Mermaid Beach: Beach and Contemporary Art

Mermaid Beach combines beach activities with a low-rise setting and a contemporary art scene. Mermaid Beach is ideal for long walks and morning swims. 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace adds a distinct artistic dimension. Different questions may therefore matter when planning your visit: What kind of time at the beach suits your stay, what should you bear in mind when swimming, and would you like to include an art visit?

Beach length and local character

The beach stretches for 2 kilometres from the end of Kurrawa Reserve. Its length provides a specific setting for long walks. Morning swims and surfing have a different focus: for a walk, the stretch of beach itself is the main attraction; for swimming and surfing, it's time in the water. You can think of these as different ways to spend time at the beach.

Mermaid Beach is characterised by low-rise development, with no high-rise buildings. If you prefer a low-rise setting when choosing a destination, you can take this local character into account alongside the beach activities.

Swimming and beach safety

Rip currents occur along the Gold Coast. Swim only in supervised areas and avoid rip holes and the outer gutter. At Mermaid Beach, lifeguards patrol at towers 24, 25 and 26. Patrol arrangements can change, so check the latest local beach and safety information before swimming. For walks, the beach's length is the main consideration; for swimming, it is the local supervision and currents.

Accessible beach use

Mermaid Beach Life Saving Club provides accessible beach mats and beach wheelchairs. If you plan to use these facilities during your visit, contact the surf club directly to confirm details and times. This allows you to include the available assistance in your beach plans and coordinate arrangements for your visit.

Contemporary art

19 Karen Contemporary Artspace in Mermaid Beach presents contemporary artists from Australia and around the world. This offers a different focus from beach activities: if you are interested in contemporary art, you can include a visit in your travel plans. Current exhibitions and visiting details may vary; check this information when planning your visit.

A historical connection to the Gold Coast

A historical connection in the wider area dates back to the second half of 1945 on the Gold Coast. Soldiers founded a surf life saving club there. They later built a clubhouse on Ocean Street beach using salvaged materials. This episode is part of the Gold Coast's history.

Discover more destinations: Beechmont, Main Beach, Mermaid Waters, Nerang, Ashmore, Springbrook, Coolangatta, Binna Burra.

For the overview of the wider area: Gold Coast.