Local's Guide to Kirra

Local's Guide to Kirra

24 Jan 2024

World famous for its waves and hallowed place in Australia's surfing history, Kirra is a neighbourhood of Coolangatta. While it doesn't have its own postcode, Kirra does possess a distinct character and charm that makes it a favourite for holiday makers and locals alike.


The coastline is the stunning centrepiece of the Southern Gold Coast and the local lifestyle revolves around the ocean, waves, beaches and coastal parklands. Kirra’s peeling right-hand point break can produce perfect waves, and the crystal clear waters are magical to swim in. With rocks and tidal pools to explore at low tide, its a favourite for families too.

Shady parks line the foreshore and the coastal path that runs parallel to the beach is popular with pedestrians, cyclists, skaters and runners. Hire a cruiser, mountain bike or e-Bike from Kool Bike Hire and set out north, stopping for a swim and a bite to eat at one of the cafes you pass along the way. It’s a wonderful way to explore this region of the Gold Coast, with the seabreeze in your hair and a smile on your face.

Kirra Beach Hotel 

For 70 years this iconic pub has sat opposite the sands of Kirra and a recent refurbishment has given the local favourite a major glow up as part of the new Kirra Point Precinct.

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

Kirra Beach House

Just upstairs from the hotel is the Kirra Beach House. This chic rooftop venue offers an elevated beachfront experience in more ways than one. Not only will patrons be able to soak up panoramic views of the incredible coastline as they drink and dine, but they’ll enjoy those vistas from a venue that defines laidback luxe.

Cabanas and lounge areas are spread across a sprawling open air terrace where you can kick back with a cocktail and watch the waves roll in, often to the sounds of acoustic music or live DJs. Feast on a Med-style grazing menu featuring oysters, seafood, barrata, woodfired flatbread, mouthwatering morsels and mains, paired with an impressive range of Australian and international  wines, signature cocktails and crafted spritzes. 

The next stage of this exciting new precinct is Kirra Point Stays - oceanfront holiday apartments, perfect for a Southern Gold Coast escape.
Location: 4 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Billy Chow

Ally Chow is a well established fine dining favourite in Mermaid Beach so southern locals were delighted when little brother restaurant, Billy Chow, recently opened in Kirra. Looking out over the grassy esplanade that runs right beside the beach, this bright and breezy venue blends coastal vibes with culinary excellence. 

The cuisine here is Pan Asian perfection with a focus on locally-sourced produce - graze on handmade bao and delicious dumplings, or full flavoured dishes made to savour and share. Pair with an exotic cocktail and you’ll be in beachside bliss with a fully belly. (The excellent menu selection caters for kids and plant-based diets too.)
Location: 76 Musgrave St, Coolangatta 

Gold Coast Sky Dive

If you’re looking for an adrenaline charged challenge in Kirra, you’ve found it! Take the leap from 12,000 feet and enjoy panoramic views of our stunning coastline as you freefall for 45 seconds before deploying your parachute and floating down to land on the soft sands of Kirra Beach.

Gold Coast Sky Dive offers tandem jumps with highly qualified and very friendly instructors who ensure you’ll have a safe and spectacular experience which is 100% pure thrill! 
Location: 18 Coyne St, Coolangatta

Native State

Treat yourself to some chill time at this  Native State - a luxe bathhouse and studio gym, which takes a holistic approach to health, wellness and performance.

Feel the tension melt from your muscles as you cycle through a heated vitality pool, cold plunge pool, steam room, traditional cedar sauna, infrared sauna and meditation lounge.

Drop in for a casual soak session or fitness/ functional movement class at the gym - or take advantage of a membership where you can enjoy unlimited access to both.
Location: 8 Creek Street, Coolangatta

Kirra Beach Tourist Park

Welcome to Kirra Beach Tourist Park, where you can stay just a few hundred metres from the iconic beaches that make this area the spiritual home of surfing on the Gold Coast. There’s a kind of accommodation to suit every traveller from powered sites for caravans, unpowered sites for camping, lakefront villas and budget friendly lodging. 

It’s one of the few dog-friendly holiday parks on the Gold Coast, and you can book a cabin or campsite where your four-legged friend can join in the fun. There are beautiful, grassy parklands close by for walks and owners will appreciate the park’s dog wash facility where salty, sandy sea dogs can freshenup after a beach visit.
Location: 10 Charlotte Street, Coolangatta

Siblings Kirra

Situated so close to the ocean you can taste the salt, Siblings Kirra hits the sweet spot between fine dining and coastal chill just footsteps from the beach. The food is fabulous - good  enough to distract you from the view, which says a lot.

You’ll find some favourites on the fresh, modern Australian menu with plenty of succulent seafood and Pan Asian influences. And with a drinks selection so extensive it’s been called a Liquid Journey, there’s a tempting array of tipples to choose from. A long lunch at Siblings, or an evening meal as the sun sets is an experience that could only be described as exceptional.
Location: 15 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Ready for a change of scenery? Our guide to the Gold Coast Hinterland offer a completely different experience to the coastline...

 

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Kate Veling
Kate Veling

Travel writer, Kate Veling, came to the Gold Coast for six months and loved it so much she’s still here 20 years later. The laidback lifestyle suits her to a tee and as a mum of three, she knows all the best parks, swimming spots and kid-friendly fun to be had in her ‘hood. She’s often found getting amongst the thriving local arts and culture scene, dancing to live music or kicking back on the beach, but rest assured it’s all in the name of research.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. 
 
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.