The Spit
Best Beach · QLD
Tourism Australia's Best Beach 2022, No. 3.
Every major city has one, a breathing space and escape destination amid the hustle and bustle of life in a hectic metropolis. From New York’s Central Park to The Spit at the northern end of the Gold Coast, every city needs its green lungs and recreational open space to seek peace within nature.
Away from the intensely developed concreted city spine, here soft walking trails through low vegetation lead to a frequently uncrowded, four km stretch of beach, backing onto the tranquil Broadwater, on its immediate western shoreline. The Spit is reserved for quiet bushwalks or surfside reflections - with less crowded surfing conditions than the more iconic National Surfing Reserve pointbreaks to the south. The Seaway Promenade at the Top of The Spit provides a wide, 670 m long accessible pathway, enabling visitors to reach the eastern end of the southern Seaway wall with its spectacular views of the Gold Coast skyline. Whether it’s walking your dog, getting wet or launching your boat in the Broadwater, The Spit really has something for everyone. There are a few rips so be cautious, but it’s relatively safe to swim and patrolled from November to April. For the more adventurous there’s snorkelling, scuba diving or higher-level surfing, across at TOS (The Other Side) on South Stradbroke Island (South Straddie). The Southport Spit is a national treasure to be preserved for future generations
⚠️ Ocean conditions can change quickly and rips can form even on calm days. Only swim at patrolled beaches, and supervise children at all times.