Couran Cove lies on South Stradbroke Island and provides access to beaches on both the Broadwater and ocean sides of the island. Here you'll find high ocean dunes offering a spectacular view over an expanse of white sandy beaches.

Narrowneck is an open beach with great conditions for swimming and surfing due to an artificial reef which protects the beach. From here you can take a walk up the Spit.

Southport Broadwater offers protected waters which are a hive of activity including boat cruises, jet skis and parasailing.

The Spit is an open ocean beach north of Main Beach. From here you can walk along the 500m sand pumping jetty or go diving near the wreck of the Scottish Prince. A stroll along Federation Walk will take you through a littoral rainforest.

Patrol hours: 8.00am - 5.00pm except during winter months where it's patrolled between 8.30am - 3.30pm. The local Surf Life Saving Club is Main Beach SLSC. Main Beach is so-called because it was the main surf beach for the town of Southport which was the earliest surveyed town in the immediate area. It is located on the eastern side of the Nerang River estuary (The Broadwater). Main Beach has the smallest amount of swell of the Gold Coast beaches and is popular for early morning walks, featuring wide open boardwalks and great views of the surf.

Patrol hours: 8.00am - 5.00pm except during winter months where it's patrolled between 8.30am - 3.30pm. The local Surf Life Saving Club is Surfers Paradise SLSC. Once known as Elston, Surfers Paradise had a name change in the 1920's. Surfers Paradise beach is located at the top of Cavill Avenue and is the tourist mecca of the Gold Coast. Because of its dense population of tourists and locals, Surfers Paradise beach is not recommended as a place to go fishing. Instead, it is the perfect place to chill out after a long day shopping. Surfers Paradise beach extends for almost 3km, with soft rolling waves ideal for the beginner surfer. Beachfront Markets operate every Wednesday and Friday (weather permitting).

Patrol hours: 8.00am - 5.00pm except during winter months where it's patrolled between 8.30am - 3.30pm. The local Surf Life Saving Club is Kurrawa SLSC. Broadbeach was named in 1934 when a new subdivision was surveyed for the area. It is not as crowded as Surfers Paradise beach but still a major holiday destination. There are many parks along the foreshore with well-equipped sheltered picnic areas, BBQ's and playgrounds for the children. The surfing is consistent and a bit small at times at Broadbeach. Beach markets are held in Kurrawa Park on the 1st and 3^rd Sunday of every month across the road from the Oasis Shopping Centre.

Kurrawa has some excellent parklands with nearby dining and shopping opportunities. There is also plenty of space for a family barbecue and playground facilities as well as a duck pond.

Mermaid Beach is an open beach named after the creek that empties nearby and is usually quieter than the popular Surfers Paradise beach, Broadbeach and Main Beach. Here you'll find a small swell, sheltered picnic areas, bike tracks and children's playground.

Nobby Beach is a quiet beach, perfect for taking a leisurely stroll.

Miami Beach is a peaceful beachfront with BBQ and picnic areas. Walk up the cliff to enjoy the amazing views.

North Burleigh is a beach where you can relax on the beach or enjoy a picnic on the deck. Walk up to the headland and enjoy the spectacular views.

Patrol hours: 8.00am - 5.00pm except during winter months where it's patrolled between 8.30am - 3.30pm. The local Surf Life Saving Club is North Burleigh SLSC. Burleigh Heads beach is a venue for major international surfboard riding tournaments as it provides great surf. Burleigh Heads beach is said to be one of the most beautiful of all Gold Coast beaches. Here you'll find beachside cafes where the water comes to the door, playground facilities and large BBQ areas. Not only is Burleigh Heads beach a great place to relax and enjoy the surf, sand, and sea but the North Burleigh SLCS is a fantastic spot for a few drinks or a fabulous meal while enjoying the view of the beach and surf.

Just north of Palm Beach, Tallebudgera has a choice of beaches - catch a wave ocean-side or head to the still waters on Tallebudgera Creek estuary. Local parents use Tallebudgera's protected areas to introduce their children to water safety.

Palm Beach has a boardwalk with many tables and chairs on the beachfront. Enjoy the open beach or relax while the children play in the playground.

Currumbin offers impressive views in all directions. Currumbin beach is well known for its clean beaches and has some interesting rock pools and a surf that is small enough for a relaxing swim.

Tugun is an open beach with BBQ and picnic areas, making it a great beach for families.

Enjoy the open beach of Bilinga or take a relaxing stroll along the walkway.

North Kirra is ideal for a relaxing swim with its gentle swimming beach. Stroll along the esplanade or walk south to Greenmount.

Kirra Beach is the Gold Coast's most famous board riding beach. Experienced surfers will find challenging waves and beginners will enjoy the smaller waves that break in closer to shore. Hire a long board for the day or head for dive sites at Kirra and Cook Island.

Cooloogatta offers popular protected beaches with great surfing. Stroll along the bistros and cafes or enjoy the fantastic views from Point Danger. The rugged headland of Point Danger offers superb views - look for dolphins in the deep water below. Beaches to the south include Fingal with a superb lighthouse walk, Kingscliff and Cabarita beach.

Enjoy the gentle surf of Greenmount beach and in the cooler months take a walk around the point to catch a glimpse of the whales on their annual migration.

Rainbow Bay offers an extensive sandy beach and a sheltered area for swimmers close to shore. Greenmount Beach and Rainbow Bay are the Gold Coast's only North facing beaches providing sheltered conditions for swimming. A walk around the point to Snapper Rocks improves your chances of seeing the whales on their annual migration throughout the cooler parts of the year.