ESCAPE's 48 hours in Coolangatta: A New Era for the Sun-Blessed Gold Coast

We invited Alex Mitcheson from Escape to share his take on two days on the Southern Gold Coast. 

DAY 1

Lunch at Siblings
At the busy open-plan pastel-hued dining room of Siblings, have a front-row seat to Kirra Beach and the skyline of Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise in the distance. While you dine on their fresh, vibrant modern Australian menu with European, Asian, and American influences.

Check-in to Tessa’s on the Beach
A contemporary, attractive accommodation, Tessa’s on the Beach Boutique Hotel in neighbouring Bilinga, is mere steps from the beach and has the popular Oceanway footpath right outside connecting Coolangatta to Currumbin.

Escape to Nature
Head to Cougal Cascades in Springbrook National Park and where the streams are fed from nearby Mount Cougal. A firm local favourite, but time it right and you might even have the pools all to yourself.

Visit a Brewery
On your way back through Currumbin Waters, take a detour to Balter, one of the Gold Coast’s best-known breweries. Originally started by Mick Fanning and a crew of mates, this brand has grown into one of Australia’s best-known suppliers of craft beers.

Dinner and Late-Night Drinks
Clay Cantina serves up delicious Mexican fare and also doubles as a cookery faculty hosting regular culinary classes and private lessons. This evening, though, enjoy the taste exquisite central American flavours with their Mi Casa set menu.

Afterwards, head to Bar Evelyn - an ultra-sophisticated and unassuming drinks-centric pizza/pasta venue and the perfect place for a nightcap.

DAY 2

SUP!
Make use of the loan bikes, take an easy-going ride to Currumbin Boatshed Bait and Tackle and rent yourself a stand-up paddle board and enjoy a glide across the calm waters of ‘the alley’. Drift past Tarrabroa Reserve and Beree-Badalla Reserve Boardwalk; and find lush tucked away parts of the creek.

Brunch and Artwork
If you’re hungry and looking for a good coffee, cycle further up Currumbin Creek Road and drop by the excellent gallery and café, Dust Temple. You’ll have the chance to view a variety of rotating art exhibitions and drink great coffee.

Take in the Views
Cross the street in Coolangatta, and step into Tweed Heads, New South Wales. Walk up Boundary Street, and Point Danger has views right down the Tweed Coast to Fingal Head. On the way down, you’ll also see Snapper Rocks, home to one of the world’s best surfing waves. Take a quick dip in the ocean around the rock reef of Little Mali then find yourself at the steps of Rainbow Surf Club. Enjoy the view from their balcony as you watch the sunset to the end of your short holiday.