Australia’s Gold Coast is one of the most desirable locations in the world. With an array of stunning beaches, family attractions, theme parks, and its signature nightlife, it attracts millions of visitors throughout the year. It ranks most highly for many outdoor activity enthusiasts, especially those who want to explore its namesake iconic shoreline for its fantastic water, meaning that, above all else, you will see surfers, swimmers, and paddle boarders making their way to the region.
While the Gold Coast has a number of great beach destinations, there are four that shouldn’t be missed on any holiday escape. So, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for the tenth, as an individual or with a family of watersports enthusiasts, these four destinations will give you the best experience you could ask for, offering stunning backdrops and clear waters.
Budd’s Beach
A beach located in the heart of what is locally known as Surfers Paradise, these white sands and blue waters are perfect for surfers of all skill levels. It has plenty of space, ensuring you won’t ever feel crowded, which is perfect for families, who will also find the beaches many amenities ideal for managing a group of little ones throughout the day.
The beach is also home to a number of surfing and paddleboarding groups, including those that offer early morning sessions so that early risers can enjoy the vantage of an incredible sunrise, which many consider to be the Gold Coast’s prime place to do so, even above other great watersport spots.
Kirra Beach
Kirra Beach is a favourite among surfers due to its reliable, safe waves and hypnotisingly clear water. If you’re looking for an expansive beach, full of photo-worthy vistas and with exciting waters to swim, surf, or paddle on, this is the place for you. Since the government took action to preserve the beach’s quality, its waves have been drawn away, leading more thrill-seeking surfers elsewhere, clearing the waters for those seeking to relax or enjoy a slower pace instead. Kirra is also a regular spot for locals, so be sure to have consideration when taking to the water or you may be interrupting a resident’s favourite spot.
Tallebudgera Creek
Tallebudgera Creek is often considered to be the Gold Coast’s most picturesque spot. It is free from waves, so surfers will have to look elsewhere. Instead, you will mostly find swimmers and those looking for a beautiful place to sunbathe here, making it perfect for calming afternoons. The shallow, clear waters make it a safe space for those looking to take a quiet dip, and there are nearby facilities for camping, as well as a number of bars and restaurants, making it the ideal place for a weekend escape away from the city’s central bustle.
Burleigh Waters
Some waterways among the Gold Coast have begun to accommodate the numerous watersports enthusiasts that seek to experience the area, and Burleigh Waters is one such place. Not only is it a desirable place to swim and surf, being home to the famous surfing competition, but it also hosts a unique nighttime SUP experience that allows paddleboarders to venture over glow-in-the-dark water as they watch the sunset over the sea.
