Main Beach Travel Guide

Main Beach is a destination that offers an unforgettable experience of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and amazing places to eat and drink. Explore our Main Beach travel guide to find out the best things to do, see, and eat when you visit.


Main Beach is a beachside paradise on the Gold Coast of Australia. Known for its beautiful coastline, azure waters, and vibrant culture, Main Beach attracts tourists from around the world. With an array of cultural, natural, and culinary attractions, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, outdoor adventure, or cultural exploration, Main Beach is the perfect destination for you.

Introduction to Main Beach

Main Beach is a charming coastal suburb on the Gold Coast, located in South East Queensland. It is famous for its golden sandy beaches, upscale dining, and boutique shopping. It offers a combination of natural beauty, adventure, and luxurious grandeur. With every sunrise, you’ll experience the peace and splendor of the ocean and local wildlife. You can take a scenic walk along the coastline, bask in the sun, or take a dip in the refreshing waters. Main Beach is a holiday destination where life is meant to be stylish and savored.

List of Places to Visit in Main Beach

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Main Beach is home to an array of cultural attractions that showcase its rich history and heritage.

  • Sea World: The Water Park is the largest theme park in Australia and is the perfect family-friendly attraction.
  • The Wax Museum: You’ll find lifelike wax figures of notable Australian and international celebrities.
  • Gold Coast Turf Club: An exciting racing club that offers adrenaline-pumping races events.
  • Macintosh Island Park: A green oasis in the midst of the city. It is a perfect spot for picnics, play, and recreation.

Natural Attractions of Main Beach: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Main Beach’s natural beauty is breathtaking, and it offers a range of outdoor attractions that take advantage of its stunning views and scenery.

  • The Spit: A long stretch of white sand beach, great for sunbathing, swimming and picnicking.
  • Surfers Paradise Beach: A beach famous for its consistent swell, making it a perfect surfing spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
  • Cliffside Boardwalk: Take a scenic walk along the coastline, providing some of the best views over the water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Main Beach

Main Beach offers some of the most scenic hiking and biking routes in Australia.

  • The Main Beach Walk: Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, letting the fresh sea breeze clear your mind.
  • Federation Walk Coastal Reserve: A walking trail that highlights the beauty of the natural landscape between the Southport Spit and Federation Walk.

Best Things to Do in Main Beach: Activities and Tours

There are endless possibilities for things to do in Main Beach, whether it’s relaxing on the shore, exploring the underwater world, or embarking on adrenaline-pumping activities.

  • Parasailing: Offers an adrenaline rush while enjoying the views of the beach from the sky.
  • Jet-Skiing: Take a ride on high-speed jet-skis for a thrilling water adventure.
  • Whale Watching: Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of humpback whales as they migrate along the coast.

Week-Long Itinerary for Main Beach

Day 1: Visit Sea World; Day 2: Take a walk The Spit and enjoy the sun and the sand; Day 3: Go for horse riding on the beach; Day 4: Explore the shops and boutiques of Main Beach; Day 5: Embark on a fishing charter in the Gold Coast; Day 6: Take a guided hike in the rainforest; Day 7: Go for a day trip to nearby destinations like South Stradbroke Island.

Food and Drink Scene of Main Beach

Must-Try Dishes

Main Beach’s culinary scene is a mix of international, modern and traditional Australian cuisine.

  • Seafood Platter: Enjoy a combination of local fish and shellfish for a seafood feast at Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant.
  • Steak: The Main Beach location of Moo Moo Wine Bar and Grill offers flavorful steak options for meat lovers.
  • Sweet Treats: The German station of Bavarian Beerhaus offers amazing desserts like Black Forest cake and apple strudel.

Local Beverages

  • Coffee: Elk Espresso, a rustic cafe that is known for its artisanal coffee
  • Wine: The Surfers Paradise Golf Club offers a selection of locally-made wines.

Where to Stay in Main Beach: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Main Beach offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all travelers.

  • Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort: A luxurious five-star beachfront resort with world-class amenities and fantastic views over the Pacific Ocean.
  • Palazzo Versace: Features a unique style and opulent architecture, offering the ultimate glamor among the luxurious accommodations in the Gold Coast.
  • Backpackers in Paradise: A budget-friendly hostel that offers a mix of private and shared rooms

What to Buy in Main Beach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Main Beach is a shopper’s paradise, with plenty of local souvenirs and products to bring home.

  • Local art galleries: Main Beach Art and Craft Market is a weekly event filled with local artists showcases of their art.
  • Pacific Fair Shopping Centre: A large modern complex of national and international brands features alongside unique shops with local talent like the famous Platypus Shoes.

Local Culture and Customs of Main Beach

Main Beach is a friendly and welcoming destination that values the simplicity of life. You’ll find locals enjoying authentic Gold Coast life among the palm trees, with a laid-back, relaxed way of life.

Best Time to Visit Main Beach

The best time to visit Main Beach is between March and May, when the weather is pleasant and accommodations are affordable. You’ll find fewer crowds than in the summer months, allowing you to explore the destination in peace.

Do’s and Don’ts of Main Beach

Do:

  • Respect the beaches and natural environment;
  • Follow the local rules and regulations, such as the driving regulations on the Spit;
  • Be courteous and respectful of the locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter on the beach or surrounding areas;
  • Damage local flora or fauna;
  • Swim outside the flagged areas in the surf.

Safety and Health

Safety in Main Beach

Main Beach is generally a safe and secure destination, but tourists should be mindful of the risks that come with beach activities like swimming and surfing. Always follow the beach safety guidelines and rules to avoid any accidents.

Health in Main Beach

Main Beach is considered a healthy destination, with access to a range of medical facilities and services in case you need them. Tourists should take precautions to prevent heat stroke and dehydration.

Getting to Main Beach: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Main Beach

The Gold Coast Airport is the nearest airport to Main Beach, with regular International and domestic flights to many major cities around the world. Taxis and rental cars are readily available, and the drive is approximately 45 minutes.

Other Options

Gold Coast Light Rail Service (G:link) is the most convenient public transport, offering precise access to Main Beach and many other destinations along the coast. Main Beach is also a two-hour drive from Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city.

How to Get Around in Main Beach

There are several public transport options to get around in Main Beach, including bicycles, rental cars, and taxis. Walking is also an ideal way to explore Main Beach at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Main Beach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are a variety of nearby destinations and excursions to explore when you’ve had your fill of Main Beach.

  • Visit the theme parks or wildlife sanctuaries situated in and around the Gold Coast;
  • Head inland to explore the Hinterlands and marvel at the stunning natural landscapes;
  • Take a day trip to northern New South Wales and explore its coastal towns, such as Byron Bay.

Conclusion

Main Beach has everything that you could want from a holiday destination – luxurious accommodations, natural beauty, and fantastic attractions. Whether you want to spend your days lounging on the beach or exploring the hinterlands, Main beach undoubtedly gives you an unforgettable experience. The unique blend of culture and natural beauty make Main Beach the perfect holiday destination on the Gold Coast, and you should add it to your bucket list.