Main Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southport which includes a sandy beach, tropical scenes and swimming
Main Beach
Main Beach
Southport which includes a beach, a skyscraper and city views
Sea World which includes a water park, a pond and signage

From houseboats to jet boats, humble fish ‘n’ chips to the finest dining, this northern stretch of Gold Coast perfection has it all.

The simply named beachside suburb began as Southport’s main swimming spot and its early 20th-century architecture reminisces about the good old days. Get a traditional beachside feed of fish and chips from the takeaway joint in the heritage bathing pavilion and spot dolphins offshore. Swim or surf in the open shore breaks or watch the action from a shaded foreshore park.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Main Beach Hotel Deals

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast

5 out of 5
71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach, QLD
The price is AU$263 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
AU$263
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The service reflects on the very long wait for ordered drinks, in the bar especially but also at breakfast"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
Sea World Resort

Sea World Resort

4.5 out of 5
Sea World Drive Main Beach Gold Coast, Main Beach, QLD
The price is AU$239 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
AU$239
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Great for families with kids. Lots of activities and food options at the resort. At the door step to the theme park and beach."

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Sea World Resort
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD
The price is AU$364 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
AU$364
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a marina, and private hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Breakfast taste good"

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast

The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast

5 out of 5
8 Casino Drive, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is AU$232 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
AU$232
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 8 restaurants, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Great place for a visit to the Gold Coast. Excellent stay for the second time... highly recommend Kiyomi restaurant at the hotel (easily one of the best meals I've had in my life). Very affordable place considering location and amenities."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
voco Gold Coast by IHG

voco Gold Coast by IHG

4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is AU$161 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
AU$161
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Such a great central location with easy transport to Pacific Fair and Broadbeach and an easy walk tot he beach."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

voco Gold Coast by IHG
Dorsett Gold Coast

Dorsett Gold Coast

4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is AU$179 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$179
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,486 reviews)
"Staff were all lovely, the pool and breakfast buffet were both great. Only things that could be improved would be the soundproofing of the rooms, we could very loudly hear our neighbours, and the water pressure/temperature was very inconsistent. Everything else was great."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Dorsett Gold Coast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Main Beach

Main Beach showing a coastal town, a high-rise building and a city

Southport

Beaches, spas and theme parks are some highlights of Southport. Make a stop by Australia Fair Shopping Centre or Gold Coast Aquatic Centre while you're exploring.

Southport
Surfers Paradise showing a sunset, a beach and a city

Surfers Paradise

Cavill Avenue and Home of the Arts are a few top attractions in Surfers Paradise. Hop around the city on the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station and check out the area's stunning beaches, luxurious spas and popular shops.

Surfers Paradise
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Labrador

Labrador is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Ian Dipple Lagoon or Cooke Murphy Oval.

Labrador
Gold Coast showing food, drinks or beverages and outdoor eating

Broadbeach Waters

Broadbeach Waters is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Dracula's Cabaret and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.

Broadbeach Waters
Broadbeach featuring skyline, a sandy beach and a high-rise building

Broadbeach

The stunning beaches, first-class casinos and popular shops are notable features of Broadbeach. Make a stop by The Star Gold Coast or The Oasis while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Broadbeach South Light Rail Station to get around town.

Broadbeach
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Carrara

Golf courses, restaurants and beaches highlight some of the noteworthy features of Carrara. Make a stop by People First Stadium or Carrara Sports Complex while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Carrara


Main Beach Travel Guide

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