Discover the Gold Coast’s Best Islands & Waterways

Where to fish, where to swim, where to cruise, where to kick up your heels… The Gold Coast’s abundant waterways have something for everyone, no matter what kind of weekend you’re planning. Read on to discover the best spots to save in your GPS!

Tallebudgera Creek

Sandwiched between buzzy Burleigh Heads and sweet Tallebudgera Beach, ‘Tally’ Creek is hugely popular for very good reason. Stunningly beautiful at all hours of the day, its calm clement waters are perfect for swimming, SUP-ing, fishing and everything in-between. On weekends, be sure to get there early as parking is limited and hotly contested!

Currumbin Rock Pools

Ok, they’re a little way from the coast (about 15 minutes by car) and not really accessible via water, but these charming little swimming holes are absolutely delightful for a splash on a hot summer’s day. Pack a picnic and meander up by car through Currumbin Valley to the fresh natural pools, then grab a table, have a go on the rope swing, and while away your day surrounded by glorious nature.

Wavebreak Island

Created in 1985 to protect and stabilise the Broadwater during the Gold Coast Seaway construction, Wavebreak Island is the locals’ go-to for boating, fishing, swimming, and generally living it up on its pristine white sandy shores. Wavebreak is also a haven for local wildlife, with a staggering variety of fish, rays, and even dolphins to be found swimming in the surrounding waters. Don’t forget your snorkel!

Stradbroke Island

‘Straddie’, as it’s affectionately known to locals, offers two distinct experiences depending on whether you want to visit the north or south. Accessible via barge or boat, North Straddie is a camping enthusiast’s playground with a barrage of established sites as well as holiday homes aplenty, lots of local fauna, great surfing beaches and the spectacular Gorge Walk. Unspoiled South Straddie offers a more wild and rugged experience with predominantly off-grid camping as well as a few powered sites along the beach.

The Jumpinpin

Flathead, Bream, Whiting, Tailor, Trevally… the gang’s all here and ready to be reeled in! Wedged between North and South Stradbroke Island, the teeming Jumpinpin channel and surrounding waterways have been an anglers’ paradise for generations, offering ever-changing seasonal bounty throughout the year… so there’s no bad time to drop a line in!

Marina Mirage

When it’s time to dock, Marina Mirage homes not only the Gold Coast’s most eye-popping collection of boats and yachts to ogle, but also fabulous dining and shopping options to keep you fed, watered, and looking fabulous well into the night.

The lucky winner of the sensational $2.6m Mater Prize Home lottery No. 306 package will enjoy direct access to this water wonderland from their very own backyard. Plus, every ticket purchase supports the vital medical research and exceptional patient care provided by Mater… what a win! Buy your tickets in lottery No. 306 today for your chance to live and breathe that coastal life!