About The Sand Bypass System
There’s something special about witnessing the world’s first Sand Bypass System at work. A true engineering marvel, The Sand Bypass System sits at the top of The Spit and is a unique and innovative system that has made The Spit, Wave Break Island and South Stradbroke Island beaches even more popular destinations on the Gold Coast.
If you’ve ever visited The Spit, Gold Coast, chances are you’ve seen the iconic Sand Bypass System jetty. This engineering feat stretches an impressive 500 metres out to sea and is a working structure that intercepts the natural northward drift of sand from the south, to assist with maintaining the navigation channel for the Gold Coast Seaway and the stabilisation of the mouth of the Nerang River. Sand from the Sand Bypass System is deposited onto South Stradbroke Island, continuing its drift northward. Access to the Sand Bypass System jetty is restricted, however keep your eyes on our updates for when you can visit.
The first Surfers Paradise Sand Backpass Pipeline Project was undertaken by the City of Gold Coast from June 2024 to September 2024, delivering some of the intercepted sand to replenish beaches at locations from Main Beach to Surfers Paradise.
The ongoing research and development ensure this engineering masterpiece operates smoothly, so the Gold Coast community can enjoy access between the Broadwater and the Pacific Ocean all year round.
Sand Bypass System Jetty – temporary public access closure
The Sand Bypass System Jetty is a working platform and for safety reasons is not open to the public during construction projects, when operating, undergoing maintenance or during severe weather events.
The Sand Bypass System Jetty will be closed for public access from 15 June until December 2024, while Gold Coast Waterways Authority undertake essential guide rail maintenance and replacement works.
The Sand Bypass System Jetty operates in a highly exposed and corrosive environment. Gold Coast Waterways Authority undertakes routine inspections of the Jetty and regularly upgrades components to ensure the System is able to operate effectively and safely.
Over the past 30 years, the exposure of the Jetty has led to deterioration of the Jetty’s guide rails. This project will replace and upgrade the guide rails to ensure safety and longevity.
For more information on the Sand Bypass System Jetty upgrade, please visit Sand Bypass System Jetty Upgrade.
We appreciate the communities understanding while we undertake this important work. To find alternative jetty facilities nearby, please visit the GCWA location lookup.