Golden sand, world-class surf at Currumbin Alley, calm creek swimming at Tallebudgera, wildlife encounters at Currumbin Sanctuary, and a thriving food scene — "Palmy" is the southern Gold Coast's most beloved coastal suburb.
Palm Beach — affectionately known as "Palmy" by locals — is a picturesque coastal suburb on the southern Gold Coast, stretching 4.2km between Currumbin Creek in the south and Tallebudgera Creek in the north. Originally known as Currumbin Beach, the suburb was renamed for the thousands of palm trees lining the foreshore. Today it is one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after addresses, offering pristine surf beaches, the legendary Currumbin Alley break, the crystal-clear calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and a thriving food and arts scene. The Yugambeh people are the Traditional Custodians of this Country.
From world-class surf to calm creek swimming, wildlife encounters, rainforest escapes, and a glittering nighttime light show — Palm Beach delivers it all.
Palm Beach stretches 4.2km from Currumbin Creek to Tallebudgera Beach with a north-east aspect and a rich history dating to 1930 — famous for its charming older-style beach shacks sitting alongside prime beachfront blocks. Four patrolled lifeguard towers span the full length, with the main beach entry at Lifeguard Tower 14 (beside the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club, off Seventh Avenue). Daily patrol runs 8am–5pm (November to April). The Gold Coast Oceanway running the full length of Palmy is dotted with grassy areas, exercise equipment, and ocean views — perfect for morning walks or a coastal cycle.
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One of Queensland's most photographed coastal spots — Currumbin Alley is the iconic surf break where Currumbin Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a perfect mix of surf and calm estuary water. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, the Alley offers wave conditions that shift beautifully with the tide, delivering everything from gentle rollers to punchy beach breaks. The visual drama of surf meeting creek in a swirl of turquoise water and golden sand makes this one of the Gold Coast's most stunning natural spectacles. Come at dawn for glassy water and empty waves.
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One of the most beautiful swimming spots in all of Queensland — Tallebudgera Creek offers crystal-clear, calm shallow water set between Burleigh Head National Park and Palm Beach. Echo Beach along the creek bank is a serene spot for swimming, picnicking, and watching the native wildlife — pelicans, terns, soldier crabs, and bearded dragons. Stand-up paddleboarding is best in the morning when the water is glassy and the light is golden. Kayak and SUP hire available on-site. Shaded picnic areas, BBQs, and facilities make this ideal for a full day out with the family. Arrive early on weekends — parking fills quickly.
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One of Australia's finest wildlife experiences, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary spans 67 acres (27 hectares) and is home to over 1,400 animals. The sanctuary's wildlife hospital rehabilitates 15,000+ native animals every year. Highlights include the legendary lorikeet feeding (rainbow lorikeets sweeping overhead in a kaleidoscope of colour), koala hold photo (Queensland is one of only two states in Australia where you can hold one!), the Lost Valley (5-acre ancient forest with lemurs, red pandas, capybaras), TreeTop Challenge (zip lines and high ropes), plus daily keeper shows — crocodile feeding, birds of prey, Aboriginal presentation, pelicans. Open daily 9am–4pm.
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When night falls over Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Astra Lumina transforms the grounds into a cosmic adventure of glowing trails, celestial light, and astral sound. Set off on a night walk through the sanctuary's mysterious grounds to discover a starry pathway of luminescent light installations — one of the Gold Coast's most memorable evening experiences. Perfect for couples and adults seeking something beyond the typical beach day. A gentle, enchanting 60-minute illuminated walk that combines nature and art in spectacular fashion. Check the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary website for seasonal dates and bookings.
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The heart of Palm Beach's community life, Palm Beach Parklands sits on the Currumbin Creek estuary at the southern end of the beach — a lush, shaded haven of BBQs, picnic tables, walking paths, and the beloved iconic pirate ship playground with its tall sails, masts, and adventure structures that children adore. Tarrabora Reserve and neighbouring Beere-Badalla Reserve offer shaded walkways along the creek, popular for fishing, jogging, and watching the local wildlife (pelicans, bush turkeys, soldier crabs). Dine at the Dune Café (open 6:30am–3pm) overlooking Currumbin Lagoon, or grab a bite at the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club right on the sand.
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Just 10 minutes north of Palm Beach, Burleigh Head National Park offers one of the Gold Coast's finest coastal walking experiences. The Oceanview Track follows dramatic volcanic rock cliffs with sweeping Pacific Ocean views, passing through a pocket of subtropical rainforest before opening to panoramic headland lookouts. The view from the top — with Burleigh's famous right-hand point break rolling below — is stunning. Whale watching from the headland is spectacular from June to November as humpbacks pass close offshore. Also a world-class surf spot: when the swell is right, the headland becomes the best seat in the house for watching the pros.
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Palm Beach's food scene punches well above its weight. Beachfront cafes, the acclaimed The Collective food hub, Balboa Italian, and Potager farm-to-table are local favourites. Fresh local seafood with ocean views is the signature experience. For markets: the Palm Beach Farmers' Market runs every Saturday morning with local produce, artisan food, and a relaxed community atmosphere. The Currumbin Community Markets run Thursday mornings — excellent for a weekday treat. For a hidden gem, walk or drive to Currumbin Rock Pools in Currumbin Valley for a perfect picnic by natural swimming holes.
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A World Heritage-listed rainforest escape just 45 minutes from Palm Beach. Purling Brook Falls drops 109m into a rainforest gorge. Natural Bridge features a glow worm cave beneath a waterfall arch — magical at night when thousands of bioluminescent glow worms illuminate the cave ceiling. The Best of All Lookout delivers sweeping panoramas from the Queensland–NSW border escarpment. Springbrook also features ancient Antarctic beech forests — remnants of Gondwana — and excellent birdwatching. Combine with Palm Beach in one day for the perfect Gold Coast contrast of beach and rainforest.
Park guide →Free outdoor blues and roots music festival across Broadbeach venues and outdoor stages. Easy drive from Palm Beach.
Retro festival in Coolangatta celebrating classic cars, rockabilly music, and vintage culture. 15 minutes south.
Spectacular beachside outdoor sculpture gallery held right on Currumbin Beach — Australia's finest free sculpture event, directly adjacent to Palm Beach.
A whole-of-city arts festival bringing world-class performances, installations, and events to Gold Coast beaches and venues.
Year-round subtropical climate. Summers (Dec–Feb) 28–30°C — perfect for beach and creek days. Winters (Jun–Aug) 20–24°C, clear and comfortable. Whale season Jun–Nov from Burleigh Headland.
About 20 minutes south of Surfers Paradise and 90 minutes from Brisbane via M1. Cooee Tours offers hotel pickup from across the Gold Coast and Brisbane for guided day tours to book online.
Tallebudgera Creek for calm shallow swimming, Palm Beach Parklands pirate ship playground, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for koalas and kangaroos, and 4 lifeguard towers on the main beach year-round.
Arrive at Tallebudgera Creek early — parking fills by 9am on summer weekends. Dawn at Currumbin Alley delivers glassy surf and golden light. Book the koala hold at Currumbin Sanctuary early — it closes at 2pm.
Currumbin Rock Pools in Currumbin Valley — a beautiful natural swimming hole 10 minutes from the beach with shelter, BBQs, and picnic tables. Café directly across the road. Far fewer crowds than the main beach.
Astra Lumina at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary delivers a magical cosmic light walk after dark. Miami Marketta is 20 minutes north for street food, live music, and the southern Gold Coast's best night market.
Palm Beach is the perfect southern Gold Coast base. Day-trip to Currumbin Valley, hike Burleigh Headland, explore Springbrook's glow worms, catch a wave at Coolangatta's Superbank, or head north to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Contact Cooee Tours to build your perfect custom itinerary.
Rainforest headland walks, world-class surf, and the Gold Coast's most stylish beach village.
Rainforest, waterfalls, rock pools, and Gold Coast hinterland escapes from Palm Beach.
The complete Gold Coast — beaches, theme parks, surf, hinterland, and wildlife.
Learn to surf at Currumbin or Palm Beach with expert certified coaches.
Expert local guides, hotel pickup, and the best of the southern Gold Coast — golden beaches, wildlife, hinterland, surf, and food — all in one perfect day.
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