Along the busiest stretch of the Coast is Surfers Paradise, a great spot for families with its perfect swimming beach. Free beach volleyball competitions offer fun for all ages, while the nearby cafes and shopping areas make it easy to take a break with an ice-cream or a cool drink. The huge Paradise Centre on the main shopping street Cavill Avenue, has enough games and rides to keep everyone entertained. Every Friday night a craft market is set up along the beach esplanade where you can find quality handicrafts and gifts.

Broadbeach was named in 1934 when a new subdivision was surveyed for the area. There are some beautiful parks along the forshore of this long stretch of beach. The parks are well equipped with sheltered picnic areas, ample BBQ's and great playgrounds for the kids. The surfing is consistent at Broadbeach, albeit small at times. If there's little surf around on the coast, you can generally pick up clean left and right handers along this stretch of ocean, or take a walk along the ocean paths and enjoy the beach markets in Kurrawa Park or nearby trendy shops

Main Beach gets its name from the fact that it was the main surf beach for the town of Southport which was the earliest surveyed town in the immediate area. Its located on the eastern side of the Nerang River estuary (The Broadwater) is bounded to the north by The Spit and by a narrow isthmus (Narrowneck) extending to Surfers Paradise in the south. Either walk the track from Surfers Paradise or ride your bike to this popular beach on Queensland's Gold Coast. Stop in and grab a snack at Main Beach's historic bathing pavilion, or drop in to the surf lifesaving club and beach snack bar where you can enjoy light refreshments.

Mermaid Beach was named in 1946 after approval from the Queensland minister for land. Situated south of the town centre is Mermaid Beach, being somewhat quieter than Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach makes this beach's tranquil surroundings seem endless.With the small swell, sheltered picnic areas ,bike tracks and childrens playground you could say this is the perfect family beach!

Broadbeach was named in 1934 when a new subdivision was surveyed for the area. There are some beautiful parks along the forshore of this long stretch of beach. The parks are well equipped with sheltered picnic areas, ample BBQ's and great playgrounds for the kids. Nobby beach is a quiet beach for the family to relax. Take a stroll and view the magnificent sunrise. Miami has a peaceful and relaxing beachfront as well as good BBQ and picnic areas. If you're looking for some action, you can take a leisurely stroll up to the cliff top and take in the breathtaking views up and down the coast.

The beaches from Burleigh Heads to Burleigh North are lined with beautiful parkland, with picnic and BBQ areas for you to enjoy. Fabulous beaches and fabulous food makes the perfect blend on a sunny day. Alternatively sample the local cuisine in one of the beachfront cafes or restaurants and then wander around the great art and craft markets which are very popular. Within the Burleigh Heads National Park there are a number of walking trails which you can follow around the coastline. There are fantastic views from here along the coast and surrounding area.

Currumbin, Tugun and Bilinga Beaches are situated at the southern end of the Gold Coast. The area is popular with families who are looking for somewhere away from the all the action of some of their northern neighbours. There are surf clubs at Corrumbin, Tugun & Bilinga and all three beaches are patrolled. Currumbin Beach has some special rock pools and the surf is small enough for leisurly swimming.

Greenmount Beach and Rainbow Bay are the Gold Coast's only North facing beaches providing sheltered conditions for swimming. A walk around the point to Snapper Rocks improves your chances of seeing the whales on their annual migration throughout the cooler parts of the year. Due to the Tweed Heads sand bypass, the new sand has created what is commonly refered to as the Super Bank which gives surfers one of the longest single wave rides anywhere in the world.