Main BeachHoliday Destination
Nestled between the sparkling blue waters of the Southport Broadwater and the magnificent Pacific Ocean, Main Beach is only minutes north of the heart of Surfers Paradise.
The suburb was named so as it was the town's main surf beach with visitors using the ferry to access it. The area truly became a holiday destination after the Jubilee Bridge (now called the Sundale Bridge) was built in 1926 leading to holiday houses springing up and an influx of beachgoers.
It's easy to see why Main Beach has been a popular holiday destination for over 90 years as visitors and locals can simultaneously enjoy relaxed beachside living whilst being in the hub of high-end shopping and dining.
Things to do in Main Beach
The water is this destination's best asset with the white sandy beaches of Main Beach to the east and the calm waters of the Broadwater to the west. This tiny pocket of land can see you surfing one minute and launching a yacht the next. Main Beach is a family-friendly beach that is patrolled all year round by lifeguards. If you ever tire of these beautiful waters, Hollindale Park is set back from the beach and has a great playground, picnic area and masses of grass making it perfect for a game of touch footy.
Tourist Attractions
If you listen carefully at night, you might just hear the barking of a seal coming from Sea World. That's how close it is to Main Beach. Enter through the iconic Sea World as come face to face with sharks, dolphins, penguins, polar bears and a myriad of other sea life. Watch the marine shows, experience the rides and soak up the carnival atmosphere. You can also pre-purchase theme park passes to visit Sea World, Movie World and Wet n Wild to save money.
Ever wanted to take to the skies like a bird or a superhero? Hire a water jetpack and do just that as you hover over the Broadwater. In Main Beach, you'll find the Gold Coast's only jetpack experience which has had customers as young as 7 and as old as 83 enjoying this cool contraption.
Join a Whale Watching tour leaving from Sea World or Marina Mirage and travel 20 minutes out to the Humpback Highway. View these majestic animals and look carefully as you might just get lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Migaloo, the rare white whale who passes by the Gold Coast on his annual migration.
Many cruises and water activity operators (like jet skis, jet boating, fishing and sailing) also depart from the Marina, taking you through the Gold Coast canals and Seaway.
Sea World has a fantastic range of animal exhibits featuring sharks, penguins, polar bears and other marine life in realistic, natural environments. Be entertained with spectacular stunt/water shows; giggle at the seals and marvel at the playful dolphins. Throw in some roller coasters, get wet at Castaway Bay and see the Ninja Turtles in 3D. You'll see that Sea World is perhaps the best all-round theme park. Grab a combo pass and save.
Address: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217
Buy TicketsJoin this exclusive 2-hour lunch cruise departing from the heart of the Gold Coast with a delicious dining experience that takes you through the extensive Surfers Paradise canal system - larger than the systems of Venice and Amsterdam combined! Then head out to the Broadwate, enjoy your seafood and chicken lunch, a drink from the fully licensed onboard bar, and soak in the sunshine from the deck.
Book OnlineAs the Gold Coast's longest-running cruise provider, join Wyndham Cruises for an intimate experience through the tranquil waters of our canals and Broadwater. Their comfortable, purpose-built sightseeing vessel has a rooftop observation deck so you can enjoy uninterrupted views of waterfront mansions and the famous Gold Coast skyline. Choose from morning, afternoon and evening cruises and much more.
Book OnlineCalling all adrenaline junkies, this activity is for you! Jet Boat Extreme departs from the heart of Surfers Paradise and is jam-packed with fun, adventure, thrills and beautiful scenery. The twin jet-powered 600hp turbocharged jets will give you 360-degree spins, power slides and amazing speeds through the Gold Coast Broadwater and Seaway. Slide along sandbanks and pristine beaches and be warned, you're going to get a little wet!
Location: 30 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Book OnlineEnjoy an exciting 55-minute thrill ride with Paradise Jet Boating. Departing from Marina Mirage, the high-powered 500hp engines will provide wicked spins, exciting fish tails and adrenaline-pumping 360-degree spins through the Gold Coast Broadwater and Seaway. We promise you there's never a dull moment on this tour! Get free return transfers from Surfers and Main Beach hotels aboard the unique 10-seater open-air Super Jeep.
Location: 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach 4217
Book OnlineThis is Queensland's only offshore ocean jet boating experience! Combining great views with awesome thrills, Ocean Jet Boat is the ultimate extreme activity. Stay dry in the fully enclosed boat in an individual racing seat in air-conditioned comfort as the 880 horsepower twin-turbo engines will blast through the huge ocean waves reaching speeds of up to 90km per hour. Don't be surprised if you see some dolphins on this tour!
Location: 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach 4217
Book OnlineOne of the newest experiences on the Gold Coast, this water jetpack ride will have you feeling like James Bond! Get strapped into the hi-tech jetpack or flyboard and propel yourself high into the sky defying gravity. Get guided instructions through a walkie-talkie headset and choose between an introductory jetpack experience, 45 minutes or a full hour. Located at Pelican Beach at Main Beach (just near the Sundale Bridge).
