Coolangatta Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Coolangatta showing a high-rise building, a city and general coastal views
Coolangatta featuring a beach, a coastal town and views
Coolangatta which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
Coolangatta Beach which includes waves, general coastal views and skyline
Coolangatta which includes general coastal views, night scenes and a beach

Uncrowded beaches and a carefree attitude make Gold Coast’s southernmost suburb a perfect respite from busy Surfers Paradise.

If you are getting tired of the Gold Coast’s party-hungry lifestyle, head to the southern suburb of Coolangatta. While it shares the wide beaches and high-rise apartments of the rest of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta is famous for its peaceful atmosphere, relaxed residents and family-friendly beaches. Recline on the beach, learn how to surf and watch the sunrise from a mountain peak.

Explore the variety of beach options spread throughout the Coolangatta area. The long stretch of Coolangatta Beach offers plenty of space to spread out a towel and sunbathe. Just north, Kirra Beach offers several kilometres of uninterrupted sand perfect for a walk along the coast. Both Coolangatta and Kirra Beach are generally safe to swim, but the waves can get choppy. In case of rough conditions, head to Rainbow Bay to the south, which is protected from heavy surf.

Surfing is one of the most popular pastimes in Coolangatta. If you are an experienced surfer, ride the waves at Snapper Rocks or Duranbah Beach, which offer some of the best surfing on the Gold Coast. If you are a beginner, Coolangatta is a great place to learn. Book some lessons with a local surfing instructor to get started.

Just off the Coolangatta coastline lies Cook Island, a tiny landmass surrounded by a coral reef. Book a seat on a diving boat to explore the reef and see if you can spot native turtles and rays.

Head to the southwest of Coolangatta to find a rich natural landscape of hills and rainforest. Mount Warning stands here, the peak of which is the first place on the Australian continent that receives sunlight each morning. Hike the trail to the peak of the mountain by dawn and watch the sunrise.

Coolangatta is located on the Queensland-New South Wales border and is just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane. Experience the beauty of the Gold Coast without the noise of Surfers Paradise on the beaches of Coolangatta.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Coolangatta Hotel Deals

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

4 out of 5
76 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is NZ$429 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
NZ$429
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (494 reviews)
"Clean spacious apartment. Wonderful"

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
X Kirra Apartments

X Kirra Apartments

4.5 out of 5
72 Musgrave St, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is NZ$527 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$527
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Kirra Beach and Coolangatta Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (175 reviews)
"Beautiful well appointed apartment that ticked all the boxes"

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

X Kirra Apartments
The Pink Hotel Coolangatta

The Pink Hotel Coolangatta

3.5 out of 5
171 Griffith St, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is NZ$228 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$228
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (407 reviews)
"Loved the retro look of the room, as well as it's design being quite different from the norm. Especially enjoyed playing the vinyl records, something we haven't done for many years."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

The Pink Hotel Coolangatta
Mantra Coolangatta Beach

Mantra Coolangatta Beach

4.5 out of 5
88 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is NZ$246 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$246
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,523 reviews)
"Good location. Close to shops and beach."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Mantra Coolangatta Beach
voco Gold Coast by IHG

voco Gold Coast by IHG

4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$187 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
NZ$187
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Good hotel with the basics."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

voco Gold Coast by IHG
Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast

Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast

5 out of 5
2669 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is NZ$178 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$178
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,300 reviews)
"Incredibly consistent place to stay which never fails to disappoint in terms of location, service, price and amenities. Easy walking distance to everything you need, well appointed rooms, friendly and knowledgeable staff and plenty of pool space for kids. Would recommend to anyone!"

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Coolangatta

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Tugun

Tugun is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Tugun Beach and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary while you're in town.

Tugun
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary showing forests and a river or creek

Currumbin

Unique features of Currumbin include the beaches and spas. Make a stop by Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary or Currumbin Beach while you're exploring the area.

Currumbin
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Palm Beach

Palm Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Tallebudgera Creek and Palm Beach while in the area.

Palm Beach
Burleigh Beach featuring city views, a skyscraper and tropical scenes

Burleigh Heads

A noteworthy feature of Burleigh Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Head National Park.

Burleigh Heads
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Miami

Miami is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Nobby Beach or Burleigh Golf Club.

Miami
Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Nobby Beach and Putt Putt Golf Mermaid Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Gold Coast.

Mermaid Beach


Coolangatta Travel Guide

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