Coolangatta

Gold Coast

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

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 HK$1,155 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
HK$1,155
HK$1,155 total
26 Oct - 27 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! (2,218 reviews)
Relaxed
Perfect spot for 1 night away post cruise

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

4 out of 5
76 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is HK$1,777 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
HK$1,777
HK$1,954 total
28 Oct - 29 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! (504 reviews)
We’ve stayed at the iconic several times and we love it. Perfectly positioned!

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2025

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
X Kirra Apartments

X Kirra Apartments

4.5 out of 5
72 Musgrave St, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is HK$2,306 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
HK$2,306
HK$2,537 total
29 Oct - 30 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! (194 reviews)
Lovely apartment, great location

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

X Kirra Apartments
The Pink Hotel Coolangatta

The Pink Hotel Coolangatta

3.5 out of 5
171 Griffith St, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is HK$964 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
HK$964
HK$1,061 total
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (420 reviews)
The hotel is very nice a cozy. Rooms are very spacious, well equipped and in good shape. All the rooms have vinyl record player and you can just ask for them in the front desk. The staff was super friendly and attentive. The location is great, right by all the restaurants and shops. From a traveler ...

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

The Pink Hotel Coolangatta
Novotel Surfers Paradise

Novotel Surfers Paradise

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is HK$857 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
HK$857
HK$943 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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! (1,299 reviews)
We thoroughly enjoed our stay at novotel surfers paradise. So central to everything. Breakfast was amazing Staff were lovely. Bed was so comfortable. Check in and out was easy. Highly recommend staying here. Great view from our balcony too

Reviewed on 18 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 HK$1,857 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
HK$1,857
HK$2,043 total
26 Oct - 27 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! (627 reviews)
Food and service first class

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel 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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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 a river or creek and forest scenes

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
Default Image

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 which includes a sandy beach, central business district and tropical scenes

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
Default Image

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