The Spit

The Spit aerial view

Beach closed

Due to severe erosion and sand scarps caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, along with seasonal high tides, access to the beach has been impacted. This beach will be closed until further notice.

The Spit is the northernmost beach on the Gold Coast mainland and is iconic for the sand pumping jetty that juts out into the surf. The beach here is popular with dog owners, as it offers a long stretch of off leash area.

Swimming

The Spit has 5 patrolled lifeguard towers:

  • Tower 41 – Sheraton, Seaworld Drive, beach side of the Sheraton Mirage
    Patrolled by lifeguards between 8am and 5pm, every day year round
  • Tower 42 – Seaworld, Seaworld Drive, opposite the Seaworld car park (beach side)
    Patrolled by lifeguards between 8am and 5pm, on weekends between November and April and during school holidays
  • Tower 43 – Seaworld North, Seaworld Drive / Muriel Henchman Drive
    Patrolled by lifeguards between 8am and 5pm, on weekends between November and April and during school holidays
  • Tower 45 – Seaway, Seaworld Drive (southern end of Doug Jennings car park)
    Patrolled by lifeguards between 8am and 5pm, every day year round
  • Tower 46 – Seaway North, Seaworld Drive (northern end of Doug Jennings car park)
    No flagged swimming area. Surveillance only. Lifeguards on duty between 8am and 5pm, between November and April and during school holidays. Nearest patrolled swimming area is 300m south at Tower 45 – Seaway.

Make sure you swim in the patrolled area between the red and yellow flags.

Surfing

The Spit can provide gentle whitewash waves for beginner surfers in the shallow nearshore area to the north of the jetty. It is a good option when northerly winds are impacting conditions at other Gold Coast beaches. Surfers should always assess conditions. 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.

Getting there

Public transport Translink buses run along Seaworld Drive, Main Beach. 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 are 2 car parks at The Spit – Doug Jennings Park Carpark and Philip Park Carpark. Take note of parking signs and/or line markings before heading to the beach.

About The Spit

The Southport Spit, referred to by locals as 'The Spit', is located north of Main Beach and stretches all the way up to the Gold Coast Seaway. The Spit is home to Sea World, Sea World Resort, the Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa, the Imperial Hotel, Marina Mirage and Doug Jennings Park. At the northern end of The Spit is the Gold Coast sand pumping jetty which forms part of the Gold Coast Seaway's Sand Bypassing System.

The Spit is surrounded by natural parklands which includes the Federation Walk. The northern part of the beach also includes toilets, a café and an off leash dog exercise area. Find this off leash area on our Dog exercise area map. Dogs must always be on leash unless in a signed designated off leash area.

Related information

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