Gold Coast Suburb Profile - Main Beach

Main Beach

Main Beach is a boutique suburb favoured by the affluent and it is the pinnacle of cafi society on the Gold Coast. There is a sense of community in this suburb, everyone stops to say hello and the restaurateurs become friends. The centre of Main Beach is Tedder Avenue. The street is lined with elite sports cars, upmarket boutiques and some of the Gold Coast's best restaurants and bars. Around the area are also the Southport Yacht Club and the 6 star Palazzo Versace hotel.

The suburb is bordered by the Ocean to the east, the Broadwater to the north and the Nerang River to the south. Due to its desirability prices are high and demand certainly outweighs supply. On the beach side of the suburb there are holiday and residential high rises, villas, townhouses, older three storey walk ups and a few free standing houses. The Broadwater side is full of older homes dating back to the 1950s and newer villas and townhouses - this area is strictly no high rises.

Main Beach History

In 1925 the Jubilee Bridge was built across the Nerang River. Before this ferries took people across the River so they could enjoy the surf. After 1925 land was offered for sale, however, it wasn't until 1934 when the Main Beach Bathing Pavillion was built that this beachside suburb began to attract visitors.

By the 1930s Main Beach flourished into a holiday spot for both locals and tourists. The area continued to grow in popularity with the building of The Spit and the Southport Yacht Club - it was not just a haven for Surfers and Holidaymakers but now keen Boaters had a safe place to moor.

Main Beach Recreation

Main Beach is home to the Southport Yacht Club and the Southport Surf Life Saving Club. The beach is patrolled and great for a family day of fun - just remember to Slip, Slop & Slap. Further south the City Council has developed an artificial reef at Narrowneck Beach. This is to combat against errosion and improve surfing conditions. The aritificial reef has built up and is now home to many different types of fish.  The Spit is north of Main Beach  and it is an ideal spot to take the family for a walk - or you can sit back and watch the yachts, surfers and dolphins go by.

Once a year Main Beach co-hosts Indy. Besides the car racing there are lots of other activities on offer. The Gold Coast becomes a beacon for fast car fiends and party goers. It is by far the biggest event on the local calendar. The carnival has a long history on the Coast, is attended by hundreds of thousands of visitors, and even if it does block off the main roads and generate noise levels that send dogs into hiding, it's generally pretty well liked by locals as well. Visit Lexmark 300 Indy

You might like to take the family or friend to Sea World for a day. There are Marine Shows and rides to tickle everyone's fancy.

Main Beach Restaurants

There are many restaurants along Tedder Avenue - you can walk on by and stop wherever takes your fancy - Seafood, Irish, Infusion, Thai, Italian and many more. Marina Mirage also plays host to a number of fabulous restaurants and it is in walking distance from the centre of Main Beach.

Cafe Society is also big in Main Beach - business people, morning joggers, trendies and retirees all enjoy a morning latte at one of the many cafes along Tedder. The new Italian Bakery is a great spot to pick up authentic Italian pastries, Gelatti and coffee - the cafe has a great family atmosphere.

The Main Beach Bakery has become an icon to Gold Coast locals. Their fresh baked breads, cakes, savouries, slices and scones are among the best you'll find anywhere. There is nothing better than a warm Sausage Roll after an early morning surf - sit outside and watch the cars roll by.

Another great spot is Peters Fish market just north of Palazzo Versace. Pick up some fresh praws, oysters and crabs brought in by the morning trawlers.

Main Beach Shopping

Tedder Avenue plays host to a whole lot of shops. There is a small grocery/newsagency where one can pick up a few things for an evening meal. There is also a boutique fruit shop, delicatessen, bottle shops, florist and gift shop. There is also a number of boutique clothing shops for both men and women.

Main Beach Education

Main Beach has no schools but both The Southport School (boys) and St Hilda's (girls) are just located across the Nerang River. There are also a number of excellent State schools in the surrounding area.

Main Beach Medical Facilities

The Gold Coast Hospital, Allamanda and many private practices are located across the river in Southport - just 5 minutes away.