Revellers sleep on the beach as Surfers Paradise clean up begins after New Year's Eve celebrations

AS the first rays of light of 2014 rose over the Gold Coast this morning, bleary-eyed stragglers wandered out of Surfers Paradise clubs while others slept on the beach.

AS the first rays of light of 2014 rose over the Gold Coast this morning, bleary-eyed stragglers wandered out of Surfers Paradise clubs while others slept on the beach.

Scores of partygoers lay on the beach to watch the first sunrise of the year after a wild night of New Year's Eve celebrations.

Surf lifesavers and police kept a close eye on the 100 red-eyed people on Surfers Paradise Beach, but agreed it was a well-behaved bunch.

A sleepy reveller takes a nap on Surfers Paradise beach. Pic by David Clark

In the centre of the Glitter Strip, all-nighters had only just been turfed out of the clubs and stepped out into streets covered in rubbish, when the city's cleaning crews took over.

With hoses and trucks, they took on the enormous task of turning the Gold Coast into something presentable before the vast majority of the city wake up to the new year.

Partygoers wait for a taxi after leaving nightclubs in the broad daylight. Pic by David Clark

Meanwhile, Gold Coasters are being warned to stick to southern beaches this morning, as big tides create treacherous conditions in the north.

Chief lifeguard Warren Young is pleading with beachgoers to be careful when swimming from Miami Beach upwards.

"Really big tides are set to create risky conditions on packed Gold Coast beaches," warned Mr Young.

"Please take care when the tide goes out from 8am, it will bring instability to northern beaches."

Tomorrow's 1.84m high tide, with a low tide of .25m means a substantial 1.59m water drop throughout the day.

This is potential trouble for lifeguards with the threat of deceitful rips on the outgoing tide.

The Surfers Paradise clean-up gets underway. Pic by David Clark

For beachgoers planning foreshore celebrations, Mr Young recommended Currumbin or Kirra Beach which will be protected from winds.

"Any of the south open beaches including Burleigh, Kirra and Rainbow Beach should be good," he said.

Lifesavers and lifeguards have extended patrols throughout the summer, with some beaches manned from 6am to 6.30pm. Mr Young recommended Duranbah for surfers.

"The swell should be just under a metre so it won't be anything special," he said.

Fishing guru Paul Burt suggested creek, river and canal entrances for the best catches.

"The earlier you get out there, the better."

Weatherzone meteorologist Brett Dutschke said the start to 2014 would be a scorcher with a chance of a shower before 9am and a top of 29C.

Revellers take a dip on New Year's Day. Pic by David Clark