Gold Coast surf clubs are the quintessential Queensland experience – an absolute must if you love seaside dining (and drinking), uninterrupted ocean views and a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere.
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to surf clubs, with one in almost every beachside suburb along the Gold Coast. They’re permanently popular for budget-friendly meals and make an ideal venue to meet your mates for some social drinks. Plus, you’re supporting a good cause when you visit a local surf club – proceeds go to the associated Surf Life Saving Club to provide training and support for the volunteers who patrol Gold Coast beaches and keep us safe during the summer. It’s really a win-win!
From north to south, here’s a list of Gold Coast surf clubs you’ll need to add to your Queensland bucket list.
SOUTHPORT SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB
The Gold Coast’s northernmost surf club can be found in Southport, just a few steps from the sand boasting sweeping 180-degree views. You can dine from 11am until 9pm every day and breakfast runs from 8am until 10.30am on weekdays. Of course, if a quick sunset schooner is more your thing, just stroll in off the beach and pull up a seat. Perfection.
Where: Macarthur Parade, Main Beach
SURFERS PARADISE SURF CLUB
Located at the end of Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise Surf Club offers budget friendly alfresco dining so close to the beach you can hear the waves breaking. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner daily and as this surf club is opposite one of Gold Coast’s most famous beaches, you can indulge in some premium people watching from this perch. With daily specials, $13 lunch options and a dedicated kids’ menu, Surfers Paradise Surf Club is a popular people pleaser. You can also grab a coffee, smoothie or freshly squeezed juice from their Coffee Hub to sip on the sand.
Where: Cnr Hanlan St and The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
BMD NORTHCLIFFE SURF CLUB
Multi award-winning Surfers Paradise surf club, BMD Northcliffe is a firm favourite amongst locals. With countless ‘best surf club dining’ accolades under their belt, it’s not hard to see why. Stop in for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week and treat yourself to some of the best seaside eats around – the BMD Burger is a winner – on a spacious deck overlooking the ocean.
Where: 51 Garfield Tce, Surfers Paradise
KURRAWA SURF CLUB
In the last few years Kurrawa Surf Club, in the heart of Broadbeach, was completely rebuilt to become the largest and most modern on the Gold Coast. Loved by locals and visitors alike, Kurrawa is a very short walk to some exceptional local playgrounds, exceptional accommodation and of course, the stunning beach. The surf club is open from 10am, seven days and you can visit Tower 28 Café underneath for breaky, coffee and lunch.
Where: Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
MERMAID BEACH SURF CLUB
The Mermaid Beach Surf Club is a family’s dream come true with fun for the kids front of mind. There’s an indoor playground to keep them occupied while you kick back and enjoy some relaxation plus the little ones eat free on Mondays. You’ll find a dining special every night of the week (Thursday Parmi night is an internationally inspired treat) and the club is open for breakfast on the weekend.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
NOBBY BEACH SURF CLUB
Nobby’s only beachfront restaurant is best known for its’ good vibes, Tuesday Trivia, monster raffles and lots of live music – all the best things. Sunday Sessions are much-loved because what could be better than a frosty beverage on a sun-soaked deck by the beach with your favourite people? Get involved from 2pm every Sunday.
Where: 25 Albatross Ave, Nobby Beach
NORTH BURLEIGH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB
If a casual afternoon bike ride to a waterfront surf club is your idea of a good time, North Burleigh is the one for you. Found at the northern end of Burleigh Heads, at the end of The Esplanade, it’s a prime spot for a sunset session with people watching opportunities galore. There’s live music on Friday and Sunday afternoons and combined with a Seafood Tasting Board, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better time.
