Main Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.
A school of striped fish swimming near a coral reef.
A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.
A beach with high-rise buildings in the background.
A rocky landscape with palm trees and a sign that reads "Imagine SeaWorld Australia".

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.


Stay near popular Main Beach attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best Main Beach Hotel Deals

Sea World Resort

Sea World Resort

Sea World Drive Main Beach Gold Coast Main Beach QLD
The price is AU$349 per night from 26 July to 27 July
AU$349
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Sea World Resort is absolutely worth every penny with world-class facilities that keep the kids entertained all day long. A true relaxing haven for families, with the best location right on the doorstep of the theme park. The breakfast and dining options are top-notch, rounding off a perfect family ..."

Reviewed on 9 July 2026

Sea World Resort
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$309 per night from 19 July to 20 July
AU$309
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,001 reviews)
"Buffet was great. Beds were okay but could be better. Beds small size queen. Not enough towels in room. Booked 2 adult and 2 children, with only 2 towels. Room was a little small. Okay for 2 night stay. Would be cramped if staying longer. Housekeeping very slow providing extra towels. Room was 7/10 ..."

Reviewed on 5 July 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

5 out of 5
94 Seaworld Dr Main Beach QLD
The price is AU$286 per night from 12 July to 13 July
AU$286
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a marina and private hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Property is run down and need a serious face lift. Not worth the money."

Reviewed on 6 July 2026

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Novotel Surfers Paradise

Novotel Surfers Paradise

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St Surfers Paradise QLD
The price is AU$175 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$175
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very good! (1,506 reviews)
"Everything was excellent! Highly recommend The only thing to mention if staying over the weekend it can get a little noisy at night."

Reviewed on 7 July 2026

Novotel Surfers Paradise
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences

5 out of 5
38 Old Burleigh Road Surfers Paradise QLD
The price is AU$378 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$378
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (792 reviews)
"Best 5 star hotel room that we have ever stayed in"

Reviewed on 8 July 2026

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
158 Ferny Avenue Surfers Paradise QLD
The price is AU$399 per night from 15 July to 16 July
AU$399
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"All are great."

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
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.

Our guide on where to stay in Main Beach

Find the best Main Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Main Beach
Learn more about Main Beach

Surfers Paradise

Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Beach 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.

Broadbeach

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

Coolangatta

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Coolangatta. Make a stop by Kirra Beach or Coolangatta Beach while you're exploring the area.

Burleigh Heads

A noteworthy feature of Burleigh Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Head National Park.

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.



Main Beach Travel Guide

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