The Best Local Beaches to Visit on the Gold Coast
With its sub-tropical climate and year-round warmth, the Gold Coast is home to endless summer vibes perfect for a beachside escape. Famed for its iconic stretches of sand, easy-going oceanside attitude, and an excess of dining, entertainment and leisure activities to enjoy, there’s something for everyone here.
From uber-chic hotspots where the crowds don designer swimwear to isolated stretches of sand serving up stunning city, coast, and hinterland views made for Instagram - our Gold Coast beaches are quintessential Queensland at its best.
Whether your beach goal is to work up your tan, surf the day away, explore the coastal trails or take advantage of the beachfront bars, cafes and eateries, here are the best of the bunch. If being near the beach is a priority (and let’s face it; when isn’t it?), then Dorsett Gold Coast is the perfect place to stay.
To help kickstart your holiday itinerary planning, here are some of the best local beaches to visit on the Gold Coast when staying at Dorsett Gold Coast.
Kirra Beach
With plenty of space to throw down a towel, feel the sun on your skin and enjoy the warm Pacific Ocean breeze, it’s little surprise that Kirra Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the region. If you’re looking for fun things to do on the Gold Coast, Kirra has plenty to keep you occupied. Renowned as being one of the best surfing spots on the Gold Coast, it’s home to some of the longest tubes in Australia - as well as a pretty decent café scene.
When looking for the perfect backdrop for your holiday (ahem, social media) snaps, Kirra Hill Lookout doesn’t disappoint. Unlike some of its neighbouring beaches, Kirra itself remains largely undeveloped, adding to its overall character and charm. Just off of the beach is one of the best Gold Coast reefs, perfect for a spot of snorkelling or scuba diving. Head beneath the waves into a world of colourful fish and inquisitive marine life before making your way to one of the nearby cafes or bars for a drink and a bite to eat as the sun sets over the ocean.
Best for: Surfing, reef snorkelling and snapping Insta-worthy beachside photos.
The vibe: Laid back, family-friendly, unpretentious.
Distance: 30-minute drive from Dorsett Gold Coast.
Burleigh Heads
Soft white sand, sparkling azure waters and a vibrant cafe culture make Burleigh Heads one of the most popular beach destinations on the Gold Coast. Famed for its impressive waves and considered sacred by many in the surf community, swim, sip and shop in one of the region's most beloved towns. With Miami Beach to one side and Palm Beach to the other, it’s the poster child for trendy Gold Coast beaches that embody modern surf culture.
If capturing that tropical getaway vibe for your socials is important, then make your way to the mangrove boardwalk at nearby Tallebudgera Creek. In fact, the entire creek is a beauty hotspot with crystal clear waters, white sands and gentle currents ideal for swimming in when the beach waves are too big.
Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple, with friends or the family, be sure to take advantage of the waterfront restaurants, bars and cafes. One of the most popular places to kick back and relax is Burleigh Pavilion. With a rooftop bar and restaurant that looks out toward the towering Surfers Paradise skyline, it’s ideal for post-swim cocktails, fresh seafood and live entertainment.
Best for: Surfing, family fun and bars.
The vibe: Trendy, hip and happening, friendly.
Distance: 15-minute drive from Dorsett Gold Coast.
The Spit
With its gentle cerulean waters, impressive sunsets over the Surfers Paradise skyline and year-round calm waters, The Spit is a favourite with families, surfers and swimmers alike. Stretching 5 km along the Pacific, don’t be fooled into thinking that The Spit is a sleepy backwater beach. Home to Seaworld, five unique snorkelling areas, diving hotspots, reserve trails and a backdrop of some of the best dining and entertainment on the Gold Coast, it deserves a day of your time.
Protected from North-Easterly winds, the swell tends to be gentle and the waves more controlled, making it great for swimming, surfing and watersports. The seaway is a prime fishing destination, with catches including kingfish, yellowtail and flathead. To the Western side of The Spit, Broadwater awaits lovers of jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking and paddle boarding, with a wealth of places to eat, drink and have fun.
After a long day of sunning yourself, make your way to Marina Mirage to enjoy a spot of upscale retail therapy, stocking up on designer fashion and chain store goodies. Saturdays are host to the Farmers Market, while freshly-caught seafood and crafted cocktails are served overlooking the marina. Of course, if you do want to escape and enjoy some peace and quiet, the beach has plenty of places where you won't be disturbed.
Best for: Pier photo ops, city skyline sunsets and safe surfing.
The vibe: Upscale, entertaining, relaxed.
Distance: 20-minute drive from Dorsett Gold Coast.
Narrowneck, Main Beach parade
Narrowneck is another hugely popular local Gold Coast beach with a focus on ocean activities, picnics and parks. The beach is a beautiful stretch of sand with the Nerang River at one end and Surfers Paradise at the other. Think along the lines of Surfers Paradise beach, minus the throngs of noisy beachgoers.
A popular spot with surfers, kite boarders and beach walkers, this small beach is a great choice for a few hours at the beach. If you want to enjoy the sounds and smells of the ocean but avoid the sand, then Narrowneck Park is the place to go. This large, open, oceanside park has plenty of picnic tables and facilities, ideal for a beachside BBQ under the shade of the trees.
Best for: Amazing views, reef snorkelling, picnics.
The vibe: Far-flung beach vacation
Distance: 15-minute drive from Dorsett Gold Coast.
Rainbow Bay and Snapper Point
The fifth and final beach on this list is Rainbow Bay. From hiring a surfboard and taking to the waves or oiling up and soaking up some rays, this beautiful bay offers beachside beauty for days. Located within suburban Coolangatta, the beach is typically quiet and offers great swimming thanks to the protective nature of the bay keeping the waters calm.
At the Northern tip of Rainbow bay, you’ll find Snapper Point, a rocky outcrop that acts as a surf break and provides some of the best scenery for amazing vacation photos. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear as the volcanic rock can be razor sharp. It’s also important to note that while extremely scenic, it’s best to remain away from any steep drops or making your way toward the water here. Instead, soak up stunning sunsets and gorgeous Jurrisic-type formations before heading back to Rainbow bay.
Best for: Lunch with a view, surfing and safe swimming.
The vibe: Family-friendly and relaxed.
Distance: 30-minute drive from Dorsett Gold Coast.
Isoletto Pool Club
Located at Dorsett Gold Coast, Isoletto Pool Club adds a touch of glamour and style to your getaway. The absolute perfect alternative for those days when you don’t fancy getting covered in sand and just feel like enjoying a swim with a view.
Kick back and relax poolside, with carefully crafted cocktails and mouthwatering morsels from the Bar and Restaurant.
Soak up the stunning cityscape from the viewing wall, retreat to the private poolside cabanas and make the most of the ‘wet lounges’, perfect for cooling off from the heat of the day. Open from 6 am to 9 pm, live your best life in this little oasis in the sky.
Best for: Days when the weather's off or you just feel like a hotel day.
The vibe: Upbeat, relaxing and trendy.
Distance: Mere steps from your Hotel Room.
Located just 700m from the beach and surrounded by the best shopping, dining and entertainment on the Gold Coast, Dorsett Gold Coast is the ultimate vacation accommodation. Find plenty of fun things to do on the Gold Coast from sunrise to sunset, with Pacific Fair, Surfers Paradise, top attractions and more right on your doorstep.
