BEST OF COOLANGATTA AND BEYOND

A Tale of Two Cities

This chapter tells the tale of two cities straddling state borders. Coolangatta is cradled on the southern end of Queensland’s beautiful Gold Coast, while its southern twin, Tweed Heads, is nestled in the northern-most corner of New South Wales.

Coolangatta is the laid-back home of squeaky sand beaches, amazing restaurants, local surf legends and world-class waves. Its slower pace and casual coastal culture make it the perfect place to sit and soak in the sunshine at waterfront cafes, laze on soft, sandy beaches or feel the rush of a fun-filled surf lesson. The sprawling coastline features beautiful beaches such as Kirra, Greenmount and Rainbow Bay, crowned in the south by the iconic surf breaks of Snapper Rocks. The suburb exudes an old-school beachside charm, paired with oceanfront accommodation, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Flock to Coolangatta for retro festivals and annual pro surf competitions, as well as relaxed retreats for all ages and abilities.

Further south, Tweed Head’s unspoilt beaches, meandering rivers, and peaceful valleys beckon you over the border, inviting you to explore its hidden treasures.

Right on the state divide sits Twin Towns. This local institution offers concerts, restaurants, travelling events, and casino style gambling for those feeling lucky. Also perched on the state divide is historic Point Danger. This scenic headland overlooks the legendary swell of Duranbah Beach, where experienced surfers brave the waves. It’s also home to the Captain Cook Memorial and Point Danger Lighthouse. The Captain Cook memorial features a bronze statue of British explorer Captain James Cook gazing out towards the horizon, symbolizing his pioneering spirit and the historic significance of his voyage to Australia’s east coast in 1770.

With friendly, laid-back locals, excellent beachfront accommodation offerings and endless stretches of golden coastline caressed by perfect waves, it’s no wonder Coolangatta is setting the scene for countless happy holiday memories!

Southern Gold Coast Surf Culture

The cruisy coastal community of Coolangatta is steeped in surf culture and history, dating back to around the 1960’s, when surfing gained significant popularity on the Gold Coast. Surfers embraced the coastal lifestyle, which revolved around catching waves, soaking up the sun, and embracing the laid-back beach culture.

The area's proximity to world-class breaks such as Snapper Rocks and Kirra Beach attracted surfers from near and far. These breaks, known for their long, hollow waves, became renowned for challenging and exhilarating surfing experiences. In 2016, a 16-kilometre stretch of coastline from Burleigh Point to Snapper Rocks was officially declared the 8th World Surf Reserve, on account of its perfect point breaks, esteemed local surf legends and flourishing surf culture.

Coolangatta has also been a breeding ground for many talented surfers. Local legend Michael Peterson helped put the southern Gold Coast on the global surfing map. His international achievements and influence are now immortalised on a bronze and granite monument located at Kirra Beach. Surfers like Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, and Stephanie Gilmore all honed their skills in the area, and have left an indelible mark on the sport. The town has also played host to major surfing events, including the Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro, attracting professional surfers and spectators from around the world.

You can learn more about local surf culture and history at Surf World Gold Coast. Queensland’s only surfing museum is open daily at 35 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, featuring an extensive exhibition on the evolution of surfboard design, as well as photographs, cinematography, and other memorabilia.

With its pristine beaches, warm coastal culture and iconic beach breaks, Coolangatta continues to be a vibrant surf destination, attracting surfers of all skill levels. Surfing is a way of life for many residents, with surf clubs and surf schools dotting the coastline.

Oceanway Walk – Kirra Beach to Rainbow Bay

To appreciate the glorious coastline without having to brave the waves, take a wander along the Oceanway - a peaceful coastal promenade connecting Kirra Beach to Point Danger.

The wide, concrete pathway winds its way around Kirra Hill and Greenmount Hill, before reaching its conclusion at Apex Park and Point Danger Lookout.

Start your journey at Kirra Beach, the spiritual home of surfing on the Gold Coast. Grab a coffee at one of the quaint, sun-kissed cafes, and soak in the mellow, laid-back energy of this cruisy community. As you continue, you’ll probably hear the laughter of children echoing through Roughton Park as you pass by. The park features a shaded playground, barbecues, picnic tables with shelters and beach showers.

