Perfect blend of sand, surf and sophistication in South East Queensland
Welcome to my guide about Broadbeach Beach on the Gold Coast in Queensland.
If you are planning a day trip, weekend getaway or longer trip there, this post will provide you with everything you need to know about going there.
To make it easier for you to follow here is how it is structured:
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Where is Broadbeach Beach
3. How to Get to Broadbeach Beach?
4. Best time to visit Broadbeach Beach
5. Beach facilities at Broadbeach Beach
6. Things To Do At Broadbeach Beach
7. Gold Coast Tours and Excursions
8. Broadbeach Accommodation
9. Broadbeach Restaurants
10. Final Thought
11. FAQs
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).
Once you’ve read the post till the end, hopefully you’ll be raring to visit this fantastic Australia tourist destination.
Read Time: 10 Minutes
Introduction
The Gold Coast is home to some fantastic beaches, but if you are looking for somewhere that offers you more than just surf and sand then you should head to Broadbeach Beach.
Located just a stone’s throw from Surfer’s Paradise, this beautiful recreational beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and riding the swell until your heart’s content.
But it also resides within a lively shopping hub on the Old Burleigh Road that features high-rise holiday accommodation, a world class casino at The Star Gold Coast, and a thriving bar and restaurant scene.
Beyond that, there is even a spectacular seaside parkland, with plenty of greenspace and public amenities. It hosts live music festivals throughout the year – including biggies like the Groundwater Country Music Festival and Blues on Broadbeach, as well as weekend markets and fitness and yoga classes pretty much every day.
This ensures the Gold Coast tourist has everything they need to enjoy a fantastic Queensland holiday. So, do yourself a favour and put Broadbeach on your must-visit list.
Thanks to it enjoying over 300 sunny days every year, Broadbeach Gold Coast, like all the other coastal areas that run up north to the Sunshine Coast, is a destination you can visit all year round.
Where is Broadbeach Beach
Broadbeach is a coastal suburb within the City of Gold Coast, that resides about 10 minutes south of Surfer’s Paradise and just north of Mermaid Beach.
Originally, the stretch of sand that encompasses Broadbeach Beach was a coastal forest. However, it gradually turned into the comely sandy plains of today due to extensive sand mining that took place in the early part of the 20th century.
The beach is framed by the Coral Sea and incorporates Kurrawa Beach within it. Overall, it is contained within a suburb that features several canal waterways, including/ Lake Intrepid, which is connected to the Nerang River. It also accommodates a major intersection of road between the Gold Coast Highway and Nerang – Broadbeach Road.
The traditional owners of the land on which Broadbeach Beach sits are the Yugambeh people who hail from the Yugambeh Language Region. Archaeological evidence suggests they have lived in this part of the Gold Coast for upwards of 20,000 years.
Broadbeach Beach distance from other Queensland destinations
How to Get to Broadbeach Beach?
If you are planning a holiday at Broadbeach Beach, you’ll be pleased to read that it is a relatively easy destination to get to by various modes of transport.
As it is easily reachable from M1/Bruce Highway and the Gold Coast Highway, many people choose to drive here. The exact directions you take will depend on your starting point, but wherever you are coming from, the route is well sign posted. That said, it wouldn’t hurt to refer to Google Maps or a satellite navigation app like Waze.
For those coming from further afield, the Gold Coast Airport manages several flights a day from carriers like Virgin, Qantas, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, AirAsia and Eithad Airways. You can check out the arrival and departure schedule here.
Once at the airport, you can hire a car from one of the many rental companies, such as Enterprise, Hertz and Budget, that run desks at the terminal. Alternatively you can catch a bus to Broadbeach.
Check out the Translink bus timetable to find out the best route for you to take.
Should you prefer not to fly, you can take a Greyhound Australia bus to the Gold Coast from many different destinations in Australia.
The cost and length of travel time will vary depending on where you are coming from. But here is their schedule.
Best time to visit Broadbeach Beach
Thanks to it enjoying over 300 sunny days every year, Broadbeach Gold Coast, like all the other coastal areas that run up north to the Sunshine Coast, is a destination you can visit all year round.
During the summer months, it does get very warm here, with temperatures often reaching the early 30s degrees Celsius, so you’ll need to take measures to protect yourself from the sun.
This time of the year is also the peak tourist season, as the school holidays run from December to January. So, you can expect the beach to be busy and the local hotels Broadbeach Gold Coast has, to advertise at their most expensive rates.
