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

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
X Kirra Apartments

X Kirra Apartments

4.5 out of 5
72 Musgrave St, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is P16,857 per night from Sep 10 to Sep 11
P16,857
P18,543 total
Sep 10 - Sep 11
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! (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 Aug 19, 2025

X Kirra Apartments
Mantra Coolangatta Beach

Mantra Coolangatta Beach

4.5 out of 5
88 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is P8,294 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
P8,294
P8,294 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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
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 P7,704 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,704
P8,475 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
QT Gold Coast

QT Gold Coast

5 out of 5
Cnr Gold Coast Highway And Staghorn Ave, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P8,263 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P8,263
P9,089 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 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 Aug 18, 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 P14,947 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P14,947
P16,442 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (591 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 Aug 18, 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 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