Local’s Guide To Coolangatta

With a world famous point break, sprawling sandy beaches, amazing restaurants and a slightly slower pace of life, Coolangatta is renowned for its casual coastal culture. Join the laid back vibes with pursuits such as leisurely walks along the shoreline, alfresco dining and sundowners at the end of the day. We’ve curated a collection of Coolangatta experiences that shows off the best of what Gold Coast’s southernmost suburb has to offer.

Adventure Activities

From the golden sand, reefs and world class waves to the blue skies above, adventure can be found everywhere in this southern Gold Coast suburb. 

Gold Coast Sky Dive

The Gold Coast is renowned for its incredible coastal views but arguably the best way to take in the scenic vista is free falling from 12,000 feet. Whether the thought excites, inspires or terrifies you, all skydivers feel the same sensation when they drift gently down to earth in their parachute; pure thrill!

Gold Coast Skydive boasts an excellent safety record, fun and professional tandem masters to jump with and state of the art equipment. The crew here have a rep for being the best in the biz. They make it fun and make you feel instantly at ease, despite the fact you’re about to jump out of a plane and plummet earthwards. You’ll enjoy (or maybe endure) 40 seconds of free fall before deploying the parachute and coming in for a soft landing on the white sands of Kirra Beach. The most common reaction after landing is, “Can we do it again?!”

Surfing Coolangatta's Best Beaches

Coolangatta is home to the Superbank, a surf playground responsible for some of the longest, most adrenaline-pumping rides in the world. Spanning from Snapper Rocks to Kirra Beach, it draws surfers from across the globe chasing the perfect wave.

At its heart, Cooly is a surf town, and for locals, it connects us to this beautiful place we call home. Whether you’ve surfed before or not, there’s bound to be a surf break here that will give you the stoke of a pro.

Grab a board and glide into the turquoise waters at Kirra Beach (pictured above), a favourite among locals for its easygoing waves most of the year, and iconic barrels when the swell’s up. Wander over to Greenmount and Rainbow Bay, where the long waves in the bay are ideal for beginners or those chasing a cruisy ride. And for the pros (or the stoked spectators), Snapper Rocks is where legends are made.

New to surfing? No worries! Local schools like Go Ride a Wave and Kirra Point Surf School make it easy for everyone to join in the fun and feel that unforgettable rush of catching your first wave. Their friendly instructors will teach you the basics in safe and supportive group lessons or one-on-one if you want to dial in.

Snorkel and Scuba Dive

Just off the coast of Kirra lies one of the Gold Coast’s hidden underwater gems, Kirra Reef. Perfect for both snorkelling and scuba diving, this vibrant reef system is home to an incredible variety of marine life, from colourful corals and schools of tropical fish to the occasional turtle or ray gliding past. The clear waters and gentle conditions make it an accessible and rewarding spot for divers of all levels. Whether you’re floating on the surface or exploring the depths, Kirra Reef offers a breathtaking glimpse into the Gold Coast’s thriving marine world.

 

Best Food and Drink Spots

All adventured out? It’s just the beginning! When hunger strikes, Coolangatta’s dining scene takes you on a journey of flavours and cultures that each have a story to tell. Long lunches by the beach effortlessly roll into sunset cocktails because here every meal becomes its own little adventure.

Siblings Kirra

Beachside dining doesn’t get much closer than Siblings where you are steps away from the sand. With a menu celebrating local produce and a front-row seat to the ocean, Siblings is where seaside sophistication meets barefoot bliss. Enjoy fresh coastal flavours and a relaxed-yet-refined vibe perfect for brunch, long lunches or sunset cocktails. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Location: 15 Marine Parade, Kirra

Billy Chow

Cooly’s answer to Asian fusion fun, Billy Chow delivers bold flavours, modern interiors and a lively local crowd. Think punchy cocktails, share plates with attitude, slurpilicious noodles  and a social buzz that lasts well into the evening.
Location: 1/76 Musgrave Street, Kirra
 

Baskk Italian

Inspired by the south of Italy, Baskk Italian’s menu features authentic flavours and simple, traditional Italian food made with quality local produce. The stylish, rustic interior oozes ambience, and the bar staff sling superb concoctions to match. Think long lunches, aperitivos and vino-fuelled feasts by the sea.
Location: 52/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Coolangatta Surf Club

Step straight off the sand and into Coolangatta Surf Club for casual dining with a five-star ocean view. From hearty mains to family-friendly eats, generous portions and a top-tier beer and wine list, this is a true Cooly classic for a post-swim sundowner. Location: Marine Parade, Coolangatta  

 

Kirra Beach House

Perched above the coastline, Kirra Beach House serves Mediterranean-inspired grazing boards, share plates and fresh seafood, all bathed in the golden hues of sunset. Order a spritz, sink into the golden-hour glow, and let the view do the talking. Then, stay on as the dancefloor comes alive after dark.
Location: Marine Parade, Kirra

Kirra Beach Hotel

Just downstairs from Kirra Beach House, on the ground level, Kirra Beach Hotel encompasses a family-friendly bistro (including a kids area), a sports bar, a public bar and a sun-drenched beer garden where you can soak up views of the surf as you sip a cold drink on a hot day.

