You could be forgiven for thinking the Gold Coast is just one long stretch of sand, with nothing but the rugged good looks of lifeguards to mix things up along the way. Though, once you get acquainted with the real roundup of the best beaches on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country, you will see that fact is only partially true.
So what makes a beach one of the best? At Urban List, we're a mix of surfers, dog owners, sunbaskers and those who are always ready for more caffeine. So here you'll find our pick of cafes that snuggle into the shores of golden beaches, dog-friendly stretches of sand and lookout points for soaking up panoramic views. And plenty of parking tips so you can spash sooner.
I've ordered them North to South so you can plan your trip accordingly. Here are 12 of the best beaches Gold Coast is home to and that I think you should check out in 2025.
Gold Coast's Best Beaches At A Glance
Northern Gold Coast Beaches
The Spit
Tower 41 Sheraton - Tower 46 Seaway North, Seaworld Dr Main Beach QLD 4217
Editor's Note: Following Cyclone Alfred, this beach is currently closed until further notice.
Gold Coast's most northern beach is none other than “The Spit”—and yes, it's a great name. Regularly noted as one of the best beach for dog owners, The Spit extends into the Seaway and is the gateway between the Gold Coast Broadwater and the open ocean, so it’s perfect for pics from dawn to dusk.
This little nook of wonders has it all; picnic, snorkelling, diving and fishing spots, boating access, dog walking and of course, relaxing vibes. The Spit is the perfect spot for a stroll down the long jetty to enjoy the picturesque Surfers Paradise coastline or if you’ve got your furry little friend why not take them to the ‘off leash’ portion of the beach to let loose.
For the best views, head straight to Doug Jennings Park, which features an off-leash dog beach between the Kiosk and Sand Bypass Pumping Jetty.
Budds Beach
27 River Dr, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Found on the exclusive and quaint strip of canal behind the manic streets of Surfers Paradise, this lesser known Gold Coast beach is for calm sea seekers. My favourite beach for long lazy days in the dunes of the northern Gold Coast is the ever-adorable Budds Beach.
I've spent many an hour laying here and soaking up the sunshine, completely uninterrupted. After basking in the glorious sun, I recommend you head to the adorable Bumbles for a post-swim feed.
This beach is dog-free. Though does have BBQs, showers, toilets and a boat ramp.
South Stradbroke
South Stradbroke QLD 4216
Technically an island, this popular surf break is about 200 metres from The Spit, and has the unique allure of wallaby watching and no crowds. It's notoriously considered one of the best Gold Coast beaches for surfers.
When the swell's small elsewhere on the Gold Coast, many surfers paddle over to South Stradbroke (or 'Straddie' as the locals call it) which is likely pumping given its open beach break seascape. Experienced board riders head to the other side for speedy drop-ins and epic conditions more often than not, though it's always a good idea to check.
Not much of a paddler? Hire a boat, jump on a water taxi or even ride a jet ski over for a stellar day out.
Central Gold Coast Beaches
Mermaid Beach
Tower 24 Seashell Ave - Tower 26 Montana Ave, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Snuggled between its fashionable neighbours, Broadbeach and Miami, Mermaid Beach is a relaxed stretch of golden coastline popular with swimmers and surfers wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of busy beaches.
With its reputation of cruisy and laid-back locals, this breathtaking beach radiates a seaside village vibe, perfect to grab a bite to eat and relax under the sun—and no one’s going to judge if you play mermaids in the waves. We know you want to.
There are three patrolled lifeguard towers that you'll find at Seashell Ave, Hilda Ave and Montana Ave. Since Montana Ave is patrolled every day 8am-5pm and is located right by the Mermaid Beach Surf Club, I recommend trying to snag a park here and staying for a bev or bite.
Nobbys Beach
Tower 23, Lavarack Rd Nobby Beach QLD 4218
It may officially be called 'Nobby Beach', but FYI non-locals, nobody’s actually calling it that. Because nobody wants to sound ridiculous. The affectionately named 'Nobby's' is a great little patch of sand playing front yard to the likes of BSKT cafe, neighbouring The Oxley and dive bars like Cambus Wallace.
Find yellow and red flags 8am - 5pm all year long and a public toilet block too. And while there's a tiny carpark at the Surf Club, your best chance of parking is in one of the nearby streets. As one of the quieter beaches on the Gold Coast, a quick scout in and out on the sea-side of Hedges Avenue should deliver the goods.
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Miami Beach
Tower 21, Hythe St - Tower 22, Santa Monica Rd Miami QLD 4220
Straddling the North Burleigh headland (affectionately called Miami Hill by many), check out rocky alcoves from below and stunning views from above. Oh yes, and of course the glittering sea to gaze at endlessly and perhaps even spot a whale.
It's right on the doorstep of of Miami Surf Club and fronted by a snaking bike and walking track that stretches all the way up to Burleigh making it the perfect Gold Coast beach to work up a sweat at, then cool off in the sea. Note the Hythe Street side is patrolled 8am - 5pm all year round and has a public toilet block and BBQs.
