The Best of Palm Beach

Palm Beach is fast becoming one of the Gold Coast’s hip suburbs featuring a laid-back vibe, a little less concrete, and loads of new eateries. Here’s our guide to the best of Palm Beach including things to do, places to eat and drink, and where to stay.

Background
The suburb of Palm Beach (postcode: 4211) is located between Currumbin at the southern end and Burleigh at the northern end, stretching from the beach through to the Pacific Highway at its westerly side. It was originally known as Elanor until developer subdivisions by the Palm Beach Company Ltd of Brisbane created Palm Beach back in 1923.

Walking along the beachfront at Palm Beach today you may still notice some of the classic old-style beach shacks that are yet to fall into the hands of developers and I think that typifies why so many people love the area so much.

Palm Beach has a very local feel to it and is mostly residential with the odd holiday accommodation offering to be found close to the beachfront. The inland waterways of the area also provide a fantastic lifestyle for the local residents to enjoy the waterfront living and all it offers.

Handy local shops can be found along the Gold Coast Hwy on either side of Palm Beach Avenue including a couple of pizza shops, taverns, supermarkets, and much more. The beach here is quite laid back but popular on weekends.

Things to do in Palm Beach

• Palm Beach Parklands – large park with lots of play areas for kids and boating in the estuary – 945 Gold Coast Hwy
• Laguna Park – best playgrounds on the GC – 117/119 Laguna Ave
• The Craft Parlour – craft and art workshop studio – 1059 Gold Coast Hwy
• All Coast Paddle Board Hire – hire paddle boards on Tullebudgera Creek – 1544 Gold Coast Hwy

Beach

Palm Beach is a 4 km long, northeast-facing beach bordered by Tallebudgera Creek to the north and Currumbin Creek to the south. It’s important to only swim between the flags here and Lifeguard towers are located at

• Palm Beach SLSC (QLD) near to Seventh Ave
• Pacific SLSC between Seventeenth and Nineteenth Ave
• Tower 13 – South Palm Beach Lifeguards at the end of Thrower Drive
• Tower 17 – Tallebudgera Creek Lifeguards near Tullebudgera Creek
• Neptune Royal Life Saving Club – near Tullebudgera Creek Park
• Tallebudgera SLSC – at the end of Tullebudgera Drive

Please visit the Palm Beach guide at Beachsafe for lifeguard hours and current warnings.

Shopping in Palm Beach

• Pennant Surf Store – Surfwear and gear – 7/1136 Gold Coast Hwy
• The Surfboard Warehouse – Surfboards – 1237 Gold Coast Hwy
• Palm Beach Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday 6 am – 11 am – Palm Beach Currumbin High School

Restaurants, cafes, and bars in Palm Beach

Here is the pick of some of the best dining options and bars in Palm Beach

• The Collective – hip bar & restaurant – 1128 Gold Coast Hwy
• The Scottish Prince – whiskey bar and restaurant – shop 27/1176 Gold Coast Hwy
• Burgster – great burgers – 4/10 Philippine Parade
• Palm Beach Surf Club – bar, gaming, and bistro – 117 Jefferson Ln

Best Coffee in Palm Beach

• Barefoot Barista – artisan coffee and food – 15 Palm Beach Ave
• Jeffersons Coffee Nook – a gem, great coffee by the beach – 117 Jefferson Ln, Palm Beach
• Espresso Moto – 2/1389 Gold Coast Hwy
• Sisterhood Coffee – 1099 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

The Top Hotels and Resorts in Palm Beach

Here are my picks for the best accommodation options in Palm Beach

19th Avenue on the Beach

4 Star | av rates 200 and up

A great option for families or groups with two bedroom apartments on offer. Rates for one night are somewhat pricey, but stay or more nights and the rates drop substantially. 19th Avenue on the Beach is located directly on the beachfront and offers superb views. Amenities here include tennis, pool, sauna and steam room, outdoor squash courts, spa and wellness centre. Apartments are self-contained with kitchen etc.

 

Red Star Hotel Palm Beach

3.5 Star | av rates 120 and up

Located close to the beach with swimming pool and apartments with microwave, fridge, and toaster. They also have large family rooms.

 

Palm Beach Hotel

3 Star | av rates 80 and up

A nice clean option for the budget traveler that’s close to the beach and near to transport.

 

Transport

The area is serviced by the public bus network with key stations being along the Gold Coast Hwy and you can plan a journey on the public transport network easily with this Journey Planner. Bust stops are located at

• Gold Coast Hwy at Thrower Drive
• Gold Coast Hwy at Palm Beach Police Station
• Gold Coast Hwy at Fourth Avenue
• Gold Coast Hwy at Palm Beach Hotel
• Palm Beach station near to Sixth Ave
• Gold Coast Hwy at Eighth Avenue
• Gold Coast Hwy at Tenth Avenue
• Gold Coast Hwy at Thirteenth Avenue
• Gold Coast Hwy at Fifteenth Avenue
• Gold Coast Hwy at Nineteenth Avenue
• Gold Coast Hwy at Twenty First Avenue
• Gold Coast Hwy at Twenty Fifth Avenue
• Gold Coast Hwy at Twenty Sixth Avenue

The Best of Palm Beach Map

Statistics

Palm Beach demographic data from the latest figures provided by the ABS (2021)