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


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 Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (490 reviews)
"Great place to stay! Lots of nice places to eat nearby and straight out the front door onto the beautiful beac!!"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 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 ₹10,757 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹10,757
₹11,833 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (407 reviews)
"Loved the retro look of the room, as well as it's design being quite different from the norm. Especially enjoyed playing the vinyl records, something we haven't done for many years."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

The Pink Hotel Coolangatta
Mantra Coolangatta Beach

Mantra Coolangatta Beach

4.5 out of 5
88 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is ₹12,618 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹12,618
₹12,618 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (1,522 reviews)
"Staff were very welcoming and friendly. Facilities and hotel room were lovely. We had a great holiday and will definitely be back."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Mantra Coolangatta Beach
voco Gold Coast by IHG

voco Gold Coast by IHG

4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is ₹9,941 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹9,941
₹10,935 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Its the second time we have been in this hotel and againnwe had a good experience. If anything, we would've liked to be able to connect our phones to the TV to watch movies"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

voco Gold Coast by IHG
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 ₹9,923 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹9,923
₹10,916 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,014 reviews)
"Stunning views from the 2 bedroom Ocean view residence, spacious spaces and great facilities. Room was slightly dated but very clean. Walking distance to good restaurants, bars and the beach. The buffet breakfast was one of the best I’ve had with great variety Staff were very helpful and ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 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 ₹7,609 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹7,609
₹8,370 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,481 reviews)
"Good location, cheap"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 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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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 Mallawa Drive Sports Complex and Tallebudgera Creek 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 Nobby Beach or Miami Marketta.

Miami
Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Nobby Beach and Putt Putt Golf Mermaid Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Gold Coast.

Mermaid Beach


Coolangatta Travel Guide