Main Beach

Summary

While other suburbs snatch their names from traditional Aboriginal place names or English seaside villages, Main Beach is far more literal. Situated at the northern end of the Gold Coast, Main Beach was so named as it was the main surf beach to the town of Southport. But while its name may be obvious, its hidden gems are far more exciting for this is one of the coast's areas which celebrates something old and something new in style.

A highlight of a visit here is to the beach itself, where the old bathing pavilion, Pavilion 34 to be precise, has been reincarnated as a casual beach café complete with chikko rolls, potato scallops, pineapple fritters and fish and chips. The old male and female change pavilions are still here and there's loads of retro photos to remind you of the Main Beach of old. This bathing pavilion sits next to the Southport Surf Club, the first to make its mark on the Gold Coast in 1936 and right next to a sprawling shady park which is perfect for oceanfront picnics.

Away from the beach - popular with surfers due to its open shore break - toddle down to Tedder Avenue. Sassy socialites and salty surfies rub shoulders here in this strip of modern cafes, exclusive restaurants, bars and boutiques. For more shopping and style, take a wander towards the Southport Spit - or simply The Spit - to locals. Along the Gold Coast Broadwater opposite Southport, you'll encounter high-end hotels such as Palazzo Versace and exclusive shopping at Marina Mirage. The Southport Yacht Club also sits here and services the beautiful boats which dot these waters. Still further along this slither of land you'll find the iconic theme park Sea World.

Continue a bit further along and you'll end up at The Spit and the entrance to the Gold Coast Seaway. The true beauty of Main Beach is that it's where the fish and chip set mix with the bold and beautiful in that true Aussie spirit of egalitarianism.