Coolangatta Travel Guide

Gold Coast

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

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Coolangatta

X Kirra Apartments

X Kirra Apartments

4.5 out of 5
72 Musgrave St, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is £238 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
£238
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Kirra Beach and Coolangatta Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (181 reviews)
"this was our 3rd stay in successive years. Great apartment, excellent parking on site, fabulous views, light and sun. Bed OK although not the most comfortable. Could do with blinds on Nthwest windows as TV could not be seen in afternoon-only a small inconvenience."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

X Kirra Apartments
Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

4 out of 5
76 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is £186 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
£186
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (499 reviews)
Great location and view
"Nice apartment overlooking the beach. Handy to playground and walkway"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
Mantra Coolangatta Beach

Mantra Coolangatta Beach

4.5 out of 5
88 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is £108 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
£108
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,525 reviews)
"Good location. Close to shops and beach."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Mantra Coolangatta Beach
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 £110 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
£110
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
QT Gold Coast

QT Gold Coast

5 out of 5
Cnr Gold Coast Highway And Staghorn Ave, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is £140 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£140
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Had an ok stay!
"We had five nights in a suite and were very disappointed on check in to find balconies were all closed off atm. We wanted some fresh air and to sit there. The bed was really too soft, might be getting a bit old? The bathroom was nice and big and had a second toilet. View was good. We also found the ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

QT Gold Coast
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences

5 out of 5
38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is £214 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
£214
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (592 reviews)
"Staff made this a lovely stay. Just the right balance between luxury and informal. Location is great. Right on the beach but dining options are a little limited unless you’re willing to walk a bit. Rooms are great with nice decor and well appointed. Double glazed for efficiency and noise suppression ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel 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 showing a high-rise building, city views and general coastal views

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 North Burleigh Lookout or Nobby Beach.

Miami


Coolangatta Travel Guide

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