logo for gold-coast-australia-travel-tips.com



XML RSS
What is this?
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Google

Home
Gold Coast Blog
Why Gold Coast
Gold Coast Map
Airports
Australian Visas
Car Hire
Gold Coast Weather
Current Weather
Gold Coast Suburbs
Monthly Guide
When To Visit
Family Holidays
Dining Offers
Trip Planning
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Accom
Surfers Hotels
Surfers Apartments
Eat in Surfers
Broadbeach
Eat in Broadbeach
Main Beach
Eat in Main Beach
Labrador
Eat in Labrador
Aqua Restaurants
Coolangatta
Southport
Mermaid Beach
Burleigh Heads
Hope Island
South Stradbroke
Find Great Deals
Events 2008
Things To Do
Sea World
Dreamworld
Rainy Day Guide
Gold Coast Shopping
Shopping Offer
Cinemas
Indoor Playcentres
Events 2007
GC Fun Lovers
Dream Destinations
Global Hotel Deals
Privacy
Disclaimer
What's New
SiteSearch
Contact
Whale Watching

Coolangatta
Gold Coast


Custom Search

Greenmount Beach Fun on Beach at Coolangatta

Greenmount Beach Fun!


Gateway to the Gold Coast

The twin towns of Coolangatta (Queensland) and Tweed Heads (New South Wales) are at the southern end of Queensland’s Gold Coast. 

Coolangatta is a top family beach vacation destination with some of the most amazing golden beaches.  The best bit about Cooly is that you can stay in some great apartments close to the family friendly beaches. 

There are several beaches to chose from and each beach has its own unique character.  

The rocky outcrops in the area combined with the change in direction of the coastline at Point Danger also provide a great opportunity for experienced surfers to enjoy the waves.


 
Gold Coast
at a Glance

 

Map
Australian Gold Coast Map
 

Coolangatta Information
Attractions
Accommodation
Golf info
Beach info
Travel times
Directions
 

Gold Coast Suburbs
Suburbs
Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach
Main Beach
Mermaid Beach
Sanctuary Cove
Hope Island
Runaway Bay
Sovereign Islands
Labrador
Southport
Miami
Burleigh
Palm Beach
Currumbin
Kirra
Coolangatta
Carrara
Robina
Mt Tamborine

 


Other Information
Best Time to Visit Gold Coast
 
There’s plenty of variety for accommodation and lots of activity around the beaches and within walking distance.

Coolangatta has been enjoying a huge face lift in recent years with many new buildings replacing some of the older style properties like the new complex at Reflection on the Sea on Marine Parade which features an apartment building with shops, parking, cafés and restaurants.

As well as the luxury apartments there are many different apartment styles to meet most budgets. Some of these apartments have amazing positions overlooking the wide beaches and right in the heart of all the action. 

Coolangatta is definitely worth considering as a base for a great family beach holiday.


Point Danger Lookout Panorama of Ocean
Panoramic Ocean View from Point Danger Lookout



Attractions

  • Coolangatta Beach - patrolled every day, all year round from 8.00am to 5.00pm.
  • Greenmount Beach - patrolled every day, all year round from 8.00am to 5.00pm.  This beach is right in front of Marine Parade at and has the most impressive expanse of golden sand with the stunning backdrop of the Gold Coast skyline.  
  • Rainbow Bay Beach - patrolled every day, all year round from 8.00am to 5.00pm.  A great area for family play at low tide when a lagoon like water pool appears.  
  • Snapper Rocks - from a surfers point of view possibly the longest and most consistent point break in the world.  When the conditions are right good surfers can ride the wave right down to Kirra - about a kilometre away - not bad!
Snapper Rocks got their name from the fishing that was to be had there.  I often see fishermen there - so when surfing beware!
  • Coolangatta SLSC - the supporters club offers great breakfasts, lunches and dinners served on a wide verandah overlooking the beach - what more can you want.  
  • Tweed Heads & Coolangatta SLSC - also know as Greenmount SLSC as it is on Greenmount Beach.  It is a bit run down but they do have some facilities.
  • Rainbow Bay SLSC - The Oceandeck restaurant and bar is open to the public for good SLSC food and a spectacular view!  There are pokies here too.
  • Twin Towns Services Club - is a massive complex right on the border offering entertainment, food and accommodation.  Twin Towns is known for its pokies and is also the venue that gets the major gigs and shows.  
Club Banora is connected by frequent bus services and has additional entertainment facilities, restaurants and sporting facilities  including golf, tennis and swimming facilities.
  • Whale Watching - in season between June and November.
  • Diving with the sharks on Cook Island
  • Fishing and Ocean Fishing Charters
  • Bird Watching Walks in Tweed Valley
  • Point Danger Lookout - if you are lucky like we were in September 2007 you can even see whales breaching from this great vantage point.  Don't forget to pack your binoculars!
  • Coolangatta Art And Craft Market - 2nd Sunday of the Month
  • Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre - learn about the local aboriginals.
Point Danger Lizard and local trees lots of Australian wildlife can be spotted from Point Danger

Point Danger has some interesting wildlife if you look carefully.  Lizards, whales, birds and these unusual trees.


Coolangatta Information
Click to find on this page


Travel times
Directions




Accommodation
Click on the links for more information. Links open in new window.

Coolangatta Apartments

  • Reflections on the Sea -   suburb new apartments located on Marine Parade opposite Greenmount beach.  This is a brilliant location, with all the facilities of Coolangatta right at your fingertips.  
A stylish 5* luxury apartment building  with a 25m heated lap pool, spa, steam room, sauna and fully equipped gym.  And a zen garden to let you get in touch with yourself!  And when you've finished with all that why not cook up a storm on the Teppanyaki Grill!

2 and 3 bedroom apartments and a 3 bedroom "skyhome" available for holiday lettings.  Great for couples or families who enjoy the finer things in life.

Reflections on the Sea information, availability and pricing.


Bites Fish Bar Coolangatta Reflections on the Sea
Bites Fish Bar  - Great fish and chips on Marine Parade
One of the many great places to eat under Reflections on the Sea

  • Columbia on Rainbow Bay - right opposite  Rainbow Beach this is a great place for families who want to enjoy the family friendly beach or surfers who can easily access the beach-houses without going in a lift! 
There are 2 bedroom apartments in the tower and a 3 bedroom penthouse or the beach-houses have 2 bedrooms and are two storey with own private grassy area out the front.  You can access the beach-houses without using the lift.

All apartments have north facing balconies which are protected from south-easterlies in Winter making it a lovely spot.  

The outdoor pool is heated and there is also a kids splash pool which is great for the little, little ones!  There is also a half sized tennis court.

It is only a short walk into Coolangatta and is a great option for families who want to stay in Rainbow Bay right on the beach front.

They say it is warmed by the sun in Winter and cooled by the breeze in summer - so guess what - no air-conditioning!  But if that doesn't bother you, then this has a lot going for it.

Columbia on Rainbow Bay information, availability and pricing.


Coolangatta Resorts

  • Outrigger Twin Towns - (formerly Quality Resort Twin Towns) offers 4˝ star hotel suites and apartments right on the doorstep of the Twin Towns Services Club and a very short stroll