The path then meanders its way around Kirra Point, a small rocky headland which separates Kirra Beach from Coolangatta. There’s a short track to the top of Kirra Hill Lookout, which features an iron eagle sculpture and an impressive outlook over the southern coastline.

The walkway continues to hug the coast as you make your way past Coolangatta Beach. Take a deep breath and inhale the sweet, salty air. Listen to the calming soundtrack of the sea, and feel the breeze tousle your hair. On warmer days, take a refreshing dip in the ocean as you continue past Greenmount Beach, and feel your stress subside with the rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves.

The promenade then follows the water’s edge around Greenmount Point to Rainbow Bay. Listen for the raucous cries of gulls as they dive for fish along the shoreline. Offshore, dolphins are sometimes spotted playing in the waves.

Finally, the path makes a rather steep ascent towards its conclusion at Apex Park and Point Danger Lookout, where you can triumphantly place a foot on either side of the state border.

Take On The Tweed

Take a leisurely country drive beyond the border to discover fertile farmlands and hidden tasty treats.

Tucked between the Tweed Valley and the Pacific Ocean, just inland from the seaside community of Kingscliff you’ll find Tropical Fruit World. This family-owned labour of love is far more than a working fruit farm – it’s a fruity feast for the senses! Set amidst the rainforest, this 200-acre farm operates harmoniously with nature to produce over 500 fruit varieties from around the world. Enjoy a fully guided tour of the orchards aboard a tractor train to gain inspiring insights into farming life. Delight your tastebuds and explore new flavours with an exotic fruit tasting experience, where every season brings fresh new sensations. Shop for fresh produce at the onsite fruit market, or hand-made gifts and skincare products at the retail shop. Feeling peckish? The onsite Plantation Café offers a selection of fine food showcasing the freshest local produce and farm-fresh fruit bursting with flavour. Tropical Fruit World’s tours, café, fruit market and retail shop are open seven days a week. Tour bookings are essential.

Once you’ve had your fruit fix, it’s just a seven-minute drive along the banks of the Tweed River to the charming country surrounds of Husk Farm Distillery. This is Australia’s only single estate rum distillery, and the proud home of Ink Gin. Go behind the scenes to learn the secrets of distilling on a guided Distillery Tour, complete with spirit sampling in the barrel house. Then relax on the outdoor deck or spread out a picnic blanket on the soft, green grass overlooking tranquil cattle and cane paddocks and the towering peaks of Mount Warning in the distance. Linger over a sumptuous long lunch paired with a gin and rum flights, or innovative cocktails. You’re sure to leave Husk Farm Distillery in high spirits!

Accessibility

With the Gold Coast Airport just a kilometre down the road, you could be bathing in the warm beachside bliss of Coolangatta within mere minutes of disembarking. A range of ground transport options including taxis and rideshare services, transfers and rental cars are available at the terminal.

Coolangatta is serviced by a fleet of local public buses. For journey planning and ticketing information please visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

Kirra, Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay beaches all feature permanent beach access ramps to the soft sand only at the top of the beach.

At the time of publishing, the Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse at Point Danger were closed for upgrades, which will rejuvenate the area and provide much-needed public toilets with safe and wheelchair-friendly access around the building and up to the viewing deck.

The Oceanway network is designed to improve accessibility for all. There are accessible viewing platforms, and the route is serviced by the local Kinetic bus network. The Oceanway path is between 3.5 metres to 5 metres wide to provide space for pedestrians and cyclists. Accessible drinking fountains are also provided.

Tropical Fruit World is a working farm, with some naturally uneven pathways and walking surfaces. Enclosed footwear is recommended. Tour participants must be able to walk short distances and board vehicles unaided. Wheelchairs, walking frames and prams cannot be taken on board tour vehicles.

The fully guided Tropical Fruit World and Husk Farm Distillery tours offer audio commentary and multi-sensory elements. Tropical Fruit World tours include a fruit tasting experience, while Husk Distillery Tours allow guests to smell and touch the botanicals that go into making Ink Gin, as well as sample the final products of the distilling process. A range of tour operators and local shuttle services offer transport between Gold Coast and Tweed Coast attractions.