Coolangatta

Gold Coast

Coolangatta showing a sunset, a city and general coastal views
Coolangatta showing views, a coastal town and a beach
Coolangatta featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Coolangatta Beach showing surfing, general coastal views and skyline
Coolangatta which includes general coastal views, a beach and a coastal town

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

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 neighbor, 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 P16,982 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P16,982
P18,681 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (179 reviews)
"Great apartment with ocean views. Close to lots of dining out options."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

X Kirra Apartments
Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

4 out of 5
76 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta, QLD
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! (499 reviews)
Great location and view
"Nice apartment overlooking the beach. Handy to playground and walkway"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
Mantra Coolangatta Beach

Mantra Coolangatta Beach

4.5 out of 5
88 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is P8,356 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P8,356
P8,356 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,525 reviews)
"Good location. Close to shops and beach."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Mantra Coolangatta Beach
The Pink Hotel Coolangatta

The Pink Hotel Coolangatta

3.5 out of 5
171 Griffith St, Coolangatta, QLD
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! (412 reviews)
"Had such a good stay here! Will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

The Pink Hotel Coolangatta
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

5 out of 5
6 Orchid Ave Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,731 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,731
P8,505 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,002 reviews)
"convenient location, friendly staffs, noisy during weekend nights due to night club next door."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
Dorsett Gold Coast

Dorsett Gold Coast

4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is P5,545 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,545
P6,100 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,481 reviews)
"Plenty of food and bars, right near the tram. Staff helpful, room nice and clean."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Dorsett 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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Kirra

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

Kirra
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Tugun

Tugun is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Tugun Beach or Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tugun
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary which includes 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 which includes general coastal views, a high rise building and city 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 known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by North Burleigh Lookout and Nobby Beach while in the area.

Miami

Coolangatta