Currumbin Beach

Currumbin is a compact 750-metre beach framed by two rocky headlands. Elephant Rock at the south, Currumbin Rock at the north. That enclosed feel sets it apart from the long open strips at Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach. Climb the Elephant Rock platform and you'll see Surfers Paradise to the north, Coolangatta to the south.

The main beach is active. Four rips cut through a double sandbar, and there's a permanent rip sitting against Currumbin Rock. Confident swimmers only on this stretch. If you've got young kids or you're not a strong swimmer, head to Currumbin Alley instead. That calm estuary at the creek mouth is sheltered and suits families, SUP and kayaking. Both zones are patrolled from 8am to 5pm daily.

Surfers know this break. Right-hand point/beach break, part of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, excellent for longboarding. Best on winter groundswells from June to August.

It's quieter and less commercial than the northern Gold Coast. Only 5km from Gold Coast Airport, and come September, the SWELL Sculpture Festival fills the sand with large-scale artworks and bigger crowds than usual.