LOCAL’S GUIDE: 5 MUST-SEE GOLD COAST BEACHES


The Gold Coast isn’t short on beautiful beaches by any means, but don’t you ever wonder where the best ones are? Where the locals go for a dip? You might be expecting some secret, hidden little coves, but actually, some of the best ones are well-known but underrated. The popular ones you’d never think to visit. Here’s a list of our top five:

PALM BEACH
Palm Beach is a seaside suburb with loads of restaurants, cafes and shops, but its main drawcard is the stunning, long stretch of beach. Palmy is tamer than other areas on the Goldie, but we think it has the perfect amount of  energetic, buzzy vibes.
Beginners and advanced surfers can make the most of great waves and if you love spending time underwater, then heading out to the Palm Beach Reef is non-negotiable.  After a dip head to Dune Cafe during the day or Palm Beach SLSC for a sunset drink.

TALLEBUDGERA CREEK
Although Tallebudgera Creek is technically within the suburb of Palm Beach, this area is so different it deserves it’s own listing.  Don’t be put off by the word ‘creek’ – what you actually get is a sunny, calm, sparkly, almost-secret area that locals don’t want you to know about.
Spend your entire getaway with salty locks and sun-kissed cheeks as you try stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, fishing or just floating in the pristine waters. Then camp in comfort at the Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park right on the waterfront of Tallebudgera Estuary.

CURRUMBIN
Currumbin beach is one of our fave surf spots, and it’s not just for those who know what they’re doing. Choose from several learn to surf schools and get out there on the waves.
Once you’re nice and salty, head down to Elephant Rock and climb up to the lookout for stunning ocean views (bonus points if you make it for sunrise or sunset).  Cute cafes line the beachfront ready to fill you with coffee and beachy cuisine.

BURLEIGH
You can’t have a ‘best beach’ list without including Burleigh.  Somehow being so popular doesn’t dilute its quaint, surfy, boho charm. The best way to approach Burleigh is to come hungry, thirsty and ready to get into the outdoors.
Between barefoot bowls, walking up Burleigh Hill, browsing through the many boutiques and enjoying a rooftop cocktail, there’s practically nothing this little suburb can’t provide. But it’s the simple things in life that make the difference so a picnic on the grass looking out to the ocean is mandatory, preferably with a big parcel of fish and chips.

COOLANGATTA
Cooly has a pace of its own – it forces you to slooooooow down.  Be charmed by the contrast of the incredible sandy stretch at Greenmount Beach and the rock pools at Snapper Rocks.  Then if you really want to laze the day away, head to Froggy’s Beach. A total hidden gem: small, private and sheltered. But shhh, keep that one to yourself.
For sustenance, simply stroll around and you’re sure to find what you’re craving, or keep it casual at the Rainbow Bay Surf Lifesavers Club, the primo spot for experiencing the best sunset on the East coast.