Main BeachGold Coast Suburb Profile

Main Beach is a boutique suburb favoured by the affluent and it is the pinnacle of cafe society on the Gold Coast. There is a sense of community in this suburb, everyone stops to say hello and the restaurateurs and boutique owners quickly become friends.

The centre of Main Beach is Tedder Avenue. The street is lined upmarket boutiques and some of the Gold Coast's best restaurants and bars. Around the area are also the Southport Yacht Club and the 6 star Palazzo Versace hotel (plus many more accommodation types).  Don't let that discourage you though as it's still a friendly and relaxed beachside suburb.

The suburb is bordered by the Ocean to the east, the Broadwater to the north and the Nerang River to the south. Due to its desirability prices are high and demand certainly outweighs supply. On the beach side of the suburb there are holiday and residential high rises, villas, townhouses, older three storey walk ups and a few free standing houses.

The Broadwater side is full of older homes dating back to the 1950s which have usually been kept safely in the family since they were built. These homes are all starting to undergo rennovations and the results are exciting. There are also newer villas and townhouses - this area is strictly no high rises.

Main Beach History

In 1925 the Jubilee Bridge was built across the Nerang River. Before this ferries took people across the River so they could enjoy the great surf. After 1925 land was offered for sale, however, it wasn't until 1934 when the Main Beach Bathing Pavillion was built that this beachside suburb began to attract visitors.

By the 1930s Main Beach flourished into a holiday spot for both locals and tourists. The area continued to grow in popularity with the building of The Spit and the Southport Yacht Club - it was not just a haven for Surfers and Holidaymakers but now keen Boaters had a safe place to moor. It still is a popular place to dock your boat or yacht with plenty of water for bigger vessels.

Main Beach Recreation

Main Beach is home to the Southport Yacht Club which has recently been redeveloped and continues to serve fantastif food to members and guests. The Southport Surf Life Saving Club has also had a make over and is very popular with the young crowd on a Sunday arvo for beer and fish'n'chips in the sun. The beach is patrolled and great for a family day of fun with plenty of ice cream trucks and corner stores to keep your tummies happy - just remember to Slip, Slop & Slap.

Further south the City Council has developed an artificial reef at Narrowneck Beach.This has become really popular with surfers, body boarders and when the wind is up the Kite Surfers take charge.There's no lifeguards on this beach but if you are after a quiet stretch of sand to relax on, then you've found your place.

Narrowneck's artificial reef was built to combat against errosion and improve surfing conditions. The aritificial reef has built up and is now home to many different types of fish. 

Once a year Main Beach co-hosts the Armor All Gold Coast 600 (formerly the Lexmark Indy 300). Besides the car racing there are lots of other activities on offer. The Gold Coast becomes a beacon for fast car fiends as well of those interested in joining in on the party. It is by far the biggest event on the local calendar. The carnival has a long history on the Coast, is attended by hundreds of thousands of visitors and even if it does block off the main roads and generate noise levels that send dogs into hiding. This makes it all sound like a bit of a hassle but it is generally pretty well liked by locals.

You might like to take the family or friend to Sea World for a day. There are Marine Shows, wonderful sea animal enclosures and rides to tickle everyone's fancy.

Main Beach Restaurants

Cafe Society is also big in Main Beach - business people, morning joggers, trendies and retirees all enjoy a morning latte at one of the many cafes along Tedder.

The Main Beach Bakery has become an icon to Gold Coast locals. Their fresh baked breads, cakes, savouries, slices and scones are among the best you'll find anywhere. There is nothing better than a warm Sausage Roll after an early morning surf - sit outside and watch the cars roll by. They also make tasty sandwiches fresh to order.

Another great spot is Peters Fish market just north of Palazzo Versace. Pick up some fresh praws, oysters and crabs brought in by the morning trawlers. You can also order fresh fish and have it cooked to your liking. Eat in or take away and enjoy your fish'n'chips on one of the beaches.

Main Beach Shopping

Main Beach Education

Main Beach has no schools but both The Southport School (boys) and St Hilda's (girls) are just located across the Nerang River. There are also a number of excellent State schools in the surrounding area.

Main Beach Medical Facilities

The Gold Coast Hospital, Allamanda and many private practices are located across the river in Southport - just 5 minutes away.

Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images