A short drive from the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise, you'll find a little beachside town that will amaze you with its charming character. Tugun is popular because of its laidback feel, while its stunning beachfront, parks, walkways and a great sense of community are certainly also a drawcard.
If you ask me, Tugun is home to one of the biggest and best beaches at the Gold Coast. If you want to go for a surf or simply frolic in the ocean and avoid fighting for that perfect wave with thousands of other enthusiasts, consider this sleepy beachside village for your next holiday.
Tugun Beach will surprise you with its serenity, pristine water and golden sand, and even during peak season you'll find that it's not crowded like many other beaches on the coast.
During your stay you can simply while away the days sunbaking at the beach but, if you are more of an adventurous type, try the beautiful Tugun to Palm Beach coastal walk. From Tugun it meanders along the beachfront to Currumbin, where you can climb up Elephant Rock to enjoy the views. From here you'll skirt Currumbin Alley, a surfing Mecca, and finally end up in Palm Beach.
As Tugun is located only a couple of minutes from the Gold Coast Airport, it's also a great starting point for the ultimate skydiving adventure. Enjoy the coast from 12,000 ft above sea level and after a thrilling flight land right on the beach.
I also recommend taking a day trip into the hinterland, which is easily accessible from Tugun. Currumbin Valley features several attractions, such as swimming holes and plenty of picnic spots. A little further is
Springbrook National Park, where you can take walks through the lush rainforest and enjoy amazing vistas over the cliffs onto the coast.
Walking tracks through the hinterland
A short stroll from Tugun and you are at the
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you have the opportunity to witness the biggest walk-in aviary in the Southern Hemisphere as well as meeting plenty of other native Australian animal species first hand. It's also a non-for-profit organisation and proceeds raised by visitors are reinvested to ensure the welfare of the resident flora and fauna.
In terms of eating there are plenty of options ranging from takeaway to restaurant style food. Personally I love the local surf clubs.
Tugun SLSC offers great atmosphere and good food with plenty of life music, while just up the road Currumbin SLSC will amaze you with its views of Surfers Paradise, which are best enjoyed at sunset.
Enjoy the views in at the Currumbin SLCS
Along the main strip of Tugun, you'll also find various food options including coffee shops, Italian, Thai, Mexican and much more. If you however prefer cooking yourself, head to Foodworks on Golden Four Drive and enjoy their range of deli style and fresh foods.
Finally, accommodation options range from retro beach houses to luxury or more affordable resort-style. Most of the options are located either at the beach or within easy reach.