As the summer also coincides with the wet season, the threat of storms and heavy downpours are always present. Therefore, because the beach does not have much in the way of shelter, you should depart immediately from it at the first sign of lightning.
Perhaps the best time of year to visit Broadbeach Beach is during the shoulder season months of September and October and March and April. At this time, the Broadbeach weather is very pleasant, often around 26 degrees Celsius, and the area is not as busy with tourists, which means cheaper accommodation prices.
Although the water might be a bit cold for some to swim in during the winter months of June and July, this part of the Gold Coast is a good place to come for whale watching.
At this time, Migaloo and upwards of 40,000 of his mates, make their way up to Cairns from the freezing waters of Antarctica for their annual migration.
Broadbeach Beach is located along the eastern coastline of Australia, nestled within the picturesque Gold Coast region of Queensland.
Beach facilities at Broadbeach Beach
Like many beaches on the Gold Coast, Broadbeach provides visitors with an excellent selection of facilities and amenities.
Stretching for around 2 kilometres, this pristine stretch of family-friendly beach is patrolled by both the Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club and the Broadbeach Surf Life Saving Club across five different lifeguard towers.
This means that swimmers and surfers are well looked after, as long as they stay within the red and yellow flags. Remember, if the surf lifesavers can’t see you at Broadbeach Beach, they can’t save you.
In the parklands that run the length of both beaches you’ll find several public amenities such as toilets, showers, bins, picnic tables and shelters. There is also a main viewing platform that showcases terrific views of the Coral Sea and the Gold Coast skyline.
Additionally, at the Kurrawa section, you can use fitness equipment and let your dog run free in an off-leash area. Your kids should also enjoy climbing, swimming and jumping in a number of playgrounds.
There is reasonable parking at both beaches, some of which is free all day – though most only allow you to stay for two to four hours before you’ll need to move on. If you require accessible parking, you’ll find some at both surf clubs and various spots along the beachfront.
For those who aren’t driving, there are bike racks available where you can lock your ride before hitting the beach.
Broadbeach Beach distance from other Queensland destinations
Things To Do At Broadbeach Beach
There are so many things to do at Broadbeach it can be difficult to know where to start.
Of course, most people head to the beach first, and there are plenty of opportunities to swim in the various patrolled areas, surf, walk, and generally relax under a cabana or on a beach towel. Should you have brought them with you, this part of the Coral Sea is great for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
But away from the sand, there are several fabulous boutique shops you can visit, as well as the massive Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, which boasts over 400 different retail outlets. So, you can easily spend a day shopping till you drop.
If you don’t fancy going that far from the shoreline, the area holds a fantastic art and crafts market on alternate weekends.
Elsewhere, Cascade Gardens is a beautiful spot for a picnic, with stunning views of the Nerang River. Those who want to be pampered should head to the Summer Elisabeth Day Spa or Azure Fitness and Spa, both of which offer a magnificent selection of territories to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
For those fancying nightlife without heading into Surfer’s Paradise, there are some excellent bars and clubs to hit up around Broadbeach Beach. The Star Gold Coast is a very popular venue with a casino, superb bar and regular performances from world-class acts.
If you are in the mood for dancing the night away, Envious Broadbeach hosts awesome DJs that play terrific tunes into the early hours.
Gold Coast Tours and Excursions
As the Gold Coast is such a world-class tourist destination, it should come as no surprise to you that there are several tours and excursions you can take when you are looking for some time away from Broadbeach Beach.
Between them, Get Your Guide and Viator offer an excellent selection of day trips and activities designed to appeal to all ages.
You can see a full list of all the tours both offer by clicking the links above. However, here is a selection of some of the most popular ones I recommend you go on.
Mount Tamborine Winery Tour with Gourmet lunch
SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket
Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching Tour
Coastal City Scenic Helicopter Flight
Sightseeing Buffet Dinner Cruise
Australian Outback Spectacular Show & Dinner
These tours do tend to book up quickly, especially during the school holidays and at weekends. Therefore, if you would like to go on any of them, I suggest you book as early as you possibly can.
Broadbeach accommodation providers offer a range of options for travellers, from luxury to comfort and are strategically located near the beach and various Gold Coast attractions.
Broadbeach Accommodation
When it comes to holiday accommodation Gold Coast Broadbeach offers a terrific range of options for those wanting anything from an overnight stay to a longer term rental.
You can see a full list of all of the places to stay in Broadbeach Beach here. However, outlined below are some of the more acclaimed venues you can stay at during your time in the area.
