Holiday houses in Main Beach

Main Beach is situated at the northern end of Queensland’s Gold Coast, and its consistently good waves draw surfers from far and wide. In contrast with its rather functional name, Main Beach is a picturesque two-kilometre stretch of soft white sand framed by grass-topped dunes and the calm waters of the Gold Coast Broadwater estuary. It’s also a busy working port, with a yacht club and a large marina lined with boat shops, cafes, and waterfront restaurants where people come to linger over a morning coffee while looking out for pelicans overhead.

The seafront suburb is home to the historic Main Beach Pavilion, as well as the Gold Coast’s first surf club, established in 1936. Philip Park is a large, open green space that’s a popular spot for picnics in the fresh coastal air. You can also spend your afternoons browsing through the cafes and shops set back from the beachfront, whether you’re trying on clothes in Tedder Avenue boutiques or picking up fish and chips to enjoy by the shore as the sun dips below the horizon.

The subtropical climate of Gold Coast makes for comfortable weather conditions throughout the year. Main Beach holiday rentals are usually the most sought-after during the school holidays, especially over summer, when the weather is perfect for enjoying the beach and dining outdoors. That said, the summer months can get very humid, and it’s not uncommon to have a thunderstorm after a long, hot day. Starting in February, a month’s worth of events makes up Bowlzilla, a fun-filled skateboarding festival that marks the end of summer.

Autumn is an ideal time to visit Main Beach. Temperatures have cooled down, making the season a great time for cycling and picnics, and the skies are generally clear, with less rainfall than other seasons. April brings the Gold Coast Film Festival, which sees pop-up cinemas and film-related events all over the city. Spring is also mild, although days can be windier than at other times of year. Even winter is fairly mild in Main Beach, with comfortable temperatures in the middle of the day.

Gold Coast seafood

This seaside suburb is home to a plethora of seafood spots, from markets at the northern end of Mariner’s Cove Marina to glass-fronted, upscale eateries serving up the freshest sushi. Every morning, trawlers tie up at the pier to sell their fresh catch directly to the public — including prawns, spanner crabs, and tuna — so you can cook up a storm any day of the year.

McIntosh Island Park

Sometimes referred to as Peacock Park thanks to its prolific peacock population, this sprawling green space, which flanks the Nerang River, offers a peaceful place to picnic, exercise, or gather with friends and family. A stream runs through the park, a small sandy beach on its edge. Towering trees provide welcome shade on hot days, and there’s a fishing spot where you can cast a line for whiting and bream.

Gold Coast Oceanway

The Gold Coast Oceanway is a 36-kilometre cycle and pedestrian path that runs from the Spit at the northern end of Main Beach to Point Danger in the south. The path is a great way to take in this picturesque section of the Queensland coast. There are picnic spots and BBQ facilities along the way, as well as viewing platforms and plenty of spots to take a dip.