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

Enjoy the beaches, sip a coffee at a groovy café and enjoy the simple pleasures of an ocean-front holiday.

Coolangatta is right on the border between New South Wales and Queensland. It’s the Gold Coast’s southernmost suburb and is best known for its chilled-out locals and great beaches. You’ll still find luxury apartments and good restaurants, but don’t expect the nightclubs, sports cars, and parties of nearby Surfers Paradise. Coolangatta has escaped the high-rise madness and tourist frenzy of its neighbour, and is, above all, a place to relax and a favourite for families.

Grab your sunscreen, change into your swimwear, and jump into the waves. Coolangatta Beach is always patrolled, and conditions are suitable for all ages. There’s always plenty of room with a huge expanse of white sand. The waves here can be any size, but if conditions are rough, walk south to nearby Rainbow Bay, which ideal for smaller children. To really escape the crowds, Kirra Beach, just to the north, is at the beginning of miles of uncrowded beach and is perfect for a long walk. Keen surfers will find plenty of options around Coolangatta. Advanced surfers flock to Duranbah Beach and Snapper Rocks, which have some of the most reliable breaks on the Gold Coast.

If you’ve never caught a wave but want to give it a go, organise a few lessons with a local surf school. Instructors are professional and can cater to those of various ages and skill levels. For a look at what’s under the waves, take a diving trip out to Cook Island. There are packages for both novices and more experienced divers.

The hinterland to the south west of Coolangatta has some pristine natural areas to explore. Climb Mount Warning before dawn, and you will be the first to see the sun in Australia. The views from the top are stunning, and the walk itself, while strenuous, takes you through lush rain forest.

Coolangatta is one of the best places to enjoy the Gold Coast’s stunning beaches, away from the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Coolangatta Hotel Deals

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites

4 out of 5
99 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$259 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
AU$259
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a sauna. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,210 reviews)
"Clean room very spacious"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
X Kirra Apartments

X Kirra Apartments

4.5 out of 5
72 Musgrave St, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is AU$471 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$471
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (195 reviews)
"Beautiful stay in a beautiful apartment. Will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

X Kirra Apartments
Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

4 out of 5
76 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is AU$390 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
AU$390
23 Oct - 24 Oct
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! (503 reviews)
"We’ve stayed at the iconic several times and we love it. Perfectly positioned!"

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2025

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
The Pink Hotel Coolangatta

The Pink Hotel Coolangatta

3.5 out of 5
171 Griffith St, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is AU$207 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
AU$207
4 Nov - 5 Nov
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! (418 reviews)
"Quirky hotel. Comfy beds. Friendly staff. Awesome location."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

The Pink Hotel Coolangatta
Novotel Surfers Paradise

Novotel Surfers Paradise

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is AU$198 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$198
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,292 reviews)
"We were a family of 4. Had a great view of Surfers Beach from our room. 2 minute walk to the light rail. Staff were amazing. Room was very spacious. Will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

5 out of 5
6 Orchid Ave Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is AU$288 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$288
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"The view is stunning but can be very noisy on the weekend nights"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
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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Kirra

Kirra is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Border Park Raceway and Gold Coast Skydive while you're in town.

Kirra
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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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Burleigh Waters

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Burleigh Waters. You might want to make time for a stop at Stockland Burleigh Heads Shopping Centre or Burleigh Knoll Conservation Park.

Burleigh Waters


Coolangatta Travel Guide

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