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The southern Gold Coast suburb of Coolangatta is nestled on the Queensland-New South Wales border. This premier surfing destination is beloved for its outdoor and nature attractions, beach restaurants and shops and access to nearby hinterland destinations.

Things to do

For iconic beachfront shopping, head to Coolangatta’s Showcase Shopping Centre, located along Marine Parade. Popular retail venues include the Coolangatta Market, where you can find great deals on local artisan goods. The area is also home to popular seafood restaurants where you can find exquisite fish, crab and prawns caught right offshore.

If you enjoy surfing, be sure to visit during the legendary Quiksilver Pro or Roxy Pro competitions at Snapper Rocks during March. You can head out into the water yourself, selecting the best breaks off the coast north of Kirra Point or learning from experienced surfers at a number of surf schools. Of all the area’s great beaches, the iconic Superbank is perhaps the most popular for surfing.

Do you enjoy the opera? Check out a live performance by Gold Coast Opera on the beach for an unforgettable night under the stars. For peace and quiet, head up to the headland of Point Danger, which marks the border between Queensland and New South Wales. Here you can enjoy a picnic, check out the lighthouse and soak up uninterrupted coastal views.

Want to get out on the town? Coolangatta provides lively nightlife, such as the tiki bar Tupe Aloha, and is also home to the “Number One Nostalgia Festival in Australia”, Cooly Rocks On, held over five days of pre-1970 cars, rock music and rockabilly dancing.

Getting around

Getting around Coolangatta is easy with multiple coastal bus and train routes connecting this suburb to the other Gold Coast suburbs and Brisbane beyond. The nearby Gold Coast Airport services domestic flights from all over Australia, as well as flights from New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore. Walking or cycling is best for soaking up the atmosphere, or you can hire a scooter for faster transportation.