Book Accommodation

CoolangattaGold Coast Suburb Profile

Coolangatta is the Coast's most southern city, sharing the Queensland and New South Wales border with Tweed Heads (with which it shared the title of Queensland's first surf life saving club in 1911).

Home to the best surfing break on the Gold Coast, Coolangatta plays host to the biggest surfing event on the ASP World Tour calendar, the Quiksilver Pro. Coolangatta is also home to the Roxy Pro women's surfing championships, Cooly Rocks On (a rockabilly nostalgia festival) and the Coolangatta Gold Marathon. 

Affectionately known to locals as 'Cooly', the suburb has grown from a small beachside town into a thriving business, shopping and holiday location that offers something a little more relaxed, and a little less glitzy than its northern counterparts, something that the majority of southern Gold Coast suburbs have in common.

Southern Gold Coast Neighbourhoods

Rainbow Bay 

Known for its beautiful beach, Rainbow Bay is popular with both surfers and families wanting a safe swimming spot.

Located only minutes from the Coolangatta city centre, Rainbow Bay is considered a prime real estate location for those wanting to be close to the CBD, but far enough away to feel like you live in an oasis. Proximity to the many dining options, clubs, shops and Gold Coast Airport is also a bonus for many residents. 

Greenmount

One of the Coast's only north-facing beaches, it offers a safe swimming location and spectacular views up the coastline.

Located on the headland between Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay, this beach is popular for spotting dolphins and whales with several holiday accommodation providers in the area.

Point Danger

A walking path from Rainbow Bay leads to Point Danger, a steep and rocky headland with gorgeous views. Named by Captain Cook, Point Danger is home to the Captain Cook Memorial Lighthouse, a historical landmark that marks the Queensland and New South Wales border. Fun Fact: The lighthouse was the first in the world to experiment with laser technology in the 1970s. Source: Connecting Southern Gold Coast.

Kirra

Surfer central, Kirra boasts some amazing waves and is home to the legendary Kirra barrel. Located in northern Coolangatta, it's a beachside town with many residential apartments, although there's no shortage of Kirra holiday apartments due to its proximity to the airport.

Snapper Rocks

The world-famous Super Bank, Snapper is the favourite amongst surfers on the Gold Coast, being regarded as the longest, most consistent and most hollow wave in the world - and has been known to be able to transport surfers from Snapper to Kirra! Non-surfers can also enjoy great views of the Coast and out to sea, with whales often spotted migrating. 

Schools & Education

State Primary Schools

  • Coolangatta Preschool
  • Coolangatta State Primary School
  • Coolangatta Special School
  • Greenmount State Primary School

State High Schools

  • Tweed River High School
  • Palm Beach Currumbin High School

Private Schools

  • Lindisfarne Anglican School
  • St Joseph Catholic College
  • Lakeside Christian College

Tertiary

  • Southern Cross University Tweed Heads

Sports Clubs in Coolangatta

Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club

Two relaxing but testing courses, gently undulating to flat with wide fairways, moderate bunkering and some water in play. Club competitions are open to visitors with AGU or WGA handicaps. Membership is also available.
Location: Sorrley Street, Tweed Heads South NSW
Phone: 07 5524 4544

Coolangatta Croquet Club

Forge new friendships in a welcoming environment with all equipment provided. Discover the ease and enjoyment of learning this timeless game! Join us on our two full-sized courts for play sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8:30 am, Thursdays by appointment, and Sundays for Golf Croquet at 2 pm.
Location: 42 Lanham St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Phone: 0427 067 188

Coolangatta Bowls Club

Coolangatta Bowls Club offers a haven for lawn bowling enthusiasts and beachgoers alike. With meticulously maintained greens and a welcoming atmosphere, the club invites members and visitors to enjoy casual games, competitive tournaments, and social gatherings. Situated near the renowned Coolangatta Beach, patrons can easily transition from the thrill of surfing to the precision of bowls..
Location: Scott St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
(07) 5536 6677

Shopping Districts

Tweed Mall Shopping Centre

Featuring the major stores Target, Coles, Woolworths, McDonalds and Gloria Jeans, along with many specialty stores, 350-seat food court, fashion stores, homewares, electronics and much more. Located in the heart of the Coolangatta-Tweed commercial district.
Location: Cnr Wharf St & Bay St, Tweed Heads NSW

Tweed City Shopping Centre

This shopping centre features a cinema, and 140 specialty stores, and was recently redeveloped to include a fashion mall and many shopping favourites like JB Hi-Fi and Big W. 
Location: 54 Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed Heads 

Popular Bars, Clubs and Venues

Twin Towns Clubs & Resorts

Almost like another casino, Twin Towns is an incredibly popular venue for entertainment, dining and events on the southern Gold Coast. The resort and function area has world-class facilities and members receive several benefits including member specials and pre-sale periods for events.
Location: Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
Phone: 07 5536 2277

Coolangatta Hotel

The Cooly Hotel is one of the best live music venues on the Coast, offering a diverse mix of bands and talent and a great atmosphere. A highly popular venue, the Cooly Hotel has a new lineup each week, covering local, national and international acts and genres. 
Location: Cnr Warner Street & Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Phone: 07 5589 6888

Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images

Coolangatta Map

Things to do and seeOn the Gold Coast in Queensland

Theme Parks

Combo passes & packages

Free things to do

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cruises

Go to top