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July 11, 2025 | IN Together Magazine | BY AVID | 5 min read 

The Gold Coast is an iconic Australian hotspot, famous for its stunning beaches, bustling nightlife, and flashy high-rise buildings lining its vibrant shores. 

Beyond the widely known destinations is a plethora of hidden, sandy gems. From family friendly spots to top surf beaches and social hubs there’s so much to see and do beyond Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise on the ‘GC’.

Main Beach

Despite its name, Main Beach is actually a quieter choice for those looking to enjoy a beautiful beach day in peace. Positioned on the northern end of the Gold Coast, this stunning spot may be surrounded by modern apartments but at its heart is history. On the beach you’ll find brightly coloured retro change rooms that take you back to the roaring 30’s and 40’s. You’ll also find the original Main Beach Pavilion built in 1936, still in all its original glory and now a popular cafe, serving up quintessential Aussie chikko rolls and fish and chips. The perfect nostalgic feeds to accompany any beach day.  

Main Beach is also surrounded by great parks including Hollindale Park with playgrounds, seating, and grassy fields, everything you need to enjoy a picnic or lunch under the sun. 

If you’re looking to go a little further afield from the white, sandy shore of Main Beach, Sea World is mere moments away. Take in a marine show, immerse yourself in the sea life that surround you, and experience everything this much-loved theme park has to offer. 

Burleigh Beach

A favourite for many Brisbane and Gold Coast locals, Burleigh Beach is a mecca for great dining, fashion boutiques, and incredible surf. 

You could dedicate a full weekend to Burleigh alone, kicking things off with a morning walk along the Burleigh Heads National Park trails, featuring sweeping views of the gorgeous coastline. If you’d rather be in the ocean, the surf is world-renowned with many experienced surfers catching waves from the Burleigh Headland each morning. 

Once you’ve had your fill of beachside fun, this once sleepy cousin of Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise is quickly becoming a hub for fashion lovers and dining connoisseurs. If you’re looking for a breakfast to remember, head to the Paddock Bakery or Tarte Bakery and Café and enjoy their patisseries or avocado toast options. 

For lunch or dinner, you can’t go past Burleigh Pavillion with its easy eats, fantastic drink selection and sweeping ocean views. While you’re in the area, be sure to drop into James St which has a great range of local labels and Australian designers so you can walk away adorned in your beachside best. 

Kirra Beach

A Southern suburb of the Gold Coast, Kirra, is a great escape if you just want to relax and enjoy the coastal beauty. 

It’s a popular spot for surfers all year round, thanks to the outstanding surfbreaks and, back on land, its trails make it an ideal spot for cyclists. The trails are also a popular choice for walkers and runners as it forms part of the 36 kilometre Gold Coast Oceanway. Start from Kirra Point and head 30 minutes along the path to Snapper Rocks and take in the greenery of the Norfolk Pines juxtaposed with the beautiful blue waters of Coolangatta.  

An added bonus is there is no shortage of pitstops along the walk, including some fantastic cafes. Cross the road from the beach and head to Café All Sorts in Kirra for breakfast whether you’re craving a sticky date waffle stack or their staple ‘All Sorts Big Breaky’ it won’t disappoint. If you’d rather get something to enjoy while you walk or to devour on the beach, stop into HiPoke and choose from their great range of smoothies, acai, and of course, poke bowls. 

Tallebudgera Creek

If family friendly fun is on the agenda look no further than the sparkling Tallebudgera Creek. Nestled between Tallebudgera Beach and Burleigh Heads National Park it’s something of an oasis that has holiday makers returning year in and year out. 

The creek waters are calm making it a great spot for a swim and a splash or to test your skills kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. A popular location for campers, the creek has several amenities so you can stay for as long or as short as you’d like. If you’re in need of sustenance, why not head to the Tallebudgera Surf Club and enjoy some pub-style favourites and spot the nippers training. 

Currumbin Beach

Currumbin Beach is another great choice for holiday goers for a number of reasons.  Firstly, there’s nowhere else in the Gold Coast you can take in the famous views of Surfers Paradise quite like you can in Currumbin. While you can see it all from ground level, locals recommend heading to the platform at the top of Elephant Rock to really appreciate the unique view of sun-soaked high rises lining the beach. 

Another plus – Currumbin has some amazing rock formations, so a day at the beach can be spent perusing the incredible natural structures that line the shore. Once it’s time to refuel, there’s an abundance of little cafes and the surf club to enjoy a bite before getting back to exploring. 

If you’ve had your fill of beachside entertainment, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is located within walking distance of the beach and is home to a range of native and exotic critters. Get up close and personal with an echidna or get the adrenalin pumping with their treetop challenge.