Where: 293 The Esplanade, Miami
THE SURF CLUB BURLEIGH HEADS
Recently renovated and with top-dollar views at affordable prices, Burleigh Heads Surf Lifesaving Club can be found at the southern end of The Esplanade on the edge of Justin Park. A spacious deck overlooks the ocean but of course, there’s plenty of indoor seating options and a kiosk underneath for coffee, ice creams and quick takeaway eats. You don’t get much better than this stunning spot.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
TALLEBUDGERA SURF CLUB
Affectionately known as the ‘Talle Surfy’ to locals, you’ll find this beauty nestled within the surrounds of Tallebudgera Creek and Palm Beach. Stroll over for lunch on the sprawling deck after a morning in the sun and if you’re lucky enough to be around on a Sunday, just follow the lovely sounds of the live band and join in with dancing on the deck. Kids eat free on Thursdays and there’s a great playground right out the front.
Where: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
PALM BEACH SURF CLUB
Practically on the sand, the Palm Beach Surf Club boasts plenty of space including a huge outdoor deck dotted with umbrellas and lots of indoor seating. It’s one of the best spots to be to catch a 180-degree sunset over the ocean and the menu is top notch too. The Palmy Parmi is an absolute winner, washed down with an excellent array of beers, wines and cocktails.
Where: Cnr 7th Ave & Jefferson Lane, Palm Beach
CURRUMBIN BEACH VIKINGS SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB
Currumbin’s spectacular surf club is as close as it gets to the ocean. With waves lapping at the rocks below it’s almost feels as if you’re enjoying a meal on the deck of a cruise ship. Don’t go past the Seafood Share Plate, but maybe keep it all to yourself. After your meal climb the stairs on the left as you head out the door and take in the stunning southern Gold Coast view from Elephant Rock lookout.
Where: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
TUGUN SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB
Probably the quietest of the bunch, Tugun Surf Lifesaving Club is tucked away just south of Currumbin, right on the sand and as you’d expect, offering up sweeping ocean views. The deck is the perfect place for a spot of lunch and to watch the crowds stroll by below. Open from 11.30am – 2.30pm for lunch and 5.30 – 8pm for dinner, head to Tugun if you love a local gem.
Where: 29 O’Connor St, Tugun
KIRRA BEACH SURF CLUB
‘Eat, Drink, Play’ is the catch cry of Kirra’s famed, beachside surf club and it’s not hard to see why. Just a few steps from the sand and with both a packed bistro menu and a Salty’s Coffee underneath plus ongoing weekday lunch and dinner specials including Thursday Rib Night and Wings and Beers on Fridays, there probably isn’t a better time to be had. Kick back on the deck with a beer in hand and soak up the magic of Kirra.
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
COOLANGATTA SURF CLUB
Step straight off the sand and into Coolangatta Surf Club for casual dining with a 5-star view of the sparkling ocean. You can hear the waves crashing as you enjoy an alfresco meal on the balcony. Open for lunch and dinner, their menu features a range of steaks, seafood and salads and as a supremely family-friendly venue, the kids are well catered for too. Take a stroll along the foreshore parklands after your meal and let the kids burn off some steam at the playgrounds dotted along the walkway.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta
GREENMOUNT SURF CLUB
Tucked into one of our most beautiful Gold Coast corners at Greenmount Beach in Coolangatta is the Greenmount Surf Club. Adored by locals and absolutely everyone who stumbles across it, it’s got to be one of the best spots for a sundowner. This little beauty also serves up an exceptional menu – the Seafood Platter for two is life changing – best enjoyed while taking in the panoramic views of Coolangatta Beach and beyond. If you’re an early bird, grab a coffee from underneath and stroll around to the spectacular Rainbow Bay.
Where: Cnr Hill St & Marine Pde, Coolangatta
RAINBOW BAY SURF CLUB
With one of the most awe-inducing outlooks on the Gold Coast, Rainbow Bay Surf Club is the number one spot to gather the crew for a sundowner and watch the colours splash across the sky right across the Coast. The wraparound deck is a coveted spot year-round, and you can head in to claim your table from 10am weekdays and 8am on weekends. Highly recommended.
Where: 2 Snapper Rocks Rd, Coolangatta
Like this article? If you visit one of our glorious surf clubs, then we suggest you spend some time on the gorgeous stretches of sand nearby. Check out Gold Coast’s 5 Most Instagrammable Beaches.
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