The surf beach closest to the city's CBD of Southport, the aptly named Main Beach is located to the north of Surfers Paradise and feeds into The Spit. The name Main Beach is descriptive since it was the main surf beach for the town of Southport and the earliest surveyed town in the immediate area.
Beach goers can enjoy long expansive stretches of sand and space. To the south are the high-rise buildings of Surfers Paradise and to the north are the natural areas of The Spit. Visit Southport's closest surf beach or explore the cafes, fine dining and boutique that line Tedder Avenue.
For more information on Main Beach especially the best places to eat visit Destination Gold Coast
Beach usage
Every beach along our coastline is unique and used for many different activities, such as swimming, surfing and walking the dog. We've been working to understand which beaches are our most popular and how each is used by our community and visitors.
Main Beach attracts up to 100,000 people annually, with more local residents than tourists choosing to visit. This beach is close to commercial and high density residential areas.
Main Beach is mostly used for the beach amenity it provides. More than 60% of people use this beach to exercise, play and relax.
Surfing
Beach breaks extend the full length of the beach. Visit our Beach cameras page for the latest beach conditions.
Swimming
Make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags which indicate that the beach is patrolled. Main Beach and The Spit have 3 patrolled lifeguard towers:
- Breaker Street, Main Beach. Patrolled between 8am and 5pm every day all year round.
- Macarthur Parade at Southport Surf Life Saving Club. Patrolled between 8am and 5pm every day all year round.
- Seaworld Drive, beach side of the Sheraton Mirage (71 Seaworld Drive). Patrolled between 8am and 5pm on weekends all year round.
Please note all beaches are patrolled during Queensland school holidays.
For more information download our Beach patrol information sheet(PDF, 1MB)
Facilities
Main Beach is next to parklands that contains toilets, barbecues, tables, shade structures, playgrounds and beach showers. It's also in close proximity to a significant retail commercial area.
Main Beach has the following facilities for beachgoers:
Getting there
Parking: There is a car park at the surf club and plenty of on-street parking available in side streets. Be sure to take note of any applicable parking signs and/or line markings before heading to the beach. Please note that our beaches can get very busy on weekends and during school holidays, reducing the amount of available parking in the area.
Public transport: Translink buses run along Seaworld Drive, Main Beach. Use Translink's journey planner to plot your trip to the beach.
Active travel: Use our Walking and cycling maps for the Central Gold Coast and surrounds to plan your walk, run or bike ride to the beach.