With 35 beaches to choose from, the question is: which one, and why? The Gold Coast is one long continuous 70km stretch of beach, but depending on who you talk to, the locals will all have their own view on which one's the best of the lot to splash out at.
From Duranbah, on the Queensland-New South Wales border, to Main Beach in the north, the beaches are uniformly white and sandy. For crowds and plenty of beach front action - including lifeguards, sun-tan spraying and volleyball - go no further than Surfers Paradise.
The great thing is, you only have to walk a few metres in either direction and you could be alone on the beach (depending on the time of year). Right along the coast, the streets that lead to the beachfront all have walkway access across the dunes to the beach. Most beaches are patrolled all year.
Most beaches have playgrounds, picnic areas, toilets, barbecues, and lifeguards, and there are plenty of cafes and burger bars within a few minutes of the sand.
Surfers Paradise is the busiest beach, and despite the high-rise towers which now line the esplanade, one of the most attractive. You can play free beach volleyball, swim, surf, lie in the sun, walk or cycle along the beachfront tracks, get sprayed with coconut oil by Al the suntan man, or just sit and admire the passing parade from one of the coffee shops or any spot on the beach.
Main Beach is a great open sandy beach with good surf, beachside parks, and changing rooms (with showers). Northcliffe beach, which is between Surfers Paradise and Main Beach, is quieter, and all the side streets off the esplanade run straight to the beach.
Just south of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach has large areas of beachfront parkland with play equipment. It is busy in summer - like all the beaches - but a great quiet spot in the off season. The neighbouring Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club hosts the annual Australian Surf Life Saving national championship titles.
At Burleigh Heads, Norfolk Pines line the foreshore, with Mowbray Park a great place for families when the sea is calm. When it's not, it's great for surfing. The headland is a great place to watch all the surfing action, and is a national park with well formed easy walking tracks. Access to the park is from the Goodwin Terrace carpark at the northern end, and from Tallebudgera Creek (turn at the traffic lights near the information centre on the highway) at the southern end. You can walk around the headland to Tallebudgera Beach (about 10 minutes).
Tallebudgera is perfect for young families. The mouth of the Tallebudgera Creek has calm, sheltered waters and is patrolled by the local volunteer group, Neptunes Beach Patrol, during peak times.
The most famous surfing beach is Kirra, home to the Billabong Pro surfing competition, and preferred surf of greats including Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew and Mark 'Occy' Occhilupo. Kirra produces 'challenging' waves as well as smaller ones which suit beginners. You can hire a longboard for a day and it's a great place to watch the experts.
Coolangatta is the Gold Coast's only north-facing beach, and runs into Greenmount Beach. Take a walk around the headland to Point Danger, which has the distinction of having south-east Queensland's first surf life saving club, established in 1924. Today, Surf Life Saving Queensland has 22 clubs on the Gold Coast, and they're great spots to see some of Australia's top iron men and women in action.
Surf carnivals are frequent, and can be a great day out as you watch the water, beach and boat races. Think Coolangatta Gold, live. Some of the major events on the surf life saving calendar run in rounds, rotating among the beaches, and there are about 10 major events each summer to choose from.
And remember - swim between the flags.
Enjoy additional discounts on special rates at Hotel Watermark on the Gold Coast. Find out more...
Legends Hotel was great - it's near the beach and the staff are friendly.
Lparslow, Richmond.
2 storey townhouse villas offered at Treasure Island, Biggera Waters are the best we have stayed at. Suitable for 2 families or have visitors come and stay for a weekend. Attached secure garage with auto door - saved us when floods started the day of departure.
Steppo, Botany.
If you are on the Gold Coast, make time for walks along Main Beach at dusk.
The beach is usually deserted and it is very peaceful and relaxing. The beach seems to go on forever and the serenity is very pleasant.
Bart, NSW.
You'll find the secondary beaches like Burleigh Heads are a little quieter and much more family friendly, then the beaches a little further north.
Marilyn, Sydney City.
Don't forget to pack your sun cream, even in winter it's very easy to turn red rather quickly on these easterly-facing beaches.
James, Gold Coast.
4WD
