There are so many great Gold Coast beaches for surfers, it’s impossible to pick a favorite, but the southern suburb of Coolangatta is a close contender. If you’re here for the surf, then the rocky headland of Snapper Rocks will put your skills to the test. Afterward, head down to Coolangatta Beach for a dip and climb up to Point Danger for a view across the border of New South Wales.

With Burleigh Head National Park to the north and Palm Beach to the south, Tallebudgera Creek—or “Tallie” as it’s known to Gold Coasters—is one of few places along the coast to escape the surf. Set at the mouth of the estuary, the idyllic beach has patrolled swimming areas, crystalline waters, and plenty of opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. Bring the kids to splash about in the shallow waters or your snorkel to explore the rocky coastal reefs.

Beach days on the Gold Coast are as much about seafront strolls and beachside entertainment as they are sun and surf, and Burleigh Heads has it all. Hang out on the family-friendly beach, hike along the headlands through the Burleigh Head National Park, and watch the surfers at The Point, then head into town for lunch. Foodies and cocktail lovers have plenty of choices along the Burleigh Pavilion, but the most sought-after table is at the celebrated Rick Shores restaurant.

With patrolled swimming areas and plenty of beach activities to choose from, there’s never a dull moment at Broadbeach. Sign up for a surf lesson, join a yoga class on the beach, and browse the seafront art and handicrafts market, then head to Cascade Gardens for a picnic. Within walking distance of the shore, you’ll also find the open-air Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dracula’s Cabaret, and The Star Gold Coast Casino.

It’s impossible to list the top beaches on the Gold Coast without mentioning the most famous of all—Surfers Paradise. A veritable surf city with its high-rise skyline, scenic canals, and epic surf, Surfers is buzzing with activity day and night. Take a surf class, visit the Gold Coast theme parks, then browse the shops along Cavill Mall and set sail on a sunset cruise. Stick around after sundown to enjoy some of the most popular bars and nightclubs on the Gold Coast.

A half-moon bay of white sand tucked between Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay is a romantic spot at sunset when the waves ripple over the rocks and the sky is bathed in orange and red. For the most memorable views, snag a seafront table at the Rainbow Bay Surf Lifesaving Club Bar, hike or cycle the Oceanway trail along the coast, or head up to Rainbow Bay Lookout at dusk. As well as watching pro surfers in action, it’s also a prime spot for winter whale-watching.

Set in the Broadwater lagoon close to Main Beach and Sea World Gold Coast, Wave Break Island is one of the top Gold Coast beaches for snorkeling and scuba diving. Explore the rock walls and sand banks of the manmade island on a guided scuba dive or snorkeling excursion, swim over soft corals and colorful sponges, and look out for stingrays, moray eels, and grey nurse sharks, alongside a wide variety of fish—lionfish, pufferfish, and groupers are all common sightings.

Currumbin Beach is known for both its challenging surf and wild scenery. While it’s all about surfing along the coast, round the corner, and you’ll find some of the best Gold Coast beaches for relaxation along the calm waters of the creek. There’s plenty to do inland: paddle along the waterways to spot waterbirds and turtles, take a dip at the Currumbin Rock Pools, or visit nearby Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to see kangaroos and koalas.

If you’re seeking a quiet beach on the Gold Coast, set sail for South Stradbroke Island. Stretching along the seaway at the northern end of the Gold Coast, “South Straddie”, as it’s known to locals, boasts long sandy beaches and vast swathes of bushland and mangrove forest, much of it preserved within nature reserves. Getting around the island is all part of the adventure, so charter a boat or rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or jet ski to explore the coast.