. And Snapper Rocks is a popular location for surf photographers – when it’s firing, you’ll find wave riders flocking to surf the perfect barrels and spectators flocking to watch.
In the area: Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club, The Pink Hotel, The Strand at Coolangatta.
TALLEBUDGERA CREEK
Tucked around the south side of Burleigh Headland, the calm, clear waters of Tallebudgera Creek flow out to the sea. It’s shaded sandy banks, fringed with rainforest on one side and pandanus palms on the other, are a favourite spot to throw down a towel, take a dip and soak up the magic of this spot along with the sunshine. Even though most people know about it, Tally Creek still feels like a secret spot.
In the area: Jellurgal Aboriginal Cutlural Centre, Custard Canteen, Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club, Tallebudgera Tourist Park.
BURLEIGH BEACH
Burleigh features prominently on the ‘Gram and for good reason. Not only does it boast some of the best waves on the Gold Coast, but Burleigh Hill is a great vantage point and there are some well placed venues from which to admire the views. Whether you’re surfing the point, walking the headland, chilling on the hill, raising a toast at ‘the Pav’ or relaxing on the sand, capture that magic on camera. Admire this special spot from all the best angles while you work your best angles.
In the area: Burleigh Pavilion, Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads Surf Club, Burleigh Beach Tourist Park
CURRUMBIN
Currumbin Alley is easily recognisable from the huge craggy rock that makes it a landmark along the coastline (and a fave photo location). Here, the waters of Currumbin Creek fill a lagoon-like estuary before flowing out to sea. This protected and patrolled haven is perfect for water sports of all types. Popular with families, the Alley offers a pristine right-hand break making it ideal for learn-to-surfers. For a magical and very Instagrammable occasion, be there to watch a full moon rise out of the Pacific Ocean. In September each year Swell Sculpture Festival transforms this beach into an outdoor art gallery for large scale sculptures which provides endless opportunities for some arty shots. Check out #swellsculpturefestival to see for yourself.
In the area: Tommy’s Italian, Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club, Currmbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin RSL.
THE SPIT, MAIN BEACH
The Spit in Southport is the northernmost section of the famous Gold Coast stretch of beach and it’s an absolute gem. As the name suggests, The Spit extends into the seaway and is the gateway between the Gold Coast Broadwater and the open ocean. It’s a sweet spot to spend the day frollicking on the shore and in the shallows – surfing, snorkelling, fishing, boating or exploring the nearby parklands. It’s a popular dog beach so there’ll be plenty of cute pups to play with. The defining feature of The Spit is the long sand pumping jetty – a striking structure which photographers have a lot of fun with.
In the area: Marina Mirage, Sea World, Get Wet Surf School, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.
As far as beautiful Gold Coast beaches go this is really just the tip of the sandcastle, so to speak. Have fun exploring Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches and be sure share your Instagram adventures with us by tagging #PlayGoldCoast.
Like this article? You might like Gold Coast’s Top 10 Natural Chillout Spots.
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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.