Coolangatta

Gold Coast

Coolangatta featuring general coastal views, a city and a high-rise building
Coolangatta which includes a beach, views and a coastal town
Coolangatta featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
Coolangatta Beach featuring skyline, surfing and a city
Coolangatta which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

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

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites

4 out of 5
99 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is S$221 per night from 9 Oct to 10 Oct
S$221
9 Oct - 10 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a sauna. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,207 reviews)
"The location is 10/10. The pool area is wonderful and the children loved the waterslides. The apartment itself was very tired, in need of reflooring and an overall upgrade. Saturday night was very noisy with other guests and general neighbourhood noise however the location and access to the beach ..."

Reviewed on 24 Sept, 2025

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
X Kirra Apartments

X Kirra Apartments

4.5 out of 5
72 Musgrave St, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is S$389 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
S$389
13 Oct - 14 Oct
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! (191 reviews)
"Wonderful view, excellent location. Carpark is not suitable for larger cars. Shower water goes all over floor regardless of how hard you try to keep it in the shower."

Reviewed on 4 Oct, 2025

X Kirra Apartments
Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

4 out of 5
76 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is S$329 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
S$329
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (503 reviews)
"We’ve stayed at the iconic several times and we love it. Perfectly positioned!"

Reviewed on 11 Sept, 2025

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
Novotel Surfers Paradise

Novotel Surfers Paradise

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is S$165 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
S$165
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,274 reviews)
"Staff are great as well as the breakfast buffet"

Reviewed on 7 Oct, 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
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 S$345 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
S$345
13 Oct - 14 Oct
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (614 reviews)
"Clean room, great location, excellent views! Loved the pool"

Reviewed on 6 Oct, 2025

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
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 S$256 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
S$256
12 Oct - 13 Oct
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Everything was awesome we really loved our stay with the Hilton a few minor things that could’ve been better Firstly the Dryer didnt turn off even with a clean filter we felt the Aircon could’ve been a bit stronger took a long time to cool the room down And I felt the gym needed more weights maybe ..."

Reviewed on 4 Oct, 2025

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & 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 featuring forest scenes 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 tropical scenes, a beach and central business district

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