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
If you are looking for a 5-star hotel that places you within easy reach of the sand and the area’s main shops, bars and restaurants, then you can’t go wrong with the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach.
Located just 300 metres from the beach, the hotel offers 296 rooms that come with hinterland or Coral Sea views. Guests can stay in well-appointed rooms enjoy a fabulous meal at the award-winning Room81 bar and restaurant. You can also enjoy a dip at two outdoor swimming pools and relax in the gaming lounge.
ULTIQA Beach Haven on Broadbeach
For those wanting Broadbeach accommodation on the beach, the ULTIQA Beach Haven on Broadbeach is a great choice. This family-friendly resort is also just 300 metres from the beach and it offers guests both an indoor and outdoor pool, a gym and a tennis court.
You can choose between two or three bedroom apartments, many of which have spectacular views of the Coral Sea.
BreakFree Diamond Beach Broadbeach
Should you be after a more affordable option, the BreakFree Diamond Beach Broadbeach offers self-contained apartments with one to three bedrooms that are perfect for those wanting to self-cater.
They come with their own fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, which means you can cook meals and wash your swimming costumes as and when you want. This Gold Coast holiday accommodation also comes with a hot tub, two outdoor style lagoon swimming pools and a children’s playground.
Meriton Suites Broadbeach
Another terrific choice not far from the beach is the Meriton Suites Broadbeach.
Offering deluxe air-conditioned accommodation, you can choose between a studio apartment, which comes with a kitchenette or suites that boast full kitchens and laundry facilities. LCD TVs are available in both.
This property is close to several dining options and The Star Casino. It is also about a 15-minute bus ride or drive to People First Stadium, the home of the Gold Coast Suns.
Wherever you decide to stay, it is worth booking your accommodation as far in advance of your visit as you possibly can.
The hotels in Broadbeach and the Gold Coast can often book out quickly, especially when its a sunny, as people from Northern New South Wales, the Sunshine Coast or out west towards Toowoomba and beyond often make impromptu decisions to visit the area.
Noosa Beach distance from other Queensland destinations
Broadbeach Restaurants
Broadbeach Beach has an excellent cafe and dining scene, so there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a good meal on your Gold Coast holiday.
One of the best is the Kickin’Inn Broadbeach, an accomplished seafood restaurant on Victoria Avenue. It has a nice atmosphere with outdoor seating and a delicious menu that features five unique and original sauces, which, as you might have guessed, has a bit of a kick. Their Kickin’Inn Shrimp Martini is a must try!
Another good place to go is Koi Broadbeach, which is in the Wave Resort on Surf Parade. It is set within a stylish open-plan space which also has outdoor tables and serves a terrific range of international dishes, including gyros and perfectly cooked steaks.
Over in the Oasis shopping centre, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar is a lovely venue that offers a European-inspired coastal menu designed for sharing. Their kids menu is very impressive, and their cocktails are pretty inventive.
Elsewhere, Fig and Frankie’s on the Gold Coast Highway is a fabulous tapas bar that dishes up delightful happy-hour food, including plenty of vegan choices.
Additionally, The Loose Goose is a trendy brick-lined establishment on Surf Avenue whose menu of pub classics, served with a twist, and range craft beers on tap, is sure to impress you.
Final Thought
If you are planning a trip to the Gold Coast, I would strongly recommend you visit Broadbeach Beach, particularly if you don’t want to base yourself at Surfer’s Paradise.
Between its gorgeous stretch of sands, prime location near excellent cafes, restaurants, shops and bars, and fantastic hotel and resort accommodation options, the area has everything you need to enjoy a weekend getaway or longer Queensland holiday.
Take it from me, the only disappointment you’ll experience about visiting Broadbeach Gold Coast, is when its time for you to leave.
FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions people have about visiting Broadbeach Beach on the Gold Coast.
How Far Is Broadbeach Beach from Brisbane?
Broadbeach Beach is located about 83 km south of Brisbane. It takes about an hour to drive there from the CBD.
Can you swim at Broadbeach Beach?
Generally speaking, Broadbeach Beach is a safe beach to swim on. While the swell can be hazardous at times, the beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers. So if you stick between the red and yellow flags you should be fine.
Is Broadbeach Beach a good beach for surfing?
Broadbeach has decent surf due to it being a rather exposed beach break. The swell is helped by consistent westerly winds that blow offshore. Waves at this Gold Coast beach break both right and left.
