Jun 24, 2019
It’s the Gold Coast's secret haven.
Although it’s a lesser known area, the incredible beaches and atmosphere mean Coolangatta is host to several major surf and lifestyle events including the Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro, Coolangatta Gold and Cooly Rocks On.
The northern end of Coolangatta borders Tugun and Currumbin, home to Currumbin Creek (a beautiful swimming spot framed by headland and popular for calm and clear waters) and also Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Heading south you’ll find several beaches including Greenmount, Coolangatta, Snapper Rocks and the world class surf of Duranbah. You will always find swell at Dbah even when the rest of the coast is flat, while Greenmount offers families a protected pocket of beach for swimming.
There is a beautiful beach walk that wraps around Greenmount Hill connecting Greenmount and Rainbow Beaches. You can carry on up the hill to Point Danger where the memorial and QLD / NSW border is situated. This is also a great spot for whale watching!
You’ll always find entertainment at Twin Towns services club which hosts local and international acts as well as decent pub grub.
To indulge in retail therapy drop by The Strand, the regions shopping centre on the water, here you'll find everything from boutiques to the Coolangatta Hotel to the Cinema and Timezone! Make sure you duck out and stroll along Marine Parade to enjoy the unique boutiques along the esplanade.
If you prefer Hoyts to Birch Caroll and Coyle or simply want to explore the regions shopping, you'll only need to pop 5 k's down the road to Tweed City Shopping Centre (not to be confused with Tweed Mall, which is slightly closer but has no cinema).
HOW TO GET THERE
Once you fly into the Gold Coast airport your work is done. You’ll simply need to get in a hire car, uber, taxi, or hotel transfer for a 5 minute trip! Of course if you’re flying into Brisbane, Coolangatta is approximately a 1 hour 15 – 30 minute drive.
COOLANGATTA MUST DO
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Catch a Major Event - If you’re visiting in June, you won’t be able to miss ‘Cooly Rocks On’, an epic rock and roll vintage festival that transforms the area! Drop by in April and you’ll be able to witness some of the best surfers in the world compete in the Quiksilver Pro!
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Take a Walk – Our favourite is the boardwalk around Greenmount Beach walking path around Greenmount Hill to Rainbow Beach. You can carry on your walk all the way up to the Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse for amazing views of the ocean and two beaches, if you’re lucky you’ll even spot a whale! Right behind you is one of our favourite places to get a coffee or lunch – Café Dbar.
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Visit the Beach – It goes without saying, but you MUST enjoy one of the incredible beaches on offer in Cooly. You can’t go wrong with:
- Coolangatta Beach
- Kirra Beach
- Snapper Rocks
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Froggy Beach (See if you can spot the green frog)
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Visit Snapper Rock Pools – there are plenty of rock pools here as well as a man-made pool filled with aqua water to enjoy while listening to the sound of crashing waves and soaking up the sunshine.
Our café recommendations include:
- Café Dbar
- The Black Sheep Espresso Bar
- Little Mali
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Café Kirra
- Fire Cue Bar & Grill
- Bellakai
- Kirra Beach Hotel
- Aztec Coolangatta (2 for 1 Meals with a MyDQ Card)
- Pancakes in Paradise (2 for 1 Breakfast or Lunch with a MyDQ Card)
Blue C Coolangatta
3 McLean Street, Coolangatta QLD
This resort offers amazing ocean views and luxury apartments and is within walking distance of restaurants, shops and the beautiful beach.
Oaks Calypso Plaza
99 Griffith Street, Coolangatta QLD
Here you'll find one of the best and most expansive lagoon pools and is situated in the heart of Cooly across from the beach, amongst the dining and shopping precinct.
Mantra Twin Towns
Cnr Griffith & Wharf Streets, Coolangatta QLD
Another fantastic choice for Coolangatta accommodation on the water, this resort is uniquely located on the tweed river and beach. It also boasts plenty to do with the Twin Towns Services Club in the adjacent tower.
If we have you dreaming about your next relaxing Coolangatta beachside holiday call us on 1300 788 553 or shoot us a message, we're all about fantastic holidays!
Our Top Picks For Gold Coast
Oaks Calypso Plaza
Located right on the esplanade, in the heart of Coolangatta's vibrant tourism area, Calypso Plaza embodies the original relaxed charm of Queensland's Gold Coast with all the facilities of a four star beachfront resort including tropical lagoon swimming pool with spa.
Blue C Coolangatta
Perfectly positioned opposite pristine Coolangatta beach, just five minutes from Gold Coast Airport, Blue C offers luxurious apartments all with ocean views.