Coolangatta Beach Tours and Activities

Coolangatta Beach showing a sunset, general coastal views and a coastal town
Coolangatta Beach which includes a sunset, surf and general coastal views
Coolangatta Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and a city
Coolangatta Beach which includes general coastal views, a skyscraper and a city
Coolangatta Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and a sunset


This city at the southern tip of the Gold Coast has some of the most pristine beaches, and clear water for swimming, fishing and diving.

The beaches at Coolangatta include Rainbow Bay, Greenmount and Kirra. The first two are the Gold Coast’s only north-facing beaches, making them more sheltered with calmer water ideal for swimming. Walk or jog along the paths of the oceanfront park or visit the mall along the coast on a sunny winter’s day. Pods of dolphins and migrating whales can sometimes be seen head to Snapper Rocks at the New South Wales border for the best views.

This Queensland border city is named to commemorate a ship that was wrecked nearby in 1846. The sheltered beaches found here have been a popular holiday destination since the late 1800s. The city enjoys a slower pace than the bustling centre of the Gold Coast, and it’s only a half-hour drive away from all the action.

Coolangatta’s beaches are quieter than those around Surfers Paradise, the busy commercial hub at the north end of the Gold Coast. The smaller waves at Coolangatta are safer for children and others who aren’t strong swimmers. Kirra is popular with families as it tends to be quieter than the northern Gold Coast beaches. Rainbow Bay has tree-shaded playgrounds right near the shore.

At Greenmount, take a surfing lesson or rent scuba gear to explore the underwater world. Book a boat tour to the Cook Island Marine Reserve at the local diving centre. Whale-watching tours run from May to October.

Head to Showcase on the Beach for shopping, dining and entertainment. Here you can enjoy open-air dining with ocean views and try an Australian Outback Grill, or European or Asian cuisine. The centre offers free parking in the heart of Coolangatta.

Learn about the native population of this area at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre and visit a sacred Bora Ring initiation site just across the border.

Coolangatta is near the Gold Coast Airport along the Gold Coast Highway. Remember to always swim between the flags. Fishing regulations apply, so if you’d like to try catching your lunch or dinner, check at the local tackle shops for size limits and protected species.

Plan a trip to see Coolangatta Beach

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The Peninsula at Hope Island
Azzura Greens Resort
Gold Coast Private Apartments

Tours & day trips

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Classes & workshops

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Wildlife & nature

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Reviews of Coolangatta Beach

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1020
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
663
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
49
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

tops

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

If you get to Coolangatta Beach ensure you go up to Point Danger to check out the views and down to the Tweed river which is also beautiful & perfect for diving/snorkelling on a clear day

2/5 - Disappointing

KM

Lots of rubbish on the beach and strong current on the day we visited

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Best beach in Australia

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

one block away from Twin Towns

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

No shade, definitely need umbrella or sun shade

Popular places to visit


Top Coolangatta Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
4 out of 5
99 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, QLD
Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
Mantra Twin Towns
Mantra Twin Towns
4 out of 5
Corner Griffith & Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, NSW
Mantra Twin Towns
Mantra Coolangatta Beach
Mantra Coolangatta Beach
4.5 out of 5
88 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, QLD
Mantra Coolangatta Beach
The Pink Hotel Coolangatta
The Pink Hotel Coolangatta
3.5 out of 5
171 Griffith St, Coolangatta, QLD
The Pink Hotel Coolangatta
The Sebel Twin Towns Coolangatta
The Sebel Twin Towns Coolangatta
3.5 out of 5
Corner of Griffith Street & Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, NSW
The Sebel Twin Towns Coolangatta
Reflection Tower Two
Reflection Tower Two
4.5 out of 5
110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, QLD
Reflection Tower Two
Tweed Ultima Apartments
Tweed Ultima Apartments
4.5 out of 5
20 Stuart Street, Tweed Heads, NSW
Tweed Ultima Apartments
Reflection on the Sea
Reflection on the Sea
4.5 out of 5
120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, QLD
Reflection on the Sea
Calypso Plaza Unit 220 - Coolangatta Beachfront - Min. 3 Night Stays!
Calypso Plaza Unit 220 - Coolangatta Beachfront - Min. 3 Night Stays!
Coolangatta
Calypso Plaza Unit 220 - Coolangatta Beachfront - Min. 3 Night Stays!
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.