The Spit is a 5km long, relatively undeveloped, sandy isthmus starting at Main Beach and finishing at the seaway where Broadwater meets the Pacific Ocean. Don't be fooled, The Spit is not at all sleepy as it is also home to Sea World, 5 Star Resorts and some of the Gold Coast's best dining and shopping. 

The area of The Spit has a lot of flat land, lots of shade, plenty of space to park, and protected open waters, which make it the perfect place for big festivals, sports events, and activities involving water. In the past, events like the annual Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo, McLaren Gold Coast Polo by the Sea, and Summafieldayze Music Festival have taken place here.

Things to Do at The Spit

Natural Attractions

The Seaway at The Spit has been voted the best place to fish on the Gold Coast with anglers reeling in year-round hauls of yellowtail, kingfish, whitehead and flathead. It's a pretty arduous place to fish with strong currents and rocky conditions. The Sand Pumping Jetty is another local favourite with the Summer and Spring being especially fruitful. 

Don't fancy eating the fish? Why not go swimming with them instead? The Seaway is the most reliable snorkelling and diving site in the region and is made up of five distinct areas. The most popular is the South Wall Dive Area where it isn't uncommon to come face to face with Giant QLD Groupers and schools of Giant Trevally. The Seaway caters for every level of divers and you can find book diving and snorkelling tours below.

Book Diving And Snorkelling Tours

The beach is a favourite for surfers as there are good breaks regardless of swell direction, with the conditions more dependent on the strength and direction of the wind. There are plenty of access points for surfers to find beach breaks with very few other surfers in the water. The northern end by The Seaway is a good place to get away from the crowds and the beach is dog-friendly - read some guidelines about how to use dog exercise areas. Keep in mind there is usually no lifeguard supervision at The Spit outside of the holiday season. If you're not into waves there are some calm waters, perfect for paddling, on the Broadwater side of the The Spit. 

Federation Walk meanders along the sand dunes on the ocean side, stretching from Main Beach to the Seaway. It is an easy walk on a crushed sandstone path that also attracts mountain bike riders and joggers. 

Tourist Attractions

The family's favourite theme park, Sea World, is located on The Spit and is open every day of the year but Christmas Day. Buy daily, weekly and even yearly tickets that will give you access to the wonderful marine life, exciting rides and thrilling shows. 

The Broadwater which runs along the western side of The Spit is one of the Gold Coast's best playgrounds with watersports galore available. Take a kayak tour, jump on a jetski, cruise or strap yourself into a Jet Boat and explore the sights and sounds (you might hear a seal barking from Sea World) as you putt, paddle or power up and down the Broadwater. 

Shopping

Every Saturday a Farmers Market pops up on the ground level of Marina Mirage under the white sails. Producers from all over the region come to sell their fresh, organic produce, artisan cheeses, baked delights and flowers. You can make a day of it by enjoying a coffee at one of the cafes and with heaps of undercover parking you can kick on to lunch.

The Gold Coast Fisherman's Co-Opertaive is the best place to buy the freshest seafood on the Gold Coast. You are buying straight from the local Prawn Trawlers, Tuna Long Liners and Spanner Crab Vessels and the only way it could get any fresher was if you caught it yourself. They open 7 days a week at 7am and are only open until they sell out. Take a look at their website to see Today's Catch.

Dining

Peter's Fish Market, located in a little shack and dwarfed by Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, is a Gold Coast institution. Everything is cooked to order so you can choose your very own catch of the day and decide on how you'd like it cooked - battered, crumbed or grilled. Then choose some accompaniments like lobster mornay, prawn skewers and of course hot chips.  Take your grease proof paper and sit outside under the umbrellas and keep an eye out for hungry seagulls!

Le Jardin at Imperial Hotel Gold Coast whips up a very tasty Coutue High Tea. Think delicate finger sandwiches, airy scones, macarons and petit fours all washed down with your choice of Champagne. Located in the lobby it is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon people-watching.

The Gold Coast's most renowned seafood buffet is located inside the 5 star Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Newly refurbished Terraces Restaurant welcomes diners to feast on sumptuous seafood and enjoy the shimmer from the resort's lagoon.

Accommodation Near The Spit

Just a stone's throw from The Spit lies Main Beach, an ideal spot for a family holiday, boasting some of the largest holiday apartments along the Gold Coast. These spacious skyhomes span up to 160m², ensuring ample room for everyone to enjoy without feeling crowded. Whether you opt for beachfront accommodations or elsewhere in Main Beach, you're always within easy reach of the sandy shores.

Main Beach plays host to luxurious accommodations such as the 5-star Imperial Hotel Gold Coast overlooking the Broadwater, while just across the road sits the beachfront Sheraton Grand Mirage. On a tighter budget? Merely 100 meters away from these opulent resorts, you'll find the Surfers Paradise YHA, where your stay may cost just a fraction of the price compared to neighbouring establishments.

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Nightlife

Most of the waterside restaurants at Marina Mirage are perfect for sunset drinks. It's one of the most desirable locations on the GC to see and be seen so make sure you get yourself dolled up accordingly. 

More information on The Spit, Gold Coast

• Council's history of The Spit (fascinating actually)

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