Currumbin Beach is a patrolled surf beach on the southern Gold Coast, running along Pacific Parade from Currumbin Creek to Elephant Rock. It suits swimming between the flags and surfing, and the Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club sits beside the rock.
Parklands, beach showers and the Oceanway walk run along the foreshore, and the creek mouth at Currumbin Alley is at the northern end of the beach.
Can you swim at Currumbin Beach?
Yes. There is one patrolled swimming area, Tower 11 on Pacific Parade near the surf club, and lifeguards are on duty from 8 am to 5 pm every day of the year. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
Patrols can close when conditions are dangerous or for maintenance, and the live status is shown on the Currumbin Beach page. Currumbin is a beach break that tends to get larger waves from a wider range of directions than nearby beaches. The City of Gold Coast advises “If in doubt, don’t paddle out.”
The patrolled tower at Currumbin Alley (Tower 12) has no flagged swimming area, so stay at Tower 11 for a swim.
Elephant Rock and the surf club
Elephant Rock is at the southern end of the beach, and the surf club is built next to it. The rock and the beach below it are the landmark of Currumbin Beach and the easiest way to find the surf club from the road.
The Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club is at 741 Pacific Parade, and there is beachfront dining there, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Cafes also line Pacific Parade.
Surfing at Currumbin Beach
Currumbin is part of the World Surfing Reserve, and the waves break in more directions than at nearby beaches. Check the conditions at the flags before you go in, because the surf can be bigger than it looks from the sand.
If you are not an experienced surfer, swim in the patrolled area between the flags and ask the lifeguards at Tower 11 about conditions before you go in.
The Oceanway walk and the foreshore
The Oceanway runs along the foreshore with parklands, tables, beach showers and shade structures. Walk north along the beach and you reach Currumbin Alley and the creek mouth, where a sheltered area just inland of the breaking waves suits stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.
The SWELL Sculpture Festival, held on this stretch of coast each September, runs from Currumbin Beach to Flat Rock at Tugun. See the SWELL website for the dates.
Facilities and accessibility
- Toilets: public toilets on the opposite side of the road at the southern end, and in the park opposite Currumbin Alley to the north.
- Showers and shade: beach showers, tables and shade structures in the parklands along the Oceanway.
- Accessibility: mobility maps and beach wheelchairs with matting are available through the City of Gold Coast; its beach page explains how to use them.
- Food: beachfront dining at the surf club and cafes along Pacific Parade.
Is Currumbin Beach dog friendly?
Not at the swimming end. Dogs are prohibited within 200 metres of flagged swimming areas, and off-leash exercise is allowed only in designated areas, which are marked on the council’s dog exercise area map (linked from its Currumbin Beach page).
A simple plan for the day
Park near the surf club, swim at Tower 11 while the lifeguards are on, then walk north along the beach to the creek mouth at Currumbin Alley. Use the showers on the foreshore afterwards, and finish with a meal at the surf club or one of the cafes on Pacific Parade.
If you are staying longer in Currumbin, the freshwater swimming at Currumbin Rock Pools and the animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are both close by.
Planning your visit
- Cost: free, with no entry fee for the beach or the parklands.
- Best time to swim: between 8 am and 5 pm while the lifeguards are on.
- What to bring: sun protection and a towel; there are showers on the foreshore.
Getting there and parking
Currumbin Beach is about 75 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD, on Pacific Parade, Currumbin.
Parking at the surf club is limited, with on-street parking in the surrounding streets. Check the signs and line markings before you leave the car.
Translink buses run along Pacific Parade. Route 700 (Tweed Heads to Burleigh Heads) stops at Teemangum Street at Kropp Park and at Currumbin Hill on the Gold Coast Highway. Plan the exact trip, including from Brisbane, with the Translink journey planner.
Nearby
- Currumbin Alley – the creek mouth just north, for paddling and kayaks.
- Currumbin Rock Pools – creek swimming up the valley.
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – native animals and shows in Currumbin.
- Tallebudgera Creek – swimming and paddling to the north.
- Kirra Beach and Coolangatta Beach – more beaches to the south.
- All beaches and Gold Coast places.
Quick answers
Is Currumbin Beach patrolled?
Yes. Lifeguards patrol Tower 11 from 8 am to 5 pm every day of the year. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
Where is Elephant Rock?
At the southern end of Currumbin Beach, next to the Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club on Pacific Parade.
Is there parking at Currumbin Beach?
Parking at the surf club is limited, and the rest is on-street in the surrounding streets. Check the signs and line markings before you park.
Can I take my dog to Currumbin Beach?
Not within 200 metres of flagged swimming areas. Off-leash exercise is only in designated areas on the council’s map.
Is Currumbin Beach good for swimming?
Yes, between the red and yellow flags at Tower 11 while the lifeguards are on duty. It is a surf beach, so expect waves rather than calm water.
Are there toilets and showers at Currumbin Beach?
Yes. There are beach showers along the Oceanway, public toilets at the southern end opposite the beach, and more in the park opposite Currumbin Alley to the north.
How far is Currumbin Beach from Brisbane?
About 75 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD.
0 Comments