If you’re looking for the best things to do in Coolangatta QLD, you’ve come to the right place.
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While living on the Gold Coast, I loved staying in this lovely coastal suburb and checking out all the best Coolangatta things to do, and it’s lovely to be able to share how special this little corner of Australia is.
During my time here, there was nothing better than waking up early (well, early for me, there were already plenty of surfers up and about) and heading out to the beach for a wake-up call of hot local coffee and crisp fresh air. I hope you enjoy your time here as much as I did!
And Kirra Beach is what this suburb is all about; a stretch of long white sand nestled alongside blue seas and pretty palms.
Besides sunbathing, surfing, and swimming, you can also walk across the esplanade that passes from the tip of Kirra Beach and along to North Kirra Beach and Marine Parade. There are several cute cafes and boutiques along the way, too.
2. Snapper Rocks
Watching a mix of local and world-class surfers take on the waves at Snapper Rocks is definitely one of the best things to see in Coolangatta.
The grey rocky outcrop is also rather picturesque in its own right, with rock pools swirling between the rows of rock.
However, more importantly, it’s part of an artificial Superbank famous for being one of Queensland’s most reliable surf breaks! For this reason, Coolangatta hosted the annual World Surf Leagues’ Quiksilver from the 1970s until 2019.
3. Enjoy your morning coffee at Coolangatta Beach.
Around the bay from Kirra Beach are the equally beautiful Coolangatta Beach and Greenmount Beach.
I spent a gorgeous morning strolling around the coastline to this white sand haven, but what made it even better was that it was the perfect spot to enjoy my morning coffee!
I tried a few great cafes in Coolangatta, but, in my opinion, Board Short Barista was the best coffee in Coolangatta. It’s a small booth beside the Coolangatta Surf Club and the ideal spot to pick up a drink or snack if you want to take it straight to the beach!
Coffee in hand, I spent some time sitting on the little dunes at Coolangatta Beach and watching local surfers take on the waves, feeling the most content I had been in a long while.
And it goes without saying, but if you’re not travelling with a reusable coffee cup, be sure to take any litter with you if you enjoy any food or drink on these beautiful Coolangatta beaches!
4. Stand in two states at once at the State Border Marker.
Travel to New South Wales in seconds by stepping across the state border mark Coolangatta.
The most iconic place to step into NSW from QLD is at the state border marker, which was built to symbolise a doorway between these two Aussie states.
Although the marker isn’t particularly aesthetic (it’s a big concrete structure), it’s still one of the best-known Coolangatta attractions. There are also a couple of plaques for some additional historical info, and during daylight savings, it’s funny to think that you go back and forward in time by one hour in a single step!
I wasn’t particularly fussed about going at first, but my Airbnb host insisted that I check it out, and it was fun to hop between states. As a frequent solo traveller, this was undoubtedly the most straightforward border crossing I’ve ever done.
5. Rainbow Bay
There’s no shortage of Coolangatta beaches, but this one really characterises what makes the suburb so unique.
It has superb views over the surfers and a cute sheltered beach at the end of the walking track.
While walking through the forested section of the boardwalk, I also saw SO MANY bush turkeys! If you’re not local to Australia, you might not realise it’s very common to see turkeys wandering around!
I was passing through Rainbow Bay at the same time as a local jogger who looked very alarmed by the dozens of turkeys blocking her path. So, being no stranger to all manner of wildlife following my time volunteering at an animal sanctuary, I went ahead and very politely asked the turkeys to unblock the boardwalk. ‘Excuse me, turkeys, just passing through! Thank you!’ At this, the jogger looked slightly amused as she thanked me before continuing with her morning run.
6. Queen Elizabeth Park and Kirra Hill Lookout
You’ll likely pass through Queen Elizabeth Park when walking to the beach.
This small grassy area divides the main road from the beach, and you’re likely to see plenty of families enjoying a picnic here on a sunny day.
Aside from a few cafe kiosks, it’s also got excellent facilities, including picnic tables and public bathrooms.
If you fancy a little walk, head to RT Peak Memorial Park and ascend a short track to Kirra Hill Lookout. From here, you’ll find brilliant views over the coastline towards the city.
If you don’t fancy walking, there is a car park at the lookout, plus picnic tables, a barbecue, and a large iron eagle sculpture that watches over the coastline from its perch at the top of the hill.
7. Coolangatta to Point Danger Walk
Soak up all the views at once by taking the pathway from Coolangatta Beach to Point Danger. The coastal walkway winds around the Rainbow Bay Lookout and Snapper Rocks before finishing at Point Danger.
From here, you can look over to Froggies Beach in Queensland and Duranbah Beach in New South Wales! And don’t forget to look out for humpback whales if you’re visiting Coolangatta in Winter!
I adored this walk and would recommend it to anyone who loves seaside strolls (after living in Sydney, coastal walks are now my favourite thing!). Also, while doing this Coolangatta walk, I saw an older local dude sharing his banana with a wild lizard. Cute as heck.
The Point Danger Walk is also ideal if you only have one or two days in Coolangatta, as you’ll get to tick off all the main viewpoints at once!
If you’ve walked up to Point Danger, you can also see the Captain Cook Memorial while you’re there. Please note that the memorial is currently closed at the time of writing in July 2023. I’ll try to update this post when it reopens!
8. Duranbah Beach
If you’d like to walk a little further, cross the state line and stroll down to Duranbah Beach – more sandy goodness that’s great for more experienced surfers, swimming and sunrises.
There are plenty of cafes nearby, but I personally enjoyed a smoothie bowl and coffee from Barefoot Bowls! The kiosk is right near the beach in Ebenezer Park, so you can enjoy your snack while watching the ocean waves.
The beach also has a changing room with showers, picnic area with BBQs and toilets if needed.
9. Check out local goodies at Coolangatta Markets
This buzzing beachside arts and crafts market is one of the most popular things to do in Coolangatta Gold Coast, and you’re sure to see plenty of locals checking out what’s on offer.
Coolangatta Markets takes place every second Sunday of the month and includes 150+ stalls serving local handicrafts and yummy street food from around the region. There’s also live entertainment!
Visiting regional markets or going on food tours (like these fun walking Sydney food tours) can be a fun way to support local businesses and try out some local goodies, and Coolangatta Markets is certainly no exception!
Activities in Coolangatta
10. Whale watching
If you’re visiting between May and September, whale watching is definitely one of the top things to do Coolangatta offers!
In fact, 30000 humpback whales migrate past the Gold Coast from Antarctica during these months, which is why this coastal passage is also fondly known as the Humpback Highway!
You can view the whales for free at one of the Coolangatta lookout spots, such as Snapper Rocks or Point Danger – they’re perfect vantage points for more than just watching surfers! These fascinating creatures have been seen as close to 50 metres from the shoreline.
Alternatively, get closer to tense gentle giants on a Coolangatta whale-watching tour. You can swim with whales or enjoy a safari-style whale adventure with Cooly Eco Adventures.
11. Skydiving
If you’re looking for exciting things to do in Coolangatta Australia, it won’t get much better than skydiving over the Gold Coast!
With highly experienced instructors, exceptional aerial views, and a beach landing on the sublime Kirra Beach, Coolangatta is a great place to tick skydiving off your bucket list.
You can book your experience with Gold Coast Skydive. They’ve been operating since 1988, so they are well-suited to help you take your first jump and make the most of this exhilarating experience.
12. Snorkelling
Take a snorkelling tour from Coolangatta for your chance to swim alongside the biodiverse nature at Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, a 20-minute boat ride away.
An experienced crew will provide all the gear you need, including hot drinks and snacks, before you reach the island and have an opportunity to swim with sea turtles.
The island is also home to various fish, rays, corals, and crustaceans, so there’s plenty to see once you’ve donned your snorkel and fins. On the boat trip out, you might see a range of seabirds, eagles, or dolphins if you’re lucky!
Find out more about snorkelling in Coolangatta on the Cooly Eco Adventures website.
13. Surfing
Coolangatta and surfing go together like the moon and the tide.
From beginner surfing at Rainbow Bay to significant surf breaks at Kirra Point and competitive waves at Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta welcomes surfers of all abilities.
Never surfed before and want to learn? Check out Coolangatta Learn to Surf; with 30+ years of coaching experience, total beginners will be in safe hands while taking on the waves for the first time!
Things to do near Coolangatta
14. Tweed Heads
Bordering Coolangatta QLD, Tweed Heads is the Northernmost suburb of NSW.
Things to do in Tweed Heads:
- Enjoy a gentle stroll on the Walk on Water Walking track
- Walk up to Fingal Head and visit Fingal Head Lighthouse
- Go kayaking along Tweed River.
- Learn about the area’s past and cultural present at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum.
15. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is undoubtedly one of the most famous things to do around Coolangatta. However, as an animal lover, I didn’t visit personally as I wasn’t sure if I’d find it upsetting.
Just a 10-minute drive from Coolangatta, the sanctuary hosts over 1400 native Aussie animals within 27 hectares of rainforest. The organisation is not-for-profit, and proceeds go towards wildlife and conservation programs.
