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Currumbin Alley

4.8
·362 reviews·, Australia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and secure parking

CrowdLow
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Currumbin Alley - Image 1

Currumbin Alley

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and secure parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.8
(362 reviews)

"One of the most underrated beaches on the Gold Coast, perfect for a quiet swim or learning to surf."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Alley

The Iconic Alley

Southern end of Currumbin Beach

A sheltered, gentle wave perfect for learning to surf or for a relaxed paddle.

Reddit
Whale Watching Views

Whale Watching Views

Elevated points along the beach

Spot migrating whales from August to September for an unforgettable natural spectacle.

Reddit
Coastal Walk to Snapper Rocks

Coastal Walk to Snapper Rocks

Beachfront path

Enjoy a scenic walk connecting to the famous surf breaks of Snapper Rocks.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Surf's Up at Currumbin Alley

Currumbin Alley is a prime spot for surfers of all levels. If you're keen to try surfing, consider lessons here. Arrive early for parking, as it fills up fast, especially on weekends. Reddit

Beyond the Waves

This beach offers more than just surfing. Enjoy quiet swims, picnics, or dog walks. The paths are wheelchair and pram friendly, and the views of planes landing at Gold Coast Airport are a unique bonus. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and secure parking
Crowd
Low
When
August - September
Why
Whale migration season
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Surf Lesson Spot

Consider surf lessons here; it's a great spot for beginners. Reddit

reddit.com

Trying out surfing

reddit.com

Where to surf

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Beach Walks

Enjoy long walks along the beach, even to Snapper Rocks. Paths are pram/wheelchair friendly. Reddit

✈️ Plane Spotting

Great views of planes landing at Gold Coast Airport. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Patience

Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Surf Lesson Spot

Consider surf lessons here; it's a great spot for beginners. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Beach Walks

Enjoy long walks along the beach, even to Snapper Rocks. Paths are pram/wheelchair friendly. Reddit

✈️ Plane Spotting

Great views of planes landing at Gold Coast Airport. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(362 reviews)

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

Gentle surf break
Clean and spacious beach
Pram-friendly paths

What People Dislike

Limited parking

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the paths along the beach are wheelchair and pram friendly, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy the scenery. Reddit

Many surfers drive and park nearby. If you're taking lessons, check with your surf school about their recommended arrival method. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

As a public beach, Currumbin Alley is accessible at all hours. However, patrolled swimming areas have specific hours, and parking facilities may have restrictions. Reddit

Yes, if you plan to take surfing lessons, you will need to book in advance with a surf school operating in the area. Reddit

Generally, beach access is open. However, specific areas might have temporary restrictions due to weather conditions or events. Always check local advisories if unsure. Reddit

Yes, Currumbin Alley is a great place for a walk with your dog, as it's known to be dog-friendly. Reddit

🎫 🏄‍♀️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Typically, public beaches like Currumbin Alley have restroom facilities and sometimes outdoor showers. It's advisable to check local council information for specifics. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

During whale migration season (August-September), elevated spots offer excellent vantage points for photographing whales offshore. Reddit

A versatile lens is useful for capturing both close-up surf action and wide coastal landscapes. A polarizing filter can enhance ocean shots. Reddit

Generally, photography is permitted. However, be mindful of other beachgoers' privacy and any specific local regulations. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Currumbin Alley is a fantastic choice for families. The calm swimming area provides a safe space for children to paddle and play in the water. The wheelchair and pram-friendly paths make it easy to navigate with strollers, and the soft sand is perfect for building sandcastles. Reddit

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. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Beginner Surfers

If you're looking to catch your first wave, Currumbin Alley is highly recommended. The gentle, sheltered waves are ideal for learning the basics of surfing. Many local surf schools offer beginner lessons here, providing expert guidance and equipment. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Dog Owners

Currumbin Alley is a welcoming spot for dog owners. It's a great place for your furry friend to enjoy a walk along the beach and perhaps a dip in the water. Remember to keep your dog under control and be considerate of other beachgoers. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Surfing at Currumbin Alley

Currumbin Alley is renowned as a fantastic spot for surfing, particularly for beginners and longboarders. The unique geography of the alley creates a sheltered wave that is more forgiving than many other breaks on the Gold Coast. This makes it an ideal location for surf lessons, with several surf schools operating in the vicinity offering guidance for those new to the sport. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Beyond the Surf: Beach Activities

Currumbin Alley isn't just for surfers; it's a versatile beach offering a serene escape for various activities. The sands are noted for being thick and soft on higher elevations, creating deep footprints, yet firm on the edges, making it a pleasant spot for relaxing and sunbathing. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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