The Gold Coast is synonymous with sun, sand and swimming – but which are the best Gold Coast beaches? Those ones where the locals go, that offer easy parking and other bonuses? Gather round, friends… We’ve got some local intel to share. Here are our favourite beaches and swimming spots, as chosen by the experts here at scout.
Duranbah Beach, Tweed Heads
The little inlet south of Duranbah Beach is a big fave for knowledgeable locals – especially those who love surfing. There’s great parking and a huge park alongside to set up picnic stuff, BBQs and the like.
Tallebudgera Creek, Tallebudgera
This one is a no-brainer. Parking can be a bit hectic but if you’re happy to walk a bit you can find a parking spot in the local streets and walk down. Both sides of the creek are awesome, but our fave is the north side – you can go for a quick walk around the hill to get food and coffee and walk back.
Froggy’s Beach, Rainbow Bay
Good parking (on Tweed Terrace), relatively quiet and beautiful scenery – what more could you want from a beach? Those are just some of the reasons Froggy’s is one of the best Gold Coast beaches. It also offers lots of natural shade, great surf watching and is right near a rock pool.
The Spit, Main Beach
The Spit would have to be everyone’s old school beach love. Both sides of The Spit are awesome, too, so there are so many great places to set up for a few hours. There’s lots of parking, good food/cafes nearby and lots of shade. Easy.
The Rock Pools, Currumbin Valley
An alternative to beach swimming, there are actually lots of little swim spots on the way out to the Rock Pools where you can avoid the beach crowds. There’s a good cafe and coffee right at the Rock Pools and parking is A-OK on Currumbin Creek Road.
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