The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s top holiday destinations and is known for its beaches, theme parks, waterways and incredible dining and shopping venues! The Gold Coast has incredible weather all year round and those who love swimming and water sports will be able to enjoy the waterways no matter the season. Here are five of the best (and our favourite) waterways on the Gold Coast!
Tallebudgera Creek
Tallebudgera Creek is famous for its breathtakingly beautiful creek which is sandwiched between Burleigh Heads National Park and Palm Beach. Swimmers, kayakers, fishers, stand-up paddleboarders will all find bliss at Tallebudgera Creek and Surfers can get their fix a short stroll away at Tallebudgera Beach.
Tallebudgera has something for everyone. It is patrolled, has plentiful fish, amenities, BBQs and plenty of room for everyone (plus free parking which isn’t the norm on the Gold Coast).
The crystal clear waters of Tallebudgera Creek are without a doubt one of the most beautiful spots for swimming and water sports, not just on the Gold Coast but Australia-wide. It’s our pick for one of the top kayaking spots in Gold Coast.
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Beach… or as it is known to the locals, Burleigh, is located between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches and destinations on the Gold Coast. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a fair bit of time in Burleigh as my brother lived there for quite a few years.
Burleigh has both a protected beach as well as surf at the headland, and there is plenty of walking trails offering up gorgeous views across Burleigh and all of the Gold Coast. The Burleigh foreshore has enormous pine trees which offer much needed shade during summer, and the grass and park areas are perfect for families and groups with countless places to relax, bbq and picnic, all with million dollar ocean views.
Burleigh is one of the best swimming and surfing destinations along the Gold Coast and is definitely my go-to beach when visiting the region. It’s naturally beautiful and whilst always bustling, it isn’t as built up and touristy as the streets, shops and beaches of Surfers Paradise.
Currumbin Creek
Currumbin is a charming coastal community at the southern part of the Gold Coast. The Currumbin Creek travels through beautiful rainforest to the sea, which attracts both locals and visitors all year round.
Currumbin Creek Estuary is where the creek meets the ocean. It is picture perfect, with stunning clear, blue waters which are protected and patrolled for swimming and water sports. You may even be lucky enough to have some dolphins pop up alongside you if you’re kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding!
Currumbin Creek is one of the most beautiful and calm places for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Gold Coast. We’ve visited during all seasons and the water is so inviting all year round.
Nobby’s Beach
Located between Mermaid Beach to the North and Miami Beach to the South, Nobby’s Beach is a quiet, beautiful beach. Patrolled year round, it’s known for its surfing! Dan has surfed here a number of times on holidays and had a great time.
We love the Nobby’s Beach Surf Club for uninterrupted, panoramic ocean views, cheap drinks and great food!
Nobby’s Beach is one of the quieter beaches on the Gold Coast but without a doubt one of the best.
Currumbin Rock Pools
A fifteen minute drive from Currumbin Beach through the Currumbin Valley will lead you to the famous Currumbin Rock Pools. The drive is gorgeous, taking you through lush green rainforest, past thriving farms and cute cafes.
The Currumbin Rock Pools are deep, fresh natural swimming pools. The pools have rope swings, plenty of shade, grass, picnic tables and toilet facilities. The pools are beautiful and refreshing. There are areas for all members of the family, from adventurous rope swingers to toddlers who want to paddle in the shallows.
The pools are well worth the short drive from the coast and there is unlikely to be anywhere more refreshing on those stinking hot summer days!
Where are your favourite places on the Gold Coast?
