We’re claiming it - the Gold Coast has got to be one of the world’s best cities for stand up paddle boarding. Not only are we blessed with beautiful beaches but there are kilometres of sparkling water ways winding through residential areas past pretty foreshore parks and waterfront precincts.
The numerous creeks, canals and lakes spread across the city provide plenty of scenic spots where you can glide over calm, clear waters. If you’re more advanced, beach breaks offer an extra challenge. So grab a paddle, get your balance and get ready to explore the Gold Coast and cruise the waterways on a stand up paddle board adventure.
Here’s a run down on some of the best SUP boarding spots Gold Coast has to offer, as well as local businesses that hire SUP equipment and offer different SUP board experiences.
Gold Coast’s Best SUP Board Spots
Tallebudgera Creek
The glassy waters of this picturesque waterway are surrounded by natural beauty and it’s one of the most popular spots on the Gold Coast for stand up paddleboarding. Paddle down to where the creek meets the sea alongside Burleigh Headland National Park, and stop off for a coffee and bakery treat from Custard Canteen. Or paddle inland and explore the mudflats and estuary with stunning views out to the mountains of the Hinterland.
Awoonga Ave is the best point for easy access on the north side of Tallebudgera Creek. On the south side in Palm Beach, the shady banks of Murlong Park are the perfect place to paddleboard and splash, and there’s SUP paddleboard hire available here too. Otherwise, park near Tallebudgera Recreation Centre where the beach is patrolled by lifeguards, providing a safe, family-friendly paddleboarding spot.
Currumbin Creek and Estuary
Currumbin Creek runs down from the Hinterland through the rolling hills of Currumbin Valley, winding its way to the coast where it empties into a large protected estuary before flowing out to sea at Currumbin Alley. This means it’s a premium Gold Coast SUP boarding spot with lots of different areas to explore.
The south side of Currumbin Creek along Duringan St is the best place to park and launch your paddleboard. From here you can paddle down towards the beach, beneath bridges and through mangroves at Tarrabora Reserve to the inlet at the Pirate Park. Alternatively you can park at Currumbin Alley and paddle inland from there.
Evandale Lake, Surfers Paradise
Head to Home of the Arts (HOTA) with a stand up paddleboard and spend a leisurely morning or afternoon floating around Evandale Lake. Set on the banks of the Nerang Rivers and surrounded by shady parklands, it’s a relaxing and safe spots for some aquatic play. Bring a picnic and make a day of it - there’s plenty of other activities happening here. HOTA is the Gold Coast’s cultural precinct and you can combine your SUP boarding with a visit to HOTA Gallery, the Sunday morning farmers’ markets or a live music performance on The Lawn or the Outdoor Stage.
Budds Beach, Surfers Paradise
You’d never know this peaceful little beach on the Nerang River was in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Budds Beach is a tranquil stretch of sand with street parking along River Dr which means it’s a convenient place to launch your paddleboard. The popular cafe, Bumbles, is right across the road - an ideal option for breakfast, lunch or morning tea.
Explore the surrounding canals and nearby Cronin Island, or paddle around to Jarriparilla Cove, past the JW Marriott Resort and Spa. Be aware - this area can get busy with various watercraft and you’ll be sharing the waterways with jet skis and boats as well.
Advanced SUP Board Spots
If you're an intermediate or advanced stand up paddle boarder you might be keen to take your craft out in the surf to catch some waves. Currumbin Alley is a great spot with a protected bay popular with surfers and all kinds of water craft. Beach breaks at Palm Beach will also be a good option and Kirra Beach is also going to be a great choice in the right conditions. The Spit up at Main Beach is another beach break that's suits SUP boarders.
Gold Coast SUP Board Hire
Pure Aloha
For a completely unique paddle boarding experience, join Pure Aloha for a session or two of stand up paddle board yoga. You’ll meet at Tallebudgera Creek where your instructor will give you a few basic pointers before you paddle down the creek to find a patch of paradise.
Once you’ve anchored your SUP board to the sandy creek bed, find your inner balance as you bend and stretch your body into various poses. The added challenge of being on an unstable paddleboard means you’ll probably fall in a few times but that’s part of the fun! The lesson ends with a meditation while you lie, completely relaxed on your board, with the sound of the water and the gentle rocking motion, producing a deep state of calm.
Pure Aloha also offers SUP yoga at Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Creek and Jack Evans Boat Harbour, as well as SUP lessons, private classes, weekly paddle club and an introduction to SUP surfing.
Location: Tallebudgera, Currumbin and Jack Evans Boat Harbour
All Coast Paddleboards Hire
Located on Murlong Cresent, All Coast Paddle Boards provide SUP board hire on the banks of Tallebudgera Creek. If it’s your first time, or you need a refresher, they’ll give you a quick, free lesson so you can master the basics for a beautiful experience on the water. A perfect activity to do with your family or friends for a fun time on one of Gold Coast’s most stunning waterways.
Location: Look for the flags on Murlong Crescent, Palm Beach
Aqua Adventures Centre
This dive centre also offers boat hire, kayak hire and stand up paddle board hire giving you many different options for water-based recreation. Aqua Adventures is set in a protected inlet on a stretch of the Broadwater where you’ll also find playgrounds, BBQ huts and cafes. Everything you need for a day of simple pleasures in the sun.
Location: 95 Marine Parade, Southport
So, if you're keen for a brilliant Gold Coast SUP board experience, now you know where to hire equipment and which waterways to visit. Add it to your itinerary - it's a beautiful way to explore the city.
Keen for more waterbased activities on a board? Check out our guide to Gold Coast's best surf spots.
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Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.