Surfers Paradise Beach

Families' Pick 2026 · Gold Coast: picked by the Funtivities team as a standout for families in Gold Coast.

Last updated October 2026

Free patrolled Gold Coast surf beach with lifeguards 8am to 5pm daily at Cavill, Elkhorn and Staghorn Avenues, plus showers and toilets.

Surfers Paradise Beach is a patrolled surf beach run by the City of Gold Coast, with a busy foreshore used by walkers, cyclists and skateboarders. The council asks swimmers to stay between the red and yellow flags. There are three lifeguard towers: Tower 34 at The Esplanade and Cavill Avenue, Tower 35 at Elkhorn Avenue and Tower 36 at Staghorn Avenue, each patrolled by lifeguards from 8am to 5pm every day, all year round, as of October 2026. Patrols can close because of dangerous surf or beach works. The Oceanway path runs along the beach with bike parking, toilets, benches and beach showers. Beachfront markets run on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 4pm to 9pm. Dogs are not allowed within 200 metres of flagged swimming areas. Translink buses run along The Esplanade and the G:link light rail runs through Surfers Paradise. Parking at the surf club is limited, with on-street parking in nearby streets. The beach is free.

Facts checked against the venue's own website on 17 October 2026.