Beaches · Gold Coast · Australia
The best beaches in and near Gold Coast
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Shiftchange, Public domain
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Surfers Paradise Beach (In Surfers Paradise). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in October–June.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swimming season
- October–June
- Warmest sea
- 26°C (79°F)
The beaches
In Surfers Paradise · First-timers and convenience
1.Surfers Paradise Beach
The famous high-rise-backed beach, patrolled year-round, with markets on the esplanade.
About 20 minutes south of Surfers · Surf watching, cafés and sunsets
2.Burleigh Heads Beach
Beach below the national park headland, with a famous point break and grassy park.
About 35–40 minutes south of Surfers · Calm swimming and families
3.Greenmount and Rainbow Bay
North-facing, sheltered bays at Coolangatta with calmer water for swimming.
About 10 minutes south of Surfers · Families
4.Kurrawa Beach, Broadbeach
Patrolled beach beside Kurrawa Park with a surf club and restaurants.
Just south of Burleigh Heads · Toddlers and paddleboarding
5.Tallebudgera Creek
Sheltered creek mouth with clear, shallow water over sand.
At the southern end of Coolangatta · Surfing and whale watching
6.Snapper Rocks
Rocky point at the start of the Superbank surf break, with Rainbow Bay beside it.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 25°C (77°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| February | 26°C (79°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| March | 25°C (77°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| April | 24°C (75°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| June | 21°C (70°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| July | 20°C (68°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| August | 19°C (66°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| September | 20°C (68°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| October | 21°C (70°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| November | 23°C (73°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| December | 24°C (75°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$ · Best for first-timers, nightlife, budget and beach
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is the Gold Coast's busiest centre, with apartment towers right behind the beach, the Q1 tower's SkyPoint deck, Cavill Avenue's bars and clubs and the G:link light rail running through it. It has the widest range of accommodation, and the beach is patrolled year-round. It can be loud and crowded, especially during school holidays and Schoolies week.
- Good
- Beach, restaurants and nightlife on the doorstep; Light rail to Broadbeach and Southport; Huge choice of apartments
- Watch out
- Noisy and crowded at weekends; Tower shadows over the beach in the afternoon; Rowdy during Schoolies in late November
- Nearby
- SkyPoint Observation Deck, Cavill Avenue, Main Beach, Broadbeach
Getting to the beaches
- Tram — The G:link light rail runs from Helensvale through Southport, Main Beach and Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach, connecting with the Brisbane train line at Helensvale.
- Bus — Translink buses run along the Gold Coast Highway to Burleigh, Palm Beach, Coolangatta and the airport, and to the theme parks.
- Train — Trains on the Gold Coast line run from Varsity Lakes, Robina, Nerang, Coomera and Helensvale to Brisbane, taking about 75–90 minutes to the city.
- Car — A hire car makes it easy to reach the hinterland, Byron Bay and the southern beaches.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in October–November. None of them is peak season, so beaches stay manageable.
Beach safety
The Gold Coast is generally safe for visitors. The main hazards are rip currents, strong sun and summer storms; swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Surfers Paradise can get rowdy late at night, especially during Schoolies. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Gold Coast have beaches?
Yes: Surfers Paradise Beach, Burleigh Heads Beach, Greenmount and Rainbow Bay, Kurrawa Beach, Broadbeach, Tallebudgera Creek and Snapper Rocks.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Gold Coast?
Usually October–June, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Gold Coast?
Surfers Paradise Beach: The famous high-rise-backed beach, patrolled year-round, with markets on the esplanade.