Swimming enclosures
City of Gold Coast has developed a network of enclosed swimming areas, located alongside playgrounds, barbecues and shopping facilities. These swimming enclosures are popular with children and those who prefer calm natural swimming waters.
Water quality can sometimes be affected by microbial and other pollution, especially after heavy rainfall. To help you decide where to go for a swim, check out real-time water quality predictions, alerts and the latest water quality monitoring results.
Note: The swimming enclosures are not patrolled by lifeguards. Stay safe and follow the advice below:
- supervise children at all times
- keep clear of floating collar and underwater net
- take care when entering as depth will vary with tide
- do not swim alone
- marine animals may exist within the enclosure
- do not attempt to swim to enclosure boundaries
- waves and currents may affect swimming conditions
- there can be shallow sand banks, sudden drop-offs and deep water
- do not swim for 3 days after heavy rainfall
- do not swim in water that looks discoloured, murky or smells unpleasant
- waves and currents may affect swimming conditions
- fishing and yabby pumping is not permitted in swimming enclosures
- be respectful and courteous of others.
Dogs are prohibited from these swimming areas. To find out more and view prohibited area boundaries visit our Dog exercise area map
Find more information about each swimming enclosure:
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Children love the wet play area at the Rockpools, Broadwater Parklands in Southport (opposite Australia Fair). The park is designed around the theme of Southport's culture and environment with water fountains and vibrant marine-themed equipment. Barbecues, playgrounds and convenient parking are available. The Southport swimming enclosure is a short stroll to the south.
When swimming in the enclosure be aware that:
- the pontoon is 50 metres from shore. If you are not a strong swimmer, use a floating aid or don't swim to the pontoon
- pontoons and ladders may be slippery or sharp due to marine growth
- do not run or dive off the floating pontoons or push others into the water.
This swimming lagoon is located on the Broadwater foreshore near the corner of Broad Street and Marine Parade at Labrador. The enclosure is adjacent to the Charis Seafood Market and offers barbecue facilities nearby.
Harley Park swimming lagoon is flood-lit in the evenings for the convenience of patrons.
Keep off the geo-bag weir as it can be slippery.
The HOTA Parklands swimming lagoon is located behind the City's Council Chambers, off Bundall Road. The lagoon offers a sheltered swimming environment with adjacent beach and recreational areas. Surrounding amenities include toilets and showers, picnic areas with barbecues and shaded seating. For more information on the facilities available, visit the HOTA Parklands page.
Do not dive or jump from the nearby pedestrian bridge and do not climb on the bridge railings.
The Jabiru Island swimming enclosure is located on Jabiru Island along Oxley Drive between Paradise Point and Hope Island. The swimming enclosure can be accessed through the car park adjacent to the public boat ramp on the southern side of the island. There are picnic and barbecue facilities within the park near the enclosure. For more information on the facilities available, visit the Jabiru Island Park page.
Jacobs Well swimming enclosure is located directly to the north of the Jacobs Well Air Sea Rescue, off Jacobs Well Road. The enclosure consists of approximately 150 metres of netting suspended from floating pontoons. The enclosure has a beach area, and barbecue and picnic facilities have been provided in the adjacent park land.
The Murlong swimming enclosure in Palm Beach has around 70 metres of beach where children can play in the sand or go for a swim in a netted enclosure. There are shade structures on the beach for escape from the sun. Murlong Crescent also has drinking fountains, beach showers and toilets for your convenience. There are also picnic tables and gas barbecues. Free car parking is available, along with a boat ramp.
The Paradise Point swimming enclosure is next to the main shopping area at Paradise Point, near the corner of Falkinder Avenue and the Esplanade. This large netted enclosure is on the foreshore just north of the Ephraim Island bridge.
This swimming enclosure is located in the Broadwater opposite Australia Fair. Permanent beach umbrellas and barbecues are also provided, along with a large playground and toilets. The swimming enclosure has a permanent jumping pontoon.
The Tipplers swimming enclosure is located along the pristine beach at the Tipplers camping grounds, South Stradbroke Island. There are toilets, a café and kiosk nearby.