The Gold Coast is Australia's surf and party coast: world-famous waves on the Superbank, calm river mouths for swimming, high-rises right on the beach and a green hinterland with waterfalls and glow-worms. Here you'll find all 21 checked spots from our map with tips.
The Gold Coast is about an hour south of Brisbane; the train runs to Helensvale, and from there the G:link tram runs along the coast. Gold Coast Airport is in Coolangatta at the southern end. Buses connect the beaches — like everywhere in Queensland for 50 cents a trip. For the hinterland you need a car or a tour.
The Gold Coast has sunshine all year. The best surf is from February to June, when cyclone swell gets the points going. Swimming is most pleasant from September to May. Winter is mild and dry, and whales pass from June to November.
A hostel with a pool in Surfers Paradise, near a bus stop and the beach. A cheap base for the party strip.
A hostel close to Snapper Rocks and Kirra — good for surfers who want to be in the water early, and quieter than Surfers Paradise.
A free rest area in the hinterland for vans and tents. Check the maximum length of stay on site.
Snapper Rocks is the start of the Superbank, one of the longest right-hand waves in the world and a venue for pro contests. Only for experienced surfers — the line-up is extremely crowded. The best time is February to May. Just watching from the point is worth it.
Kirra is a legendary barrelling wave, but it only works with a big south-east swell. On small days it's just a normal beach for swimming. Best from February to June.
Soft waves at the river mouth make Currumbin Alley one of the best learner spots on the Gold Coast. Surf schools start right at the car park. Surfable all year.
A right-hand point break in front of the national park, with long waves in a south-east swell. From the hill next to it you get the best view of the surfers. Best time February to May.
A shallow, clear river mouth with hardly any current — calm water without surf, ideal for swimming and paddling. The water is clearest on the incoming tide.
A sheltered, patrolled bay at the southern end of the Gold Coast. Quiet early in the morning, a family beach from midday. Good for swimming all year.
Freshwater pools between rocks in the Currumbin Valley, about 25 minutes from the coast. Ideal for cooling off in summer. After heavy rain the creek floods — don't jump or swim then.
A coastal walk leads through rainforest around the headland, with views of the Surfers Paradise skyline. The grassy hill at the northern end is the city's sunset meeting point. Free.
High-rises right on the sandy beach — the best-known image of the Gold Coast. At sunrise the towers are backlit. The beach is patrolled, and behind it the party strip begins.
The headland sits right on the border between Queensland and New South Wales. From June to November a good whale-watching spot, with views over the beaches to the north.
A waterfall plunges through the roof of a basalt cave, and in the evening glow-worms light up the ceiling. Bring a torch for the path, but switch it off in the cave. No insect repellent — it kills the glow-worms.
A street-food night market in a warehouse, often with live music, open Wednesday to Saturday from 5 pm. Entry is free; only concerts cost extra.
A small restaurant strip, more relaxed than Surfers Paradise. Easy to combine with Miami Marketta and Burleigh.
Cafés on James Street and a beach kiosk by the national park — Burleigh is the Gold Coast's laid-back café quarter.
The party strip of Surfers Paradise with clubs, bars and pub crawls. Busiest at weekends.
Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild are in Oxenford in the north of the Gold Coast. Multi-day combo tickets are worth it if you want to visit several parks.
A laundromat on the Gold Coast — handy with a van or when everything's taken at the hostel.
Six floodlit outdoor courts with a café and pro shop in Carrara. Booked through Matchi; padel usually costs 20 to 60 AUD per court per hour, and you can hire racquets.
Best at Currumbin Alley, with soft waves and surf schools right at the car park. Snapper Rocks and Kirra are for experienced surfers.
In the Natural Bridge cave in Springbrook National Park, in the evening after dark.
With the G:link tram along the coast and buses; every trip costs 50 cents. For the hinterland you need a car or a tour.
All spots on the Gold Coast map. Nearby: Brisbane to the north and Byron Bay to the south. The coast at a glance on the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip.
Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.