Nobby Beach

Nobby Beach sits at the foot of Nobby's Bluff headland, about 15 minutes south of Surfers Paradise between Mermaid Beach and Miami. Tourist maps regularly miss it because local businesses list under neighbouring suburb addresses. That keeps the crowds down and the vibe relaxed.

The surf is a beach break that runs the full length of sand and works at all tidal stages. Waves are rarely crowded by Gold Coast standards, with June producing the most consistent clean conditions. Swimming is a different story. Fixed rips, gutters, shallow sandbars and rocks are all documented. Swim between the flags and stay close inshore.

Once off the sand, head to the Chairlift Avenue dining strip. It's been through a revival, with a health cafe, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, a rooftop bar and a rum and whisky bar with live music. Not your typical tourist strip.

You'll find BBQs, a playground and fitness equipment at the southern end, plus beach wheelchairs and matting. Tower 23 near Lavarack Road patrols daily year-round.