You survived. You made it through the in-laws, the 6 am wake-up call, and the sheer volume of glazed ham. Now, it is Boxing Day, and while half the country is fighting for a parking spot at the shopping centre, you should be doing something much better: absolutely nothing.
The only cure for a Christmas food coma is salt water. But with the Gold Coast packed with tourists, you need to know where to go to find your slice of sand.
Here are the best beach escapes to drive to today.
Tallebudgera Creek (The “No Waves” Option)
If you are too tired to fight the surf, “Tally Creek” is your sanctuary. It is essentially a giant, sparkling blue swimming pool protected by the Burleigh headland. The water is calm, crystal clear, and perfect for floating on your back and wondering why you ate that third serving of pudding.
- Parking Tip: The main car park fills up by 7 am. Drive across the bridge to the northern side (near the rec centre), where there is often more street parking available.
Rainbow Bay (The “Far South” Option)
Located right at the bottom of the Gold Coast, Rainbow Bay offers one of the few north-facing beaches in the region, which means it is often protected from the nasty northerly winds that blow in summer. It has a slower, retro holiday vibe compared to Surfers Paradise. It is the perfect spot to park the car, grab a cold juice, and watch the surfers on the Superbank.
The Spit (The “Dog Friendly” Option)
Need to escape the house but can’t leave the dog behind? The Spit at Main Beach is the answer. It is wide, open, and offers miles of uncrowded sand where your four-legged friend can run free. There is plenty of parking along Seaworld Drive, making it one of the easiest beaches to access when the rest of the coast is gridlocked.
Boxing Day is for recovery, not stress. The key is having the freedom to drive past the crowded spots and find your own quiet corner of the coast.
If you are visiting for the holidays and need a set of wheels to get you to the sand, check our live availability for car hire Gold Coast. A reliable car with air-conditioning is the best accessory you can have this summer.
