The Gold Coast is full of fantastic beaches. But where can you take the kids and toddlers so that they can enjoy the water but also be safe?
Here are my favourite Gold Coast beaches that I take my little savvy monkeys to.
Map Of Kid Friendly Beaches On The Gold Coast
Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Just by the bouncy pillow at the Broadwater Parklands is a protected swim spot. An area of almost 100 metres by 70 metres has been surrounded by a net to provide a protected swimming area for families.
There is also a permanent pontoon in the middle of the swimming area. The water depth does vary with the tide so the council does say that there is to be no running or diving off the pontoons.
Next to the swimming area is the GC Aqua Park Floating Course. This is an aquatic obstacle course which is a lot of fun for the older kids. Kids must be older than 5, and adult supervision is required for kids between the ages of 5 – 9.
Other facilities around this swimming beach are:
- Barbeques,
- Toilets,
- Kids playground,
- Free street parking (also free parking at Australia Fair), and
- Riding and walking footpaths.
Also nearby is the Broadwater Parkland’s Rockpools.
Ian Dipple Lagoon, Labrador
This lagoon is protected by a sand bar and won’t get any water chop from passing boats, also as it’s so small there will be next to no wind chop, making this spot ideal for the younger kids.
There is plenty of beach space so make sure you pack up your beach toys, shade and towels.
Positioned across from Charis Seafoods fish and chip shop and Harley Park, this area is a favourite of groups of families and exercises walking up and down the Broadwater footpath.
Currumbin Alley (Pirate Park), Currumbin
Currumbin Alley is a creek that is an excellent protected swimming beach for the younger kids who are more interested in building sandcastles and splashing around. Lillson Beach is just across if one of the bigger kids or dads wants to swim in the surf.
There are two different ways you can access Cummumbin Alley. You can either park on Duringan Street and set up on the southern side of Currumbin Alley.
Or if you want to have access to the Pirate Park, then park off the Gold Coast Highway and get into Currumbin Alley from there.
One thing to be cautious of is the speed at which the water moves in an outgoing tide. Your kids will be fine as long as they don’t trek too far away from the shore.
Tallebudgera Creek, Palm Beach
Another good creek to swim at on the Gold Coast is Tellebudgera Creek. Located just south of Burleigh Heads, this is another great place for the kids to be able to splash around in the water and play with the sand on the shore.
We enjoy getting on the standup paddleboard and crossing the creek, making it a game.
You can also be on either side of the shore here with free parking on either side.
Greenmount Beach, Coolangatta
With the right conditions, Greenmount Beach can be a very safe and fun beach for the kids. When the tide goes out there can be pools of water left behind for the little ones to roam safely in.
Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
If you are looking for a beach that is protected and has plenty of parking, then this spot next to Doug Jennings Park is your spot.
The “Marine Stadium” has plenty of space – I have never seen the beach filled up with beachgoers. Make sure you bring your toys and shades as you can settle in for a long day here.
If you want to take your dog with you to the beach then this will be your favourite kid-friendly beach. Off-leash dogs are allowed on the eastern side of the Marine Stadium for up to 1km south.
For more information on where you can let your dogs off-leash then check out this blog post.
Home Of The Arts Lake, Bundall
With plenty of free parking around the Home Of The Arts Lake, this is another great beach to visit for families. This lake contains saltwater from the Nerang River and is surrounded by heaps of green space to play a big game of cricket or soccer.
This beach is unpatrolled so you need to keep your eyes on your kid when in the water.
As far as I’ve seen you can take most types of watercraft in the Home Of The Arts Lake including:
- Kayak,
- Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP),
- Snorkles, and
- Inflatable toys and pool noodles.
Budds Beach, Surfers Paradise
Tucked away in Surfers Paradise on the Nerang River is the secluded Budds Beach. This beach is a great calm flat water spot that is ideal for picnicking families looking for a fun day near the water.
I found out about this beach as I was looking for flatwater beaches near me that I could paddle my SUP safely at.
Phil Hill Park, Paradise Point
Aside from having a protected bit of water to swim in, other activities for your kids and yourself include:
- Fishing
- Nature walk on the boardwalk
- Bike riding footpath
- Small kids playground
- BBQs
