Northcliffe
Northcliffe beach is known for its iconic sand, sun and surfing lifestyle. From Fern Street to Laycock Street, this stretch of Gold Coast beach is a popular tourist destination, just south of the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise.
Swimming
Northcliffe Beach has 2 patrolled lifeguard towers:
- Tower 32 – Northcliffe, Thornton Street / Garfield Terrace, near Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club
Patrolled by lifeguards between 8am and 5pm, every day all year round
- Tower 33 – Clifford Street
Patrolled by lifeguards between 8am and 5pm, every day all year round
Make sure you swim in the patrolled area between the red and yellow flags.
Surfing
Wave quality along this stretch can be highly variable depending on prevailing swell direction, wind, tide and sand bar formation. Surfers should always assess conditions and if in doubt, don’t paddle out. For more information, visit our Surfing page.
Facilities
To view the facilities available at this beach including accessibility features, use our interactive map.
Dogs
The beach from Lifeguard Tower No. 37 at Higman Street, south to Lifeguard Tower No. 33 at Clifford Street, is a dog prohibited area. Dogs are also prohibited within 200 metres of all flagged bathing areas.
Dogs must always be on leash unless in a signed designated off leash area. Tough penalties apply. View prohibited areas or search for a designated off leash exercise area on our dog exercise area map.
Getting there
| Public transport |
Translink buses run along The Esplanade. The G:link light rail also runs through the main stretch of Surfers Paradise. Plan your trip using Translink's journey planner. |
| Active travel |
Walk, run or bike ride to the beach. Plan your trip using our walking and cycling maps. |
| Parking |
There is limited parking at the surf club. On-street parking is available in surrounding streets. Take note of parking signs and/or line markings before heading to the beach. |
About Northcliffe Beach
Northcliffe Beach is just south of the Surfers Paradise retail precinct, set amongst high rise residential and accommodation towers. The Northcliffe Surf Club was founded in 1947 and has a reputation for being one of the most competitive surf sports life saving clubs in the country. If you want a break from the bustle of Surfers, Northcliffe Surf Club offers a beachfront restaurant and bar.
There is a popular foreshore area in front of Northcliffe Beach with toilets, benches and beach showers. The Oceanway runs along this strip of beach and there's plenty of bike parking.