Head here after a swim or a surf to fuel up on perfect pub classics like burgers, tacos, pizzas and chicken parmies in this wonderful watering hole that epitomises Southern Gold Coast’s cool and casual vibe.
Location: 4 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

 

Shopping & Markets

Coolangatta’s shopping scene is the perfect blend of surfy boutiques, artisan markets, and laid-back lifestyle stores. Yes you can do your weekly shop, but there’s no rush. Wander, browse and soak up the coastal creativity that thrives here.

The Strand

The Strand is your one-stop shop for beachside dining, shopping and entertainment in Coolangatta. With a dynamic mix of fashion, surf wear, supermarkets, gifts and homewares, it’s ripe for some retail therapy and when you’re done catch a movie at BCC Cinemas or play some games at Timezone.

The Strand delivers an amazing array of dining options with award-winning restaurants, international cuisine, cool bars and casual eateries all in one idyllic oceanfront setting. Browse boutiques, refuel at a café, treat yourself to some new swimwear and stock up the pantry in one rather lovely location.
Location: 72 Marine Pde, Coolangatta

Art and Craft on the Coast Beachfront Market

Follow the scent of coffee and ocean breeze to this colourful beachfront market where stalls selling handmade jewellery, homewares, art and bites line the esplanade. More than a market, it’s a community hangout and a chance to meet the makers, browse local treasures and enjoy one of the coast’s most loved year-round traditions.
Location: Queen Elizabeth Park off Marine Parade, on the beach front

Coolangatta Community Market

Rise and shine for the Coolangatta Community Market, a Thursday morning ritual where locals gather in Goodwin Park for fresh produce, live music and good vibes. From 7–11am, browse farm-direct fruit and veg, sip local coffee and soak up the relaxed, community spirit that makes Cooly mornings so special.
Location: Goodwin Park , Coolangatta

 

Coolangatta’s Iconic Landmarks

From sunrise lookouts to secret coves where the sea whispers against the rocks, Coolangatta is made for explorers who like to take their time.

Point Danger – The perfect vantage point at sunrise and sunset for views north and south. Grab a coffee at the point’s popular Black Dingo Café and spot migrating whales between June and November. Stay a little longer to read the memorial plaques and soak in the coastal history that gives this spot its name.

Rainbow Bay Lookout – A quieter spot ideal for reflection, photography or hand-in-hand sunset walks. Watch surfers carve through the waves below and see the skyline shimmer in the distance as the light fades.

Kirra Hill Lookout – It’s worth the climb up Kirra Hill to take in unmatched panoramic views from one of the Gold Coast’s most photographed spots. Pack a picnic or wander through the nearby community gardens for a glimpse of Cooly’s local charm.

Froggies Beach – A hidden coastal nook perfect for a peaceful stroll away from the crowds. Swimming is not recommended at Froggies, but you can soak up the sun on the sand under the watchful eye of the painted green frog on the rock that gave this spot its name. 

Snapper Rocks – Legendary among surfers, Snapper Rocks is just as captivating for anyone drawn to the ocean’s energy. Watch world-class waves roll in, spot pro surfers paddling out, and soak up the views from the iconic Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club, the perfect place to be part of the action without getting wet.

Greenmount Beach – Calm waves and soft sand make Greenmount Beach perfect for families, swimmers and anyone chasing a gentle dip. Stroll along the scenic ocean pathway that curves around to Rainbow Bay for an easy and beautiful coastal walk.

 

Coolangatta Events

These epic annual events roll into town each year brining good times, music, sporting spectacles and unforgettable memories for those who attend.

Cooly Rocks On

Held annually in June, Australia’s biggest rock ‘n’ roll and nostalgia festival takes over the beachside streets of Coolangatta for five unforgettable days of retro fun. Cooly Rocks On celebrates the music, motors, and lifestyle of the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s with a lively mix of free, family-friendly entertainment and special ticketed events. Tap your toes to live rock ‘n’ roll, join a swing-dance workshop, browse the beachfront vintage markets, admire rows of classic and custom cars, and catch an Elvis impersonator or two.  Cooly Rocks On is a must-see highlight on the Gold Coast events calendar.

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro

Witness the world’s best surfers battle it out at Snapper Rocks when the WSL Championship Tour comes to town in May each year. This is elite surfing at its best and to see the pros do their thing on the perfect, reeling waves of the infamous Super Bank is a surfing fan’s dream! There’s a high vibing atmosphere at the the Gold Coast Bonsoy Pro with activations, live commentary and an awards ceremony to crown the winners of the Men’s and Women’s competition. Past winners include World Champions Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, Mick Fanning, Carissa Moore and Gabriel Medina amongst others.

Ready To Go?

Whether you’re skydiving at dawn, sipping cocktails at sunset or just watching the world roll by from a beach towel on the sand, Coolangatta has a way of slowing time and speeding up your smile. Effortlessly beautiful and endlessly welcoming, this southern gem proves that life really is cooler in Cooly.

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