Cruise down Hythe Street just off the Gold Coast Highway, hook a right and try your luck at the car park right out the front of Miami Beach. I rate this as one of the best beaches for families on the Gold Coast because of its parkway, biking track, lookout to explore and interesting rock faces to meander alongside.
Burleigh Beach
Tower 18, Mowbray Park Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Queensland’s answer to Bondi, Burleigh Beach is a place where kids make memories diving into the waves and riding pastel beach cruisers with baskets full of fruit. It's also a part of the World Surfing Reserve and being the most northern point break on the Gold Coast means experienced board riders rate this beach. There are public bathrooms and BBQs, plus your coffee is sorted at waterfront The Kiosk, or if lazy lunches in the sun is more your style, try for Rick Shores or Burleigh Pavillion.
Come Sunday afternoon, when sunset-loving hordes climb the Burleigh Hill and watch the sun dip below the horizon, follow the hype and roll out a rug. It's basically a rite of passage when spending time on the Gold Coast, best paired with a takeaway pizza from Justin Lane and followed by a cheeky post-beach wine at Rosella's or Paloma.
Insider intel: if the hill itself is busy, try for parking a short walk away at the Alex Black Carpark.
Southern Gold Coast Beaches
Currumbin Creek
Tower 11, Pacific Pde, Currumbin QLD 4223
The word creek might not send you tripping over your feet with excitement, but rest assured the mouth of Currumbin Creek is a dream scene. As it lures in and washes out the South Pacific Ocean, pods of dolphins are invited in for lazy afternoons gliding past stand-up paddle boarders and watching Gold Coasters act all Weiss Bar happy.
It's patrolled all year long, and like Burleigh, a part of the World Surfing Reserve so pulls a surfing crowd on the reg. Bonus: there are dog-friendly stretches nearby so even your furry friend won't have to miss out.
Urban List Contributor Danielle Read gives the heads up that "if the main drag near Vikings Surf Club is too busy to deal, duck back to Currumbin Creek Northside Beach." She's basically guaranteed you'll find a beachside park here even on the busiest of days. "From Thrower Drive, hook a right just before hitting the Gold Coast Highway. Drive past Lions Park and right to the end. This secret spot is the wave-free version of the creek, and on the busiest weekend I've always found a park here." With a wheelchair accessable board walk up to the water and ample places to plant yourself on the sand, it's her favourite beach on the Gold Coast all year round and perfect for families too.
Currumbin To Kirra
Choosing a favourite beach between Currumbin and Kirra is like choosing your favourite child. And while only the locals truly know where one beach ends and the next one begins, the immaculate squeak-between-your-toes sand of Currumbin, Tugun, Bilinga and Kirra make up seven kilometers of uninterrupted strolling magic.
The goodness continues south around the corner to Coolangatta, too. I'm going to be bold and say it’s one of the finest suburban stretches of beach in the whole country. And the best part? This stretch massive and quiet, so you won't have to fight for a spot to lay down your towel.
Rainbow Bay
Tower 1, Snapper Rocks Rd, Coolangatta QLD 4225
It's the Gold Coast beach that leads them all. As tower number one, it's also my number one choice of all-time favourite beaches. Rainbow Bay is for groms, pros and barrels galore, plus its patrolled 8am-5pm everyday all year long. This is also about as far as you can distance yourself from the hazy cluster of high rises on the horizon.
Made perfect when chased with a frosty Balter on the deck of the legendary Rainbow Bay Surf Club. A fave amongst locals and outer towners, this is a Gold Coast beach that's absolutely worth the hype.
Snapper Rocks
Snapper Rocks Rd, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Want to snap up the best waves on the Gold Coast? Then Snapper Rocks is the place to be. Tucked away between Point Danger and Rainbow Bay this small rocky outcrop is a point break that forms the start of the man-made Superbank.
The Superbank is renowned as one of the most consistent breaks in Queensland and is home to the annual World Surf League Quicksilver and Roxy Pros. So, if you’re ready to tear up the waves and show off those gnarly ticks then grab your board and wetsuit and head to Snapper for some of the Gold Coast’s best waves.
Greenmount Beach
Tower 2, Marine Pde Coolangatta QLD 4225
It's the perfect mix of golden sand, idyllic swimming and lush landscapes—Greenmount Beach has it all. This charming and heavenly beach has been blessed with a breathtaking ecosystem that wraps around the white sand and deep blue waters.
Located right on the border, Greenmount Beach marks the end of Gold Coast beaches, leaving you on the edge of Queensland and New South Wales. This little slice of heaven is relaxing and the perfect green hills are the spot to watch dolphins and whales frolic in the sea. It's a dog prohibited beach and famed for its beginner suited waves.
Made your way around the best beaches on the Gold Coast? Head inland for Gold Coast's best national parks and breathe in that fresh mountain air.
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Image credit: Brooke Darling Photography
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