If you’re an ethical animal lover, avoid activities that involve touching, picking up (yikes…) or feeding wild animals. The sanctuary does excellent things for native wildlife, especially sick and injured animals, but it’s much kinder to allow animals to do their own thing and watch them from afar. Instead of paying extra for these questionable activities, why not donate directly to their conservation projects instead?
Ultimately, I included it on this list as I know you’ll see this activity elsewhere, so I might as well add some extra food for thought. And, to be clear, I’m not an expert on this sanctuary or whether it’s ethical or not! I’m sure the people working here care deeply for the environment and the wildlife living within it.
Coolangatta things to do FAQ
Is Coolangatta a good place for a holiday?
Yes, Coolangatta is a great place for a holiday. Not only is it home to some beautiful beaches and plenty of fun activities, but it’s also a short distance to some of the Gold Coast’s best attractions and home to an international airport.
Is Coolangatta a part of the Gold Coast?
Yes, Coolangatta is part of the Gold Coast. Coolangatta is the southernmost suburb in the Gold Coast and also in Queensland and borders New South Wales.
Is Coolangatta QLD or NSW?
Coolangatta is in Gold Coast, Queensland. Coolangatta is the southernmost suburb in the state and borders New South Wales. While in Coolangatta, visitors can easily step across the border from Queensland into New South Wales.
Things to do in Coolangatta when raining?
With so many fun outdoor activities, you may feel a bit lost on things to do in Coolangatta on a gloomy day.
Although I was lucky to have sunshine throughout my stay, if you’re not so fortunate, you can pass the time by visiting the Cinebar cinema in Coolangatta or checking out one of the many cute local restaurants.
There are also shops in The Strand Shopping Centre, though I’m not much of a shopper so I am not sure how much time you’d want to spend here!
If you have kids to entertain, you could take them to play arcade games or laser tag at TimeZone or bowling at Coolangatta Tweed Tenpin.
Of course, don’t let a little rain stop you from checking out the views! Take the walkway to Rainbow Bay or the esplanade around Kirra Beach if you’re not keen on wet sand.
Where to stay in Coolangatta?
Boutique hotel: The Pink Hotel (TOP PICK!)
For a stylish and retro boutique hotel, The Pink Hotel Coolangatta should be top of your list when it comes to Coolangatta accommodation! Set within a refurbished 1950s building right opposite the beach, the hotel was refurbished and reopened in 2018.
If its pink exterior doesn’t convince you of its charm, then it’s Scandavaian-inspired interior and colourful wall art might. The Pink Hotel is in the heart of the town, and there’s also an award-winning restaurant onsite and fab rooftop views over the ocean.
If you’re into aesthetic places (and judging by the popularity of my Sydney photography and Melbourne photo spot lists, I know that’s a lot of you), then you really can’t do better than this cute retro spot.
Check rates and availability for the Pink Hotel Coolangatta.
Budget option: Coolangatta YHA
For budget Coolangatta accommodation, book Coolangatta YHA Backpackers. The hostel has an outdoor pool, well-equipped kitchen, games room and lounge, and a large garden area with BBQs. The hostel is just 250 metres from North Kirra Beach; rent a surfboard from the tour desk and hit the famous Coolangatta waves.
Check rates and availability for the Coolangatta YHA.
If you don’t fancy a hostel, you could also try Greenmount Beach House, a mid-range hotel that’s 100 metres away from Greenmount Beach with a mix of private and family rooms.
Family-friendly accommodation: Pyramid Holiday Park
Pyramid Holiday Park is a great option for families. Not only is it close to the main Coolangatta attractions, but it also has an onsite playground and outdoor swimming pool with a shallow end, plus daily bird feeding shows.
Air-conditioned cabins feature a kitchenette, TV, and a private outdoor seating area. Other park facilities include a game room, tour desk, minimarket, shared kitchen, garden and BBQ facilities.
Best luxury option: Reflection on the Sea
You can’t help but be won over by the sublime ocean views from every beachside apartment at Reflection on the Sea. Each luxurious suite has a smart, stylish and contemporary layout which includes a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and fabulous views.
Onsite, guests have access to a 25-metre heated outdoor lap pool, a gym, a resort movie theatre, a guest lounge with billiards and a BBQ area, plus a sauna, steam room, and spa pool.
I hope this post will help you plan your trip to the Gold Coast and discover the best things to do in Coolangatta Queensland.
I have traveled through a bit of Australia but missed out on Coolangatta. It seems to be a great place with views, water related activities, cafes and great looking beaches. I would love to go to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy the interactive experiences with animals. Snapper rocks look awesome!