Gold Coast Beaches
CategoriesGold Coast Surfing By Sam Barnes

Gold Coast Beaches – A Local’s Guide

Discover the Best Beaches on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is known for its beautiful beaches, and as a local, I’ve had the opportunity to explore all of them. In this guide, I’ll be sharing my top 5 beaches on the Gold Coast, as well as a few notable mentions. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, these beaches are sure to provide a great day out in the sun. All of the beaches mentioned are within delivery range for our Beach Equipment Hire (Everything you need to enjoy a SunSmart day at the beach!)

Kirra Beach

Kirra Beach is probably my favourite. It seems to always be protected from the wind, and doesn’t feel as aggressive in the Surf as Coolangatta Super Bank. The beach is located between Coolangatta and Tugan and is a great spot for both experienced and beginner surfers (swell dependant). The beach is also home to a number of cafes and restaurants, making it a great spot for a picnic or a casual lunch. There is a large grass patch between the beach and the road, so if the wind picks up, you can still get your tan in!

Coolangatta Beach

Coolangatta Beach is probably the most popular spot on the Gold Coast. Rumour has it, the Coolangatta Superbank is known as the busiest surf break in the world (when its firing) If you came to surf on a good day, you better know what you are doing! The beach is located at the southern end of the Gold Coast and is a great spot for both tourists and locals. Be warned: Car spots are not easy to come by. If your thirsty, the Rainbow Bay Surf Bar is a must!!

Currumbin Beach

Currumbin Beach is a hidden gem on the Gold Coast. It is my go-to spot when I can’t be bothered with the extra 15-minute drive from Broadbeach heading south. The Currumbin Point Surf Break offers waves for all skill levels, and the inlet is an awesome spot for a young family when the oceans are rough. I am also super envious of all the foil kiteboarders that rip it up when the winds are right. Although it feels like a hidden gem, it can sometimes get extremely busy with locals and parking is a game of patience. If you are looking for some food, walk 200m south from the point break to find Currumbin Beach Vikings.

Broadbeach

My home town, so I may be a little biased. Broadbeach seems to be the ultimate activity beach. It is not uncommon to see 6 Volleyball nets full of action. This is also the perfect spot to bring the family, as the parking is close and there is a supermarket 100m away. The beach is also right next to a large park for picnics and epic Surf Club for a sunset beer. The nearby restaurants are also (in my opinion) the best on the Gold Coast. Check out Oracle Blvd for some super classy restaurants or try Victoria Ave for other options. This is where our Beach Equipment Hire is located, and we can drop off the equipment right at Kurrawa Surf Club for your convenience!

Burleigh Beach

Burleigh Beach is probably most local’s favourite. The Burleigh Pavilion is a must-do and the beach is always vibing. The Burleigh Hill has a beautiful nature walk and then a huge patch of grass where you can watch the sun go down while surfers shred right in front of you. The evening energy is always best in Burleigh, with the hippies taking over some nights to start a drumming circle. The nightlife in Burleigh probably takes the cake. But Surfers Paradise is trying to reclaim that throne.

Notable Mentions

While the above beaches are some of the most popular on the Gold Coast, there are many other great beaches worth visiting. Here are a few notable mentions:

Main Beach

Main Beach has a back beach that is the best spot if it is too windy on the front beaches. Also some very nice hidden cafes.

Surfers Paradise Beach

Surfers Paradise Beach is still nice. Not much surf and can get super busy with tourists though.

In conclusion, the Gold Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, these beaches are sure to provide a great day out in the sun. So, grab your sunscreen and your beach towel and head out to explore the best beaches on the Gold Coast!

Gold Coast Beach Hire

Beach Equipment Hire Gold Coast

If you are coming to the Gold Coast for a holiday, you may be interested in hiring some beach equipment.

 

Looking for Activities On Thoe Gold Coast?

Cali Beach Club
CategoriesAustralia Gold Coast By Sam Barnes

Cali Beach Club: The GC’s Best Attempt at a Vegas-Style Pool Party

If you’re looking for a Vegas-style pool party on the Gold Coast, look no further than Cali Beach Club. This rooftop oasis is located in the heart of Surfers Paradise and offers party-goers an experience like no other. With its crystal-clear pool, cabanas, and VIP areas, Cali Beach Club is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and let loose with friends.

Cali Beach Club can be credited for starting a trend of pool clubs on the Gold Coast. Recently, the ISOLETTO Pool Club opened at Star Casino in Broadbeach and La Luna Beach Club was built on a pontoon at Main Beach, both of which have taken inspiration from Cali Beach Club’s unique style and atmosphere. *It should be noted that Cali Beach Club clearly copied the exact style of Ocean Beach in Ibiza, but most party-goers would not know ..or care.

