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$182 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
S$182
2 Jul - 3 Jul
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! (2,159 reviews)
"It’s ok"

Reviewed on 25 Jun, 2025

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
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! (401 reviews)
"Classic style. Very well appointed. Best location."

Reviewed on 27 Jun, 2025

The Pink Hotel 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! (486 reviews)
"Close to everything. Clean and really quiet"

Reviewed on 17 Jun, 2025

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
Mantra Coolangatta Beach
Mantra Coolangatta Beach
4.5 out of 5
88 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is S$222 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
S$222
23 Jul - 24 Jul
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! (1,519 reviews)
"Great location, will be coming back"

Reviewed on 22 Jun, 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 S$150 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
S$150
2 Jul - 3 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Location was great, light rail right outside & easy parking on site"

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

voco Gold Coast by IHG
Novotel Surfers Paradise
Novotel Surfers Paradise
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$156 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$156
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,232 reviews)
"A bit dated"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
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 Tallebudgera Creek and Palm Beach 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 Miami Beach or Nobby Beach.

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