Beat the heat – where to find the best beaches in and around the Gold Coast
Okay, so we all know about Talle Creek, but what about Cudgen Creek? Those who venture into northern New South Wales will be greeted with a pristine hamlet that locals refer to as ‘Kingy Creek’. Similarly to Tallebudgera, you will find a surf break at the far end (including Cudgen’s legendary right-hander if the conditions are favourable), framed by a glorious stretch of creek that offers plenty of places to roll out a towel. Ideal for families with children who don’t love the waves, Cudgen Creek Beach is also great for paddle boarding – just be sure to keep an eye on the tide as it can get pretty strong through the channel. Plan to head there around mid-to-low tide so there’s plenty of sand. Then, when you need a break from the sun, you’re just a short stroll from Marine Parade at Kingscliff, which is dotted with plenty of places to eat and drink.Norries Cove, Cabarita Beach
Just a hop, skip and sandy-footed jump away, you’ll find Norries Cove (also Norries Head and Norries Beach). The 200-m stretch of beach is nestled between Norries Head and the rocks that separate it from Cabarita Beach, and offers a stunning stretch of turquoise water framed by dramatic rocky cliffs. Park up at the clifftop car park and soak in the idyllic view down towards Byron Bay before making your way along the wooden walkway to paradise. Just a quick safety warning as the rips have been known to be strong here, so be sure to keep your wits about you. Post swim, the Cabarita Beach main strip is also home to numerous local cafes and shops for you to peruse. Fuel Bakehouse Cabarita is a local and visitor favourite, with delicious coffee and a menu of freshly baked goodies.Dreamtime Beach, Fingal Head
This aptly named beach is located on the southern side of Fingal Head. While it’s not the easiest beach to get to as you have to make your way through the littoral rainforest, your efforts are rewarded with a seriously beautiful spot to soak in some vitamin sea. This beach does come with a strong warning though as it is also pretty notorious for rips and undercurrents and it is unpatrolled. The headland itself is a basalt rock formation that is believed to have been formed around 23 million years ago by ancient lava flows from Wollumbin (Mount Warning). The top of Fingal Head is also a beautiful spot for a picnic.
Torakina Beach, Brunswick Heads
Think of Brunswick Heads as your gateway into the Byron Bay scene, featuring the same crystal blue waves on rolling white shores as well as plenty of cool food and cultural offerings. Brunswick Heads can typically be just a taste more quiet. Twenty minutes before you’d turn into Byron Bay, you’ll find Torakina Beach over the bridge of Simpson’s Creek and tucked between two break walls. This man-made beach rarely has swells and boasts beautiful swimming conditions for the whole family. Whilst not patrolled, a quick walk over the southern break wall and you’ll be at Brunswick Heads Main Beach, which is patrolled by the Brunswick Surf Life Saving Club. Here you’ll find world-class surf breaks as well as dog-friendly shores. Whilst in the area, you’ll find no shortage of cool cafes, wine bars and restaurants. Brands from Lottie Hall to Thrills even have their flagships here so a day-trip to Brunswick Heads promises plenty to do, eat and shop.
South Gorge, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)
Accessible via water taxi or car ferry, trust us when we say that it’s worth the additional logistics. Located on Minjerribah, South Gorge is a scenic spot that boasts a kind of ‘summer in Italy’ vibe thanks to the surrounding rock formations. This beach is not a patrolled beach, so extra caution should be taken. With a convenient bus available up the island to the beach-lined Point Lookout, a trip to Minjerribah will have you feeling totally disconnected from city life. Whilst there, try some of the island’s famous seafood on the headland and take a walk along the cliffs of the Gorge for captivating views of turquoise water, kangaroos and even sometimes sea turtles.
Still want more? Check out Hastings Point and Froggy Beach in Coolangatta.
Image credit: Stradbroke Island
