Currumbin Alley
A serene Gold Coast beach known for its gentle surf break, perfect for beginners, and scenic coastal walks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking
Currumbin Alley
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Gold Coast beach known for its gentle surf break, perfect for beginners, and scenic coastal walks.
"One of the most underrated beaches on the Gold Coast, perfect for a quiet swim or learning to surf."
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit.
🏄♀️ Surf Lesson Spot
Consider surf lessons here; it's a great spot for beginners.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Alley
Southern end of Currumbin Beach
A sheltered, gentle wave perfect for learning to surf or for a relaxed paddle.
Whale Watching Views
Elevated points along the beach
Spot migrating whales from August to September for an unforgettable natural spectacle.

Coastal Walk to Snapper Rocks
Beachfront path
Enjoy a scenic walk connecting to the famous surf breaks of Snapper Rocks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Surf's Up at Currumbin Alley
Beyond the Waves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
whats the best beach for someone looking to start surfing?
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit.
🏄♀️ Surf Lesson Spot
Consider surf lessons here; it's a great spot for beginners.
Trying out surfing
Where to surf
🚶♀️ Scenic Beach Walks
Enjoy long walks along the beach, even to Snapper Rocks. Paths are pram/wheelchair friendly.
✈️ Plane Spotting
Great views of planes landing at Gold Coast Airport.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit.
🏄♀️ Surf Lesson Spot
Consider surf lessons here; it's a great spot for beginners.
🚶♀️ Scenic Beach Walks
Enjoy long walks along the beach, even to Snapper Rocks. Paths are pram/wheelchair friendly.
✈️ Plane Spotting
Great views of planes landing at Gold Coast Airport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Currumbin Alley for its beautiful, clean beach and the unique, gentle surf break perfect for beginners. Many appreciate the spaciousness and serene atmosphere, along with the convenience of pram-friendly paths and dog-friendly areas. However, the limited parking is a recurring downside, often requiring early arrival.
"When you walk on the beach, you can sense the sands on higher elevations are saturated, of a thick layer and relatively softer than any other beaches, so the footprints are deep but sands are very firm on the edges.
There are only very few people chilling out here and the area is extremely spacious and serene. Moreover, if you stand at a higher position, you can clearly see Surfers Paradise far away on the rocks.
One of the most underrated beaches in the Gold Coast."
Super Porex Bros.
"What a nice clean beach. The parking space gets filled up quickly. Plenty of space on the beach for everyone. You can walk from here to Snapper Rocks. Wheelchair and pram friendly paths. Highly recommend going to have a look 🙂🙂."
Ruth Mavroleon
"Great place for a quiet swim, picnic, or for a walk with your dog. Great views of planes coming in for landing at GC Airport.
If you like to surf, then head over the dunes into the open ocean and catch some waves. Also has a patrolled beach. 🌞"
Liv Kalash
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Currumbin Alley is located on the Gold Coast, easily accessible by car. There are parking areas nearby, but they can fill up quickly. Public transport options are also available, with bus routes servicing the area.
Yes, there are parking spaces available, but they are limited and tend to fill up fast, especially during peak times and weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Absolutely! There are scenic coastal paths that are perfect for walking and cycling, offering beautiful views along the way. You can even walk from here to Snapper Rocks.
Yes, the paths along the beach are wheelchair and pram friendly, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy the scenery.
Many surfers drive and park nearby. If you're taking lessons, check with your surf school about their recommended arrival method.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Currumbin Alley is a public beach and there is no entry fee. You can enjoy the beach and its amenities for free.
As a public beach, Currumbin Alley is accessible at all hours. However, patrolled swimming areas have specific hours, and parking facilities may have restrictions.
Yes, if you plan to take surfing lessons, you will need to book in advance with a surf school operating in the area.
Generally, beach access is open. However, specific areas might have temporary restrictions due to weather conditions or events. Always check local advisories if unsure.
Yes, Currumbin Alley is a great place for a walk with your dog, as it's known to be dog-friendly.
🎫 🏄♀️ Onsite Experience
Currumbin Alley is most famous for its sheltered surf break, making it ideal for beginner surfers and longboarders. It's also a beautiful spot for swimming and enjoying the coastal scenery.
The Alley offers gentler, more forgiving waves, perfect for learning. For those seeking stronger waves, the open ocean side of the dunes provides more challenging surf.
Yes, there's a calm area suitable for swimming, and the patrolled section ensures safety. It's considered one of the perfect swimming spots on the Gold Coast.
Besides surfing and swimming, you can enjoy picnics, sunbathing on the soft sand, and walking your dog. The views of planes landing are also a unique attraction.
Typically, public beaches like Currumbin Alley have restroom facilities and sometimes outdoor showers. It's advisable to check local council information for specifics.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic surf break from the beach, or head to higher ground for panoramic views of the coastline and Surfers Paradise in the distance. The landing planes also make for unique shots.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Golden hour in the late afternoon also provides stunning light for beach photography.
During whale migration season (August-September), elevated spots offer excellent vantage points for photographing whales offshore.
A versatile lens is useful for capturing both close-up surf action and wide coastal landscapes. A polarizing filter can enhance ocean shots.
Generally, photography is permitted. However, be mindful of other beachgoers' privacy and any specific local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the beach, and keep an eye out for the unique sight of planes landing at the nearby Gold Coast Airport. It's a relaxed atmosphere that offers a pleasant day out for everyone.
🏄♀️ Beginner Surfers
Even if you're not taking lessons, the Alley's forgiving nature makes it a less intimidating place to practice. Just be mindful of the parking situation and try to arrive early to make the most of your surf session.
🚶♀️ Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing at Currumbin Alley
While the Alley itself offers gentler waves, the open ocean side of the dunes provides more challenging conditions for experienced surfers. This duality means Currumbin can cater to a wide range of skill levels. Redditors often recommend it as a great starting point for anyone looking to try surfing for the first time.
When planning your surf session, remember that parking can be a significant challenge, especially during peak times. Arriving early in the morning is the best strategy to secure a spot and enjoy the waves with fewer people around.
Beyond the Surf: Beach Activities
It's a perfect location for a quiet swim, with a calm area suitable for deeper water activities. Families and individuals can also enjoy picnics or leisurely walks with dogs, as the beach is known to be dog-friendly. The wheelchair and pram-friendly paths along the beachfront ensure that everyone can access and enjoy the stunning coastal views.
A unique aspect of Currumbin Alley is the view of planes approaching Gold Coast Airport. For those interested in wildlife, the period between August and September offers a chance to witness the whale migration, a spectacular natural event visible from the beach's elevated points.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit