If you’re dreaming of a perfect day out by the ocean with your kids, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our handpicked selection of the Gold Coast’s most kid-friendly beaches, where the sand is soft, the waters are calm, and the fun never stops. From playground adventures to the perfect spots for a family picnic, we’ve rounded up the top four beaches that promise a day of laughter and sunshine for everyone. So pack your sunscreen and towels, because it’s time to embark on a beachside adventure along Queensland’s spectacular coastline!
5 Best Family-Friendly Beaches on the Gold Coast
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is relatively new, featuring a boat-shaped playground combining climbing, sand play, and slides, with a shaded area for younger children at the bottom. The beach boasts calm waters, and there’s a large grassy area nearby.
Features: Playground, Shallow Shoreline, Community Events
BBQ facilities and shelters available
Burleigh Heads National Park
This spot hosts the most beautiful seaside restaurants with a wide coastline and shallow sandy beaches. While the water at the beach is shallow, the waves are perfect for children to play in. There’s also a rocky beach area teeming with small fish and shells, providing a natural playground for kids. In the evening, many people gather on the hillside to watch the sunset over the city skyline.
Features: Seaside Restaurants, Surfing, Sand Play, Sunset Picnics, Hiking
Three hours of free parking is available, and paid parking is also inexpensive
Seaside restaurants and a food street nearby
Echo Beach
Accessible from Burleigh Heads National Park via the ocean view lookout track, Echo Beach lies at the mouth of Tallebudgera Creek. This beach is peaceful, giving off an island-like vibe. The water is shallow, allowing for easy crossing from one side of the river to the other. There’s a campsite here for camping enthusiasts and opportunities for boating.
Features: Water Activities, Camping, Boating
Echo Beach can be a full-day destination; parking is available at Tallebudgera Creek Park, but spaces can be limited
BBQ facilities are available, and there’s a fish and chips restaurant at Tallebudgera Creek Park
Broadbeach
Just a 7-minute drive from the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach lives up to its name with its expansive shoreline and enjoyable playground. There are plenty of delicious restaurants nearby, making it a great spot for shopping and strolling with the kids.
Features: Shopping, Beach, Playground
Ian Dipple Lagoon
Located close to Harbour Town, this beach features a natural sandy lagoon pool. Next to it is a popular fish and chips shop where you can buy seafood. At noon every day, pelicans are fed on the beach, creating a unique spectacle. The evening sky over this beach is also breathtakingly beautiful.
Features: Shopping, Fish and Chips, Pelicans, Water Play