The Spit

The Spit is a long, narrow strip of land north of Main Beach, with the open ocean on one side and the calm Broadwater on the other. Unlike most of the northern Gold Coast, it's stayed largely undeveloped — mostly parkland, dunes and walking paths rather than high-rise apartments — which makes it a genuinely different kind of outing from the rest of the coast.

What's there

A network of walking and cycling paths runs the length of The Spit, connecting several lookout points and picnic areas. The ocean-facing beach is quieter and less developed than the patrolled suburb beaches further south, while the Broadwater side has boat harbours, fishing spots and calmer water. Sea World sits at the southern end, making it an easy add-on to a Spit visit — or vice versa.

What to do there

Walking or cycling the length of it is the main activity, with views back across the Broadwater to Southport and out to the ocean. It's also a popular fishing spot, and the calmer Broadwater side suits a picnic or a slower afternoon away from the busier beach suburbs.

Getting there

The Spit is a short drive or bus ride north of Main Beach and Southport's tram stops — there's no tram directly onto The Spit itself. It's about a 25-minute drive from Gold Coast Airport.