Book OnlineThere’s only one way to get started, and that’s to get in the water! However, a few helpful tips, the right equipment, and heaps of encouragement from your highly qualified and experienced instructor will go a long way to getting you hooked forever. This 2 hour lesson is held at The Spit which provides perfect conditions for both beginners and intermediate surfers. All equipment is provided, just bring your swimmers, a towel and a smile!
Book OnlineAccommodation
Main Beach is not just about glitz and glamour; it offers an ideal setting for a family holiday, featuring some of the largest holiday apartments on the Gold Coast. These skyhomes, spanning up to 160m², ensure ample space for your stay without encroaching on anyone's privacy. Whether situated directly on the beach or elsewhere in Main Beach, your proximity to the sandy shores remains constant.
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Among the upscale establishments, Main Beach boasts the presence of the 5-star Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, commanding views of the Broadwater, and the beachfront Sheraton Grand Mirage just across the road. For those on a budget, a few 100 meters away lies the Surfers Paradise Backpackers, offering a cost-effective alternative that is likely a fraction of your neighbours' expenses.
Positioned between the yacht-rich Gold Coast Broadwater and the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, lies Imperial Hotel Gold Coast. Indulge and unwind in Imperial style right in the heart of Main Beach at the former Palazzo Versace. Imperial Hotel Gold Coast offers the ultimate luxury hotel experience you would expect anywhere in the world. The hotel boasts a stunning waterfront location, breathtaking architecture, lavish accommodations, and Italian craftsmanship, paired with exceptional service and an ambience of pure sophistication.
Learn MoreSheraton Grand Mirage is the Gold Coast’s only absolute beachfront resort. Located over 6 hectares, the 295 rooms and sites are dotted throughout lush gardens and lagoon pools. There are so many room types so no doubt you’ll find what you are looking for, you just how to work out how much room you need. If you want even more room, choose the newly-renovated Sheraton Grand Mirage Villas which offers 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a lounge, dining and a fully equipped kitchen.
Learn MoreThis affordable property is located a short 2 minutes walk from the beach, and just a stone's throw away from Main Beach. The hostel offers free WiFi, free breakfast, a tennis court and an outdoor pool. You can enjoy a meal in the BBQ area, or play a game of table tennis. The hostel also offers free laundry, basketball, volleyball and bodyboards. The tour desk can offer sightseeing advice and arrange tours. Guests have a choice between dormitory rooms and self-contained 2-bedroom apartments.
Learn MoreShopping
Marina Mirage offers visitors a truly unique shopping experience with over 70 fashion boutiques, jewellers and homewares stores located in an open-air centre. The goods might be pricey but store owners are understanding if you leave a trail of sand in the changerooms.
There are a smattering of shops on Tedder Avenue selling high-end accessories, fashions and even real estate. There are a number of hair salons and beauty clinics to keep you looking fabulous on your holiday.
Dining
The Main Beach Bakery has been selling their baked goods and fresh sandwiches since 1976 and it is a favourite with the local surfers and holidaymakers. Nothing beats a freshly baked pie from Main Beach bakery after a big morning in the surf! Take your lunch away or enjoy sitting and watching the passing parade on Tedder Avenue.
The heritage-listed Main Beach Pavilion sits overlooking the beach and it is a great spot for a snack, breakfast or lunch. On the weekends the cafe is buzzing with locals stopping in for a coffee on the way to the surf and visitors soaking up the sun while sharing a bowl of hot chips. The menu has recently been changed to provide a fresher approach and we hear the bacon and egg roll is a must! Next door is the Southport Surf Life Saving Club which opens its doors to visitors wanting to enjoy a good meal at great prices.
Unfortunately, the once trendy and vibrant Tedder Avenue, known for its dining, bars and shopping has declined a bit over the last few years but with all the redevelopment in the area, we think this street is set to come back to its former glory. That's not to say the street is all doom and gloom, the old guard of Main Beach has kept their favourite restaurants, cafes and bars alive. Anyone staying in Main Beach would be remiss not to try the Crab Lasagne on the menu at award-winning restaurant, Shuck.
The waterside restaurants of Marina Mirage are located a hop, skip and jump from Main Beach and offer great food with amazing views. Sit back and relax over a meal and enjoy the pelicans and superyachts glide by.
Events
Dignities, celebrities and royalty join the Gold Coast's 'It Crowd' for a day of Polo by the Sea just up the road from the centre of Main Beach at Doug Jennings Park. The event is sponsored by luxury car company, Ferrari and is part of the largest polo series in the world, the Urban Polo circuit. Tickets to the Main Beach Polo Club don't run cheap but your entry includes food and alcohol with a great vantage point to view the match.
Nightlife
Changing pace, Sea World Resort & Water Park lights up with the SpongeBob SplashBash LED light show. Guests at the hotel can dance and sing along to their favourite SpongeBob songs every night from 8 pm.
Main Beach Map
Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images