Queensland's Gold Coast is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in Australia for visitors from both home and abroad. There is a reason for this, and that is 57 km (35 miles) of coastline featuring some of the best beaches you will find anywhere on the planet. Add to this 300 days of sunshine a year and you have a beachgoers paradise.
The Gold Coast beaches all have plenty in common; white sand, wall to wall sunshine and the warm, blue waters of the Pacific ocean that often throws up some of the best waves in the world. However, each beach has its own character and quirks with some suited to just hanging out and soaking up the sun, whilst others are a veritable paradise for surfers - not that Surfers Paradise is the best surf spot on the Gold Coast by any stretch!
Of course the Gold Coast has much more on offer these days with theme parks, restaurants, golf courses, shopping and nightlife to rival any holiday hotspot around the world. For some this may all seem a little brash and over-developed, but even now there are a few peaceful havens along this amazing stretch of coast.
Sitting neatly between the better known resort of Surfers Paradise to the north and Coolangatta to the south, Burleigh Heads Beach is a top choice for those looking for golden sand and good surf. The largely protected waters are good for swimming and surfing around the headland, which is within the Burleigh Heads National Park.
Burleigh is one of the most consistent surf spots on the Gold Coast… read more »
With its crystal clear waters and sparkling white sands, Currumbin in South East Queensland is regularly voted the state's cleanest beach.
Surfers flock from far and wide to ride the waves here, and there are a handful of surf schools dotted along the beach which cater for everyone, from beginners taking their first lessons to experienced surfers looking to escape the crowds across the Tweed River.
Loads of other watersports get practiced… read more »
Sandwiched between Burleigh Heads and Tallebudgera Creek on the north end and Currumbin Point to the south, Palm Beach is a popular patrolled beach on Queensland's glorious Gold Coast.
The sandy beach extends for about 4km (2.5 miles) parallel to the busy Gold Coast Highway 200m to the west. Park on one of the many side streets and direct beach access is easy.
Surfers Paradise Beach lives up to its name with a world-famous reputation for its beach, surfing, nightlife and attractions. Undoubtedly one of the most heavily developed and busiest beaches in Australia, it is a popular resort with bars, casinos and clubs that buzz after dark.
This modern waterfront city focuses around one of Queensland's most iconic beaches, with good left and right breaks that are always dotted with keen surfers… read more »
Dee-bah as it's known to the locals is the most northerly of New South Wales' many beaches. In fact, it's so close to the Queensland border that you can walk up to the headland here in just a couple of minutes, and find yourself in a different timezone.
The beach is a bit of a geographical lash up; set on the Queensland side of the Tweed River it is part of… read more »
An urban beach found in the neighbourhood of Coolangatta, part of Queensland's Gold Coast, Kirra Beach is a relaxed and down to earth destination that continues to exude the surf vibe that made it famous around the world.
Beyond its globally-renowned breaks, suitable for intermediate and expert boarders, protection from southerly winds means Kirra Beach is also a great place to go for a swim, or strap on scuba gear and… read more »
