The Gold Coast is synonymous with surf, sun, salt and sand, and is blessed with a 57km stretch of pristine coastline and world-class waves.
With 21 patrolled beachfronts there's plenty to choose from, with each swim spot differing in atmosphere and its own unique feel.
As a lifelong local who was raised part time in the water, I've put together a list of the coasts best swim spots and nearby eats, to make your choice easier next time you're deciding where to dip:
Greenmount Beach
Down the southern end of the coast in Coolangatta, you'll find one of the best swim spots in the world. The coastal headland makes a calm swimming bay with small rolling waves perfect for beginner surfers. The always turquoise water is lined by a lush headland walk, where you're likely to spot a few bush turkeys and native lizard species.
Nearby eats: Greenmount Beach Surf Club, Hotel Komune Beach Club, Choofas Smokehouse & Seafood, Baskin Robbins, Gelato Messina
Tallebudgera Creek
This little slice of paradise is where the rainforest meets the sea. Tallebudgera Creek is the perfect place for a lazy float without the waves, especially to cool down after walking the Burleigh Headland trail. Bring your standup paddle boards, kayaks and pool floaties, but you'll be lucky to get a car park if you're going at peak time.
Nearby eats: Avvia Cafe-Restaurant, The Plantation House Cafe, Woodbox Cafe
Currumbin Alley
The mouth of Currumbin Creek is another world famous haven for surfers, and has ideal gentle wave conditions for beginners too. You'll find many surf schools at the Alley if you're wanting lessons, and if you're lucky pods of dolphins are a common sighting here.
Nearby eats: The Salt Mill, Elephant Rock Cafe, Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club, The Beach Shack Cafe
Main Beach Phillip Park
On the more northern end of the coast lies this little gem, in front of the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on Main Beach. This stretch of sand is lined with palm trees leading you to the water, and is a lot less crowded than the nearby beaches of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
Nearby eats: Southport Surf Life Saving Club, Peters Fish Market, Glass Dining and Lounge Bar, Lark Cafe, Beaches Off Tedder
Rainbow Bay & Snapper Rocks
Rainbow Bay and Snapper are the most southern beaches of the Gold Coast before Durranbah, and are also two of the most scenic. The natural rock pools make for relaxing floating spots to watch the sea of skilled surfers. This beach stretch is renowned as one of the most consistent surf breaks in Queensland, and is home to the annual World Surf Leagues' Quicksilver and Roxy Pros.
Nearby eats: Rainbow Bay Surf Club Bar, Cafe Dbah, Little Mali, Rainbow Bay Takeaway
Kirra Point
The water is always crystal clear and sparkling down at Kirra Point. Stick your feet up and float as you take in the scenic view of the northern coast and Surfers Paradise skyline.
Nearby eats: Baskk at Kirra Point, Earth N Sea, Bin 72, Lam Lam Delicate Thai, The Jungle Mexican Cantina
Burleigh Beach
Burleigh Beach is Queensland's equivalent of Bondi, always bustling with people (and their dogs), and good vibes. Pack your bathers and towel, but also a blanket and food spread for an afternoon picnic on the hill as the sun sets.
Nearby eats: Rick Shores, The Fish House, Justin Lane, The Pocket, California Tacos, Burleigh Heads Fishmongers, The Fruit Shop
Nobbys Beach
Nobbys Beach is located in the suburb of Mermaid Beach, and is a bit more secluded being edged with the Miami headland. You'll find substantial parking unlike most other GC beaches where it's a battleground for the best park. Nobbys is a great spot for a BBQ by the beach with the amenities it offers in the park.
Nearby eats: BSKT, Nobbys Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Hellenika, The Yard Cafe, Mexicali Bar Y Taqueria
Palm Beach
Twice voted the cleanest beach in Queensland, Palm Beach is perfect for a day of swimming and relaxing, with so many options for a great feed nearby. The beach is dog friendly and also has picnic areas and a kids playground near the Currumbin Creek swimming spot.
Nearby eats: Dune Cafe, The Collective, Balboa Italian, Spikexx Espresso, Mr Bengel, Luka's Fish and Chips, Wildernis Cafe and Bar
South Stradbroke
Even Wikipedia knows that its true name is "South Straddie". Straddie Island is a hidden gem mostly only known to locals, with a 21km stretch of sand, next-to-no crowds and wallaby watching. You can get there by private boat, a water taxi, jet ski or local cruise boats.
Nearby eats: Tipplers Cafe, Seaway Kiosk @ The Spit, (recommend packing your own lunch!)