Three time champion of Queensland's cleanest beach, Palm Beach is famous for its wide stretch of golden sand. It's a magnet for sunbathers and surfers, with many visiting for the day while staying in another nearby Gold Coast suburb. Suitable for families, the tranquil atmosphere provides a welcome change to the high-rise and high-action situated further north.
Palm Beach is located in the south of the Gold Coast on a coastline that is mostly undeveloped to the southern side of the Burleigh headland. This provides much of the appeal and visitors can still find rustic beach shacks along the sand. The beach stretches along the ocean and then winds inland along Tallebudgera Creek, meaning visitors have a choice of rough waves or sparkling quiet waters. Families are also attracted by Laguna Park, the largest children's playground on the Gold Coast.
The golden sand is separated from Burleigh Heads by the large rocky headlands, creating a beautiful walk for visitors connecting these two adjacent suburbs. A number of bus services take visitors up and down the Gold Coast, although Palm Beach is relatively poorly serviced compared to other suburbs. For many, this is part of the charm.
Palm Beach received its cleanliness accolade in 1999, 2000 and 2011. But authorities haven't found it easy to achieve this feat. Extreme erosion has widened the beach, bringing up rusted car bodies that were buried deep in the sand.