Point Breaks Snapper Rocks

One of the most famous surf breaks, Snapper Rocks is a consistent point break that can provide up to a kilometre long ride if you can pull the right wave. The break is accessed quickly by (carefully) paddling out from the rocks or by paddling through the breakers of the beach. Nearby is Rainbow Bay Surf Club.

Duranbah Beach

While not technically a part of the "legal borders" of the Gold Coast, Duranbah (or Flagstaff Beach) warrants a mention of its own as it is just a short trip from the main part of Coolangatta. Duranbah, or "D-Bah" as it is known by the locals, is one of the world's best-known surfing beaches, with suitable surf in most conditions as the swell can get quite big. Families looking for a swim would be advised to stay away - the beach itself isn't anything amazing and it's all about the waves at Duranbah. With plenty of space for both bodyboarders and short boards to reach the great sets rolling in, be sure to check out D-Bah if you're looking for a surfing destination on the Gold Coast and feel confident in your abilities. As an added bonus for families, the Point Danger lookout which overlooks Duranbah and down further along the coast provides an amazing view and destination for a walk in the daily sunshine. The break at Duranbah is known for working in most conditions and providing quite large swells. The beach itself isn’t much to speak of which makes it the perfect surfer’s/body boarder’s beach. Just take care as this beach isn’t patrolled.

Kirra

Kirra Point's small rocky headland serves to separate Kirra Beach on the North from the main Coolangatta beach to the south, and is often regarded as one of the world's premier surf breaks, with multiple surfing competitions - both professional and amateur - held here throughout the year. With some of the best and most diverse surfing conditions along the Gold Coast, smaller surf can be found closer to the shore that is ideal for both swimming and beginning board riders, while outside the flags there are more challenging surf breaks further out that can sometimes become crowded due to their popularity with surfers. Another reason to visit Kirra Beach is not only the beach itself, but also the range of beautiful Gold Coast scenery that it has to offer with scenic footpaths, headland, golden sand and greenery all combining to make it a picturesque locale. A surfing hotspot, Kirra challenges the most experienced surfer out at the break while catering to beginners closer to shore. The waves are fast and sharp and work well with southerly and south-easterly winds.

Currumbin Alley

Affectionately dubbed simply "The Alley", it is a surf break that can often be crowded due to it being surfable in almost any conditions - long-boarders will delight in the smaller days, while other surfers will be able to take advantage of some great right-hand waves available towards the point. Relatively fast, long waves can be caught when the swell is up that are perfect for lots of turns while also being relatively forgiving. Many surfing lesson schools are also in operation on weekends in the area which can prove both a benefit to beginners and a hazard to surfing veterans. Currumbin Alley is popular for its point break that is easily accessed from the beach. Producing an easy right-hander off Currumbin Rock, the alley is frequented by long boarders, paddle boarders and those learning to surf.

Burleigh Heads

Always a popular surfing destination due to its widely renowned surf break, Burleigh Heads and the point which is a hotspot for weekend barbecues and picnics due to its large, scenic park which overlooks the ocean. Providing a good alternative to the more tourist-populated suburbs of the Gold Coast, Burleigh's beaches can also draw significant numbers, especially when the surf is up and spectators as well as participants may appear. Burleigh provides a pleasant beach atmosphere that is protected by the point to the south and offers one of the best all-round swimming, bodyboarding and surfing beaches on the Gold Coast, which is also reflected in the fact that the Quicksilver Pro professional surfing contest is often held at Burleigh Heads when the conditions are not suitable at other alternatives such as Kirra. Burleigh heads can provide some great barrels and is good with most winds, excluding northerlies. Short, long and paddle boarders alike make the most of this break, some making the short-cut by navigating the rocks from Burleigh Headland.

South Stradbroke

Just a paddle across the seaway (watching for boats) and a clamber across the rocks will bring you to the point break off from South Stradbroke Island. Usually has good waves and almost never any crowds.

Beach Breaks

There are some great beach breaks all along the coast. Choice spots include The Spit, Main Beach, Narrowneck, Palm Beach and Mermaid Beach. At times these can carry some awesome waves especially when there are cyclones about. For the rest of the time they offer reasonable waves without the crowds that are usually at the point breaks. It's a Boogie Boarder's paradise but get in early before the wind gets up. Kite surfing or paragliding is also big at Narrowneck and also the Broadwater.