The spectacular coastal region stretching from South Stradbroke Island to Coolangatta/Tweed is a beach and blue water wonderland with clean, clear waters and 42 kilometres of golden sandy beaches. Our map of the Gold Coast locates the main beaches.

Patrolled Surf Beaches

Surf safety is a high priority, and swimming at unpatrolled beaches is discouraged. The Gold Coast City Council employs the largest professional lifeguard staff in Australia who patrol 17 beaches on a year round basis and 29 beaches during school holiday periods. In addition volunteer members of the Surf Life Saving Association patrol beaches every weekend on the Gold Coast from September to May.

Surfing

Our excellent surfing beaches and headlands are famous to boardriders all over the world. Good beach breaks can be found along the entire length of the Gold Coast, along with top point breaks at the Seaway, Burleigh Headland, Kirra, Greenmount, Snapper Rocks and Duranbah.

Calm Protected Waters

The protected beaches of the Broadwater are ideal for family swimming, with calm, shallow waters safe for children. In addition the river and creek inlets at Tallebudgera and Currumbin provide safe swimming at low tide for people of all ages.

Slip, Slop, Slap

Too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, so make sure that if you are going out into the sun for extended periods take adequate precautions.

So be like Sid, The Queensland Cancer Fund's friend and:

Slip on a shirt

Slop on a sunscreen - preferably 30+

Slap on a hat

Then you can have a great day!

It's a good idea to avoid direct exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day - between 10am and 2pm.