Tugun Beach
This beach is a drawcard for surfers and residents looking to get away from the crowds at better known beaches to the north and south.
Swimming
Tugun Beach has one patrolled lifeguard tower:
- Tower 9 – 29 O'Connor Street, near Tugun Surf Life Saving Club
Patrolled by lifeguards between 8am and 5pm, every day between November and April and during school holidays
Make sure you swim in the patrolled area between the red and yellow flags.
Surfing
Tugun is a relatively protected long stretch of Gold Coast beach which is part of the World Surfing Reserve. With favourable wind conditions and an east or northeast swell, good quality beach breaks can be found along this stretch of coastline but surfers should always assess conditions before paddling out to ensure they are suitable for their level of experience. If in doubt, don't paddle out. For more information about this surf break, 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 the Gold Coast Highway and Golden Four Drive through Tugun. 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 Tugun Beach
Surf up a storm, take the dog for a walk, or sit back and enjoy the stunning view looking north to the Surfers Paradise skyline from the beach. Flat Rock Creek runs into the ocean at the northern end of the beach and through a shady park flanked by horsetail she-oaks and sand dunes. Flat Rock is a popular beach break among local surfers.
It's believed that Tugun derived its name from an Indigenous word of unknown dialect meaning 'breaking waves'. This historically sleepy southern suburb has transformed into a trendy café and dining scene in recent years but still retains its beach shacks and laid-back vibe.
Tugun beach is next to parklands that contain toilets, tables, beach showers and shade structures. The northern section of Tugun is also close to a retail and commercial area, with plenty of cafés and restaurants. There is seating, bike racks and path lighting along the oceanway.