The owners of Cali Beach Club had clearly been to Ocean Beach Club in Ibiza for inspiration

Despite being a relatively new addition to the Gold Coast party scene, Cali Beach Club has quickly become a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. The club’s tropical vibes and lively atmosphere make it the perfect spot for a day party or a night out with friends.

How to get to Cali Beach Club

Cali Beach Club is located at 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise. As most people will be using Google Maps, I should not need to explain how to get there. Some helpful information though: If you are coming from the south, the road system can be super slow (stupid one way roads because of the tram) It is usually faster to just get out on the beach road and walk down Elkhorn Ave (5 min walk) as apposed to do a full loop.

It’s clear that the Gold Coast is embracing a new emerging party culture and it’s important that Surfers Paradise stop being so strict with noise restrictions if it wants to reclaim its historic glory as a party destination. 

Cali Beach Club is leading the way in this new party culture and is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of what Surfers Paradise has to offer. So add it to your holiday or Bucks/Stag/Hens/Bachelorette Party to-do list, just try not to lose the main man/woman!

Looking for other things to do on the Gold Coast? Read our Locals Guide.

CategoriesGold Coast By Sam Barnes

Locals Guide – Best Farmers Markets Gold Coast 

Although I can not claim to be the Gold Coasts official farmers market rating judge, I can share my opinion and lay out some reasons why.. So without further ado, drum roll please….
..

The 2022 best farmers markets award goes to..

HOTA Markets

The HOTA Farmers Market is held every Sunday at the evandale parklands on the outskirts of Surfers Paradise, along the Nerang river. The recently completed cultural precinct, Home of the Arts provides the perfect backdrop for a thriving farmers market. It seems to have attracted the best of the best stall operators and has created an amazing atmosphere to enjoy a lazy Sunday morning. 

Best Markets Gold Coast

The Food, The Music and The Vibe..

My partner and I have made the HOTA Markets somewhat of a bi-weekly tradition. Our obsession are the chilli pickled garlic cloves (don’t be afraid, the pickling process seems to mellow out the intensity of garlic) and ridiculous feta from Byron Bay Olives. 

Byron Bay Olive Co

Another favourite is the meats from Dunavs Small Goods. We then make an effort to try a little something from a new stall each time we go.

Dunav Smallgoods

There seems to be 4 or 5 actual farmers competing for our business for fresh fruit and vegetables.

Organic Farmers Market Gold Coast

The music is always right on point to set the family friendly vibe on the Evandale Parklands. As the parklands are on a corner of the Nerang River, it seems to create a perfect mix of City and Nature. 

Evandale Parklands

Getting to the HOTA Farmers Markets

There are a few ways to get to the HOTA Markets, and Google Maps may seem like the obvious option, but I am going to let you in on a little secret..

Gold Coast traffic sucks. To add to that, if you are not planning on arriving to the markets before 7am, the HOTA parking can get quite hectic to find a park. So here are a few other options to make the day more enjoyable:

  1. Ride a bike – The Lime Bike hire system is perfect for adults only who are staying within 5km of the markets. They are power assisted and seem to be everywhere!
  2. Walk – It is actually a pretty nice walk from any coastal situated hotel. You will get to take in the Nerang River at some parts.
  3. The HOPO Ferry – Admittedly, I haven’t tried it as I am a local and the pickup spot is not quite close enough to my home. But it does looks like the perfect tourist option to hop on in Surfers Paradise and hop off right at the markets 
  4. Park at Chevron Island – This is a local secret.. If you are arriving after 7-8am and coming from Surfers Paradise side, I suggest finding a park as close to the walking bridge opposite Standhill Park. Thank me later 😉
  5. Public Transport – Find out more on the official HOTA Website

Standhill Park Bridge

Best free things to do on the Gold Coast 

From my experience, I believe the Gold Coast Farmers markets are the best free things to do. Although it will be difficult to avoid some of the delicious offerings, it is perfectly acceptable to pack your own picnic and just go to enjoy the music and the vibe. Especially if you are looking for things to do with the kids around Surfers Paradise. HOTA farmers markets have created the perfect chill out area in the Evandale Parklands. Evandale Lake even has a very shallow water beach for the kids to splash around and play.

Things to do with kids surfers paradise

Other Notable Mentions & Night Markets Gold Coast

Now there is a high chance my partner and I are somehow biassed and have not given the other markets a chance. It is also hard to compare the Gold Coast Night Market options with the morning farmers markets. The night markets are more of a pop up street food experience. 

  1. The Palm Beach Farmers Market – Every Sat 6.30am – 11am
  2. Burleigh Farmers Market Every Sat 7am – 12pm
  3. Surfers Paradise Beach Markets Every Wed, Fri, Sat 4pm – 9pm 
  4. Miami Marketta Every Wed, Fri, Sat from 5pm
  5. Sanctuary Markets – Every Friday  4pm – 9pm