The suburb of Broad Beach sits alongside soft, white-sand beaches, blending glitzy nightlife options, dinner theaters, and luxury shopping centers among a cluster of glass high-rises. This popular Gold Coast destination balances sophistication with the casual beach vibes emanating from bohemian homeware stores and hip coffee spots. Experience the city through places like Oracle Boulevard, which is home to upscale boutiques and high-end restaurants. The thriving central business district behind Kurrawa Beach houses shopping malls and some of the city’s trendiest cocktail bars, cafes, and dining spots. Arts and entertainment are just as vital as beachside luxury here, whether you’re taking your seat at an open-air cinema screening or practising your swing at one of the golf courses. The Royal Queensland Art Society runs a local gallery that showcases painters, sculptors, and mixed-media artists.

Some of Australia’s most dramatic coastline can be found just a short distance from Broadbeach. There’s no shortage of sugar-sand beaches, jewel-toned waters, and painterly sunrises and sunsets to take in here, from secluded coves backed by dense woodland to vast expanses of frothy surf where pro surfers take on the Gold Coast’s famous waves.

Glorious weather awaits you no matter the time of year you choose to visit this subtropical coast. Swimming, surfing, boating, and other outdoor activities are possible throughout the year, even in the winter months. However, the evenings become cooler once the sun sets, so plan on bringing layers if you’re planning on sampling the nightlife here.

Summer is the rainy season here, with about 10 days of rain expected each month from January through April, so be sure to bring rain gear if you’re planning to visit during this time. In May, the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival brings more than 70 artists to the city for a three-day celebration of blues that takes place on main stages and spills into local bars and restaurants. November brings the annual Groundwater Country Music Festival, where country musicians from Australia and further abroad play under the stars.

Nobby Beach

The quiet Nobby Beach, surrounded by small dunes covered in waving grasses, is about 8 minutes away by car or about 30 minutes’ walk, where the skylines of Broadbeach recede, and the more rugged beauty of this region comes into focus. Regularly patrolled by lifeguards during the day, Nobby Beach is an excellent spot for swimming, picnicking, or watching the sunset. There are also plenty of amenities like beach wheelchairs for rent, ramp access points, public barbecues, and outdoor showers.

Tallebudgera Creek

You’ll need a car to get to this tranquil paradise 30 minutes from Broadbeach. This unspoiled saltwater creek is one of the top places to swim in calm, clear waters. Tallebudgera Creek is also an excellent place to take a walk or bike ride along the beach. You can also venture into Burleigh Head National Park for a hike through subtropical rainforest.

Art and Craft Market

When you’ve had enough of the beach and the views, head for the Broadbeach Art and Craft Market. The market, which happens on the first and third Sunday of each month in the local Kurrawa Park, is a great place to find baked goods, pottery, artsy gifts, and beach-themed souvenirs.