Welcome to the GC

A Gold Coast tradition that’s as iconic as the fish and chips themselves, Charis Seafoods at Labrador draws a crowd every afternoon for the daily pelican feeding. Dozens of the big birds gather on the Broadwater shoreline, wings outstretched and beaks wide, waiting for their feast while families and visitors look on. It’s a quirky mix of nature and community, with the backdrop of fishing boats, salty air, and some of the freshest seafood you’ll find on the coast. Grab some takeaway, find a spot on the grass, and enjoy one of the Gold Coast’s most unique local rituals.

Stretching out at the northern tip of the Gold Coast, The Spit is where locals and visitors go to slow down and breathe in wide-open spaces. It’s a playground of contrasts. Calm Broadwater on one side, rolling surf on the other, with fishing spots, walking tracks, and endless sandy stretches in between. Early risers come for sunrise walks along the jetty, while dog owners love the off-leash beach that feels like it runs forever. Add in the seafood cafe, dive spots, and views across to South Stradbroke Island, and The Spit becomes more than just a destination...it’s a reminder of the original Gold Coast before the glitter.

Tucked between Surfers Paradise and Main Beach, Macintosh Island feels like a hidden pocket of calm right in the heart of the Gold Coast. With its winding walking paths, shady fig trees, and resident peacocks strutting about, it’s the kind of spot locals escape to when the buzz of the city gets too loud. Families spread out picnic rugs by the creek, kids giggle at the playful water dragons, and joggers loop across the little bridges that connect the island to the beach. It’s part park, part sanctuary. A slice of nature that makes you forget you’re only minutes from the ocean and high-rises.

Nestled between Paradise Point and Hope Island, Jabiru Island is a peaceful pocket of the Northern Gold Coast where water and wildlife set the pace. The parklands stretch along the Broadwater with shady picnic spots, playgrounds, and boat ramps, making it a favourite for weekend barbecues and fishing trips. At sunset, the mangroves glow and the calm waters turn golden...a reminder of the laid-back charm this part of the coast is known for. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, explore, and soak in nature just minutes from the beach suburbs.

Tucked just behind the buzz of Surfers Paradise, Budds Beach feels like a secret escape. With calm river waters lapping at the sandy shoreline, it’s the perfect spot for paddleboarding, picnics under the trees, or watching the sun sink over the Nerang River. Families love the safe swimming area and playground, while locals slip down for a coffee at Bumbles café. It’s a quieter, gentler side of the Gold Coast and proof that you don’t need waves to find paradise.