Spend your next holiday in the beachside town of Coolangatta

While thousands of holidaymakers travel to Surfers Paradise in southern Queensland each year, many of them overlook the real surfer's paradise just a few miles south. Coolangatta is the border town that connects Queensland with New South Wales along the coast. Surfers heading north from New South Wales often don't go further north than this, since the waves along this small stretch of shoreline are among the best in the world.

The New South Wales/Queensland border bissects Point Danger. On the northern tip of Point Danger almost at the border you will find the legendary Snapper Rocks. There is a great walking track that surfers know well that passes through most of Coolangatta's classic surfing places. If you're trying out the waves, you can start here or at Kirra at the northern end of Coolangatta and see them all. If you're driving, Marine Parade skirts the coast and there is a lot of parking available.

Kirra is an accidentally manmade surfing area. The jetty at Kirra was built in order to catch sand and widen the beach. Instead, the sand deposited itself on the north side of the jetty in such a way to produce one of the world's fastest and strongest waves. Kirra has been featured in many surfing films over the years and has hosted dozens of classic international surfing events.

More recent efforts to widen the beaches along Coolangatta involved pumping sand which was blocking Tweed Heads back out to sea. The idea was that it would come in with the currents and settle on the beaches at Coolangatta. This proved to be a successful venture and had an additional side benefit. Rainbow Bay, Greenmount and Snapper Rocks used to be 3 individual and distinct surfing places. The sand settled in such a way that on a big cyclonic swell, they joined into one heartstopping mega wave. At least one surfer has been videoed riding all the way from Snapper Rocks to Kirra.

On smaller days, Rainbow Bay and Greenmount are ideal for families. When the dangerous currents and pounding cyclone swells die down, young surfers can safely practice on gentle waves under the watchful eye of lifeguards while their parents relax on the beach. When everyone is hungry, there's no shortage of excellent places to eat. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a gourmet meal, you'll find it here, without even leaving the beach.

The walking trail extends past the final parking area at Snapper Rocks and winds its way all the way around Point Danger back to NSW. Most surfers, though, climb down the hill to the hazardous rocks that give Point Danger its name. There they wait until a lull between waves enables them to leap off the rocks and out to the waves. On a big day, there will be as many onlookers as surfers out at Snapper Rocks watching surfers jockey for some of the world's best waves.

Yes, Coolangatta is a surfer's dream come true. That doesn't mean that it is not for everyone, though. On the contrary, it's a relaxed and friendly family town that welcomes guests of every persuasion. If you are a surfer, you may want to stay at a comfortable backpackers lodge. If you're a family searching for a great beach holiday, you can get a Coolangatta accommodation so close to the beach, the sound of the waves will lull you to sleep. Next time you're on the Gold Coast, take a look at Coolangatta, the surfer's and family's coastal paradise.


Take a few days off, find coolangatta accommodation, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.