Coolangatta Beach Houses & Accommodation

A beautiful Gold Coast town, in the south of Queensland, Coolangatta is the perfect escape for when you want to get away from city life. Coolangatta is a popular holiday destination with stunning beach areas, markets, interesting festivals and options for outdoor activities for all visitors.

Coolangatta accommodation offers a convenient base for Gold Coast holidays, near the airport, with incredible beaches and views to enjoy. You'll find plenty of beach houses with beautiful ocean views, and a few small cottages, with sloped roofs and verandahs can still be seen around the city. Boarding houses were also popular, and modern-day equivalents provide wonderful options for travellers who want to experience traditional Coolangatta holiday accommodation.

Getting to Your Coolangatta Accommodation

Coolangatta is located at the very southern border of Queensland, shouldering New South Wales at its adjacent town of Tweed Heads, NSW. The Gold Coast International Airport is located in Coolangatta, only 2.4km (a five to 10min drive) from Kirra Beach. It's a busy international airport, with frequent services from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Newcastle, Hobart, and seasonal routes from other Australian cities. There are also direct flights from Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wellington in New Zealand - plus services from Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul. The airport has plenty of rental car companies, or you can book a shuttle bus from the airport direct to your accommodation. It should take around 15 to 20min whether by taxi, car, or bus.

If you prefer the land option, Coolangatta is roughly a half-hour drive from Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Southport, and other central Gold Coast suburbs. Brisbane is only 100km to the north, about an hour's easy drive along the M1.

What and where to eat when in Coolangatta

With the city fast gaining prominence as a holiday destination, multiple restaurants and eateries have opened up in Coolangatta, providing plenty of culinary options for locals and holidaymakers alike. From coffee by the beach to sushi kitchens, pizzerias and fine-dine restaurants, enjoy it all in Cooly.

At Cafe Dbar on Boundary Street, tuck into a hearty breakfast or lunch made with locally-sourced Gold Coast ingredients while enjoying spectacular sea views. Enjoy live music with your meal or soak in the Coolangatta sun in the outdoor seating area. The café also hosts regular exhibitions highlighting local artists.

For vegan travellers, the Greenhouse Canteen is just the place for delectable, cruelty-free meals. In the welcoming greenhouse-style dining room you can indulge in dishes like buffalo cauliflower wings, and Vietnamese pancakes as well as the popular jackfruit enchilada and a range of sustainable wines from Clare Valley.

Discover Coolangatta's Beaches

One thing is true about any Coolangatta accommodation: you'll never be too far from a beautiful beach. Families will love the safe swimming, wide flat sands, and picturesque picnic areas of Kirra Beach. Kirra is situated right in the heart of town, just off Marine Parade, Coolangatta Road, and Miles Street. If you're looking for waves, head towards the headland at Rainbow Bay for one of the most reliable surf breaks along the Gold Coast.

If you or your kids are still finding your way, there are a number of surf schools and hire outlets right on Marine Drive. For the most beautiful views in town, find a beach house at or near Snapper Rocks, a photogenic spot with incredible views out to sea and back towards Coolangatta along the beach. Point Danger is another scenic beach option, with a superb scenic viewpoint easily accessible for all ages.

Family-friendly activities in Coolangatta

A Coolangatta beach house is the perfect base for a relaxing family holiday. Pay a visit to Snapper Rocks, a little rocky outcrop that forms part of the man-made Superbank. Point Danger is another famous attraction close by. Take for a peaceful swim at Greenmount beach, where the vessel after which the town was named sunk. You can also join surfing lessons.

Beaches and watersports are the top attractions in Coolangatta, so head to Rainbow Bay or Greenmount Beach that provide calm swimming conditions. At Kiarra Beach, carry your diving kit and explore the vibrant reef or simply enjoy the spectacular views.

The Coolangatta Beach Park has a playground with swings, slides, climbers and net ropes – perfect for the kids to have fun in while you take a leisurely stroll or enjoy the beach. Later, hire a surfboard or dine at the locally-loved Bellakai restaurant close by.

The Strand Coolangatta is the main retail centre in town, and an ideal place for a fun outing with the whole family. Spend time exploring the games arcade at Timezone, shop to your heart’s content at the many stores and catch the latest movie at the cinema.

Take a 10-minute drive to visit the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre where visitors can learn about the native aboriginal culture. Art, informative videos and tour guides help guests discover a lot about Australia at this centre and afterwards you can enjoy a picnic in the grounds.

Places to Visit Near Coolangatta

The heritage-listed Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is among the most popular Gold Coast attractions and is a place where you can get up close with the regional wildlife. From crocodile feeding and sheep shearing to Segway safaris, it's a fun day out for all ages.

The lovely seaside town of Byron Bay, known for its pristine beaches, scuba diving sites and the Cape Byron lighthouse is just around an hour’s drive from Coolangatta. Try surfing or kayaking, go on a hot air balloon ride or explore the local art, culture and music scene.

Kingscliff is another excellent destination to visit and extend your Aussie coastal vacation. Have an authentic experience visiting farmers’ markets or joining a Tasting Plate Tour. Tropical Fruit World is home to rare and exotic fruits and perfect for a family visit.

Coolangatta: Regular Events and Festivals

The annual Cooly Rocks On festival held every June is the most awaited event in town and the biggest nostalgia and rock ‘n’ roll festival in the country. The five-day festival celebrates the culture of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s with dance performances, revival bands in outdoor stages and a street parade. There are even hot rods and restored cars on display.

If you cannot make it to Coolangatta in June, plan your visit around the second Sunday of any month to catch the Coolangatta Art and Craft markets. Walk around Queen Elizabeth Park where there are more than 150 stalls selling everything from local crafts, jewellery and skincare products to fresh local produce and delicious cakes and cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions