Broadbeach Travel Guide

Broadbeach is a part of the Gold Coast that’s got it all figured out: a broad sunny coastline edged by lush parks, coupled with top-notch dining and luxury hotels and major shopping just a stone’s throw from the ocean. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, The Star Gold Coast and the conference centre are all tucked away inland, while Surf Parade and Oracle Boulevard keep things centred on food and the street.

Best Time to Visit May–Oct (Warm Days, Clear Skies)
Recommended Stay 4–7 Days (Beaches & Hinterland)
Getting Around G:link Tram, Buses & Rental Car
Known For Surfing, Theme Parks & Rainforests
Nearest Airport Gold Coast Airport (OOL / Coolangatta)
Main Hub Surfers Paradise & Broadbeach
Popular Day Trips
#############################
Glow Worm Day Tour from the Gold Coast
Book a Glow Worm Day Tour from the Gold Coast. Visit Tamborine Mountain, explore Glow Worm Caves, enjoy hop-on hop-off stops and scenic lookouts.
Winery Tour
Explore Tamborine Mountain wineries at your own pace with a hop on hop off bus from the Gold Coast. Unlimited stops, scenic views & flexibility.
Jet Ski Tour
Short on time? Enjoy a 30-minute River Rush jet ski tour through Surfers Paradise rivers. Perfect for beginners, families & first-timers. Book now.
Broadwater Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour
Kayak the Gold Coast Broadwater, spot dolphins & snorkel at Wavebreak Island. Beginner-friendly wildlife adventure from Biggera Waters.
Jet Ski Safari & Brewery Tour Gold Coast
Ride jet skis to South Stradbroke Island, then enjoy lunch and tastings at Gold Coast breweries. A thrilling half-day adventure on the water and beyond.
Swim with Turtles Tour | Cook Island Snorkel Adventure NSW
Snorkel with sea turtles at Cook Island Aquatic Reserve near Fingal Head. Small groups, expert guides & 100% turtle sightings guarantee.
Upscale Coastal Precinct

Upscale Coastal Precinct

Broadbeach has space to breathe. Towering buildings rise up behind the coast, but lawns and mature parkland do a great job of softening the edges between city and sand. It’s all pretty walkable, with the Gold Coast light rail handling longer trips along the Gold Coast — you don’t have to worry about driving everywhere.

Accommodation-wise, Broadbeach scores points for being polished and understated rather than flashy. Luxury hotels, holiday apartments and self-contained units often come with private balconies, ocean views and a decent outdoor pool. Phoenician Resort is handily close to the dining strip, while Boulevard Towers Broadbeach looks right out over the ocean.

Food, Art & Culture
Accomodations
Restaurants & Bars
Things To Do

FAQ

Broadbeach is basically a Gold Coast beachside resort precinct with great restaurants, the big Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, The Star casino and loads of beachfront parks and open spaces as well. All that, plus shopping, dining and entertainment in one neat little package.

Yeah, it’s a real family-friendly Gold Coast destination! The beach is backed by all these parks, lawns and family playgrounds around Kurrawa and Pratten parks. And the cafes, restaurants and shopping are close enough that you don’t have to spend all day getting the kids to a remote location.

Central Broadbeach is pretty easy to get around without a car – just a short stroll and you’re there. Meanwhile, the G:link light rail serves the key areas around Broadbeach North and Broadbeach South and connects you with Pacific Fair, The Star and the convention centre, with restaurants and the beachfront all within a relatively compact area.

Kurrawa Beach is probably the central one that everyone knows about, with a long stretch of Gold Coast sand and a big chunk of parkland directly behind the beach. Just keep an eye on the beach signs and always swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled section of beach.

2 or 3 days is a pretty good amount of time to get a feel for the beach, Pacific Fair, restaurants and The Star without feeling rushed. After that, Broadbeach also works well as a base for exploring the wider Gold Coast.

City Centre & Culture

Experience The Best Of Brisbane

The river is the natural place to start. Ferries and bridges connect the two banks, while riverside walking paths lead between gardens, restaurants and city views.

South Bank Parklands sits directly opposite the Brisbane CBD, bringing together around 15 hectares of parkland, Streets Beach and the Queensland Cultural Centre. Across the river, Queen Street Mall and the 18-hectare City Botanic Gardens offer a mix of busy city streets and quieter waterfront spaces.

Kangaroo Point has some of the best views of the Brisbane skyline and Story Bridge. Nearby, Howard Smith Wharves brings dining and riverside spaces beneath the bridge. New Farm, Fortitude Valley and West End add another mix of parkland, nightlife, leafy streets and charming cafés.

Scroll to Top