Your Guide to the Beaches in Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise is the icon, Burleigh Heads is the pick for surfing, Broadbeach pairs the sand with dining and markets, and Tallebudgera Creek has calm, shallow water that's ideal for families. Each has its own personality, and together they make up the most famous beaches in Gold Coast.
With tens of kilometres of uninterrupted coastline, there are dozens of beaches to explore, and BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park makes an easy base for a beach holiday. Here's our guide to the best beaches Gold Coast visitors shouldn't miss.
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The Best Beaches Gold Coast Has to Offer
Broadbeach
You could start in the surf, with its beautiful beaches, framed by lazy parks home to weekend markets and weekday yoga classes. Or wander down the Broadbeach Mall, peppered with roving street artists and framed by some of the best alfresco dining on the coast.
Best for: dining, markets and shopping.
Stay tip: Planning long lunches and nights out in Broadbeach? Our motel rooms are a simple, comfortable base for couples and small groups.
Burleigh Heads
Situated between glistening Surfers Paradise and laid back Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads is famous for pumping surf breaks, towering pine trees and 'to be seen' hip dining.
Spot the endless stream of surfers and fishermen day and night walking through Burleigh Heads National Park from The Cove to Echo Beach.
Follow the walking track around the headland for one of the best views on the coast, then stop by the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre at the foot of the headland to learn about the area's Yugambeh heritage. Come late afternoon and you'll see why Burleigh is one of the best beaches Gold Coast locals choose for sunset.
Best for: surfing, coastal walks and sunsets.
Stay tip: Chasing the early-morning swell? Bring the van or tent and book one of our powered or ensuite sites, so you can head off at first light.
Surfers Paradise
Australia's famous Surfers Paradise Beach lies at the heart of Queensland's Gold Coast. Swim and surf along the expansive beaches with a two kilometre stretch of golden sand and rolling surf.
Riding a wave here sits highly on the bucket list of holiday makers.
Lifeguards patrol the main beach year-round, and when you're ready for a break, the dining and shopping on Cavill Avenue and the SkyPoint Observation Deck are just steps from the sand. As the most recognisable of the famous beaches in Gold Coast, it's a must for first-time visitors.
Best for: first-time visitors, learning to surf and nightlife.
Stay tip: First Gold Coast holiday with the family? Our cabins and villas give everyone room to spread out between beach days and theme park dayss.
Tallebudgera
Tallebudgera is best known for its sparkling creek which is framed by the Burleigh Heads National Park on one side and Palm Beach on the other.
While the creek waters are renowned for their relative calm, those seeking surf need only walk to nearby Tallebudgera Beach for a few great waves.
The shallow, sheltered creek is one of the most popular beaches in Gold Coast for families with young children, and a great place to try stand-up paddleboarding.
Best for: young kids, calm swimming and paddleboarding.
Stay tip: Make the trip an adventure for the kids with a night in one of our Safari Retreats, then spend the next day paddling at the creek.
Where to Stay Near the Beaches in Gold Coast
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park puts you within easy reach of all the famous beaches in Gold Coast, with Surfers Paradise around a 25-minute drive away. Choose from cabins and villas, motel rooms and powered sites, or browse all our Gold Coast accommodation to find the right fit for your group.
Between beach days, there's plenty to do without leaving the park. The kids can spend hours at our on-site water park with six slides and 317m of ride, while you relax at the Resort Style Pool and Spa or grab a meal at Nibbles Cafe. With Movie World and Wet'n'Wild right across the road, it's easy to mix theme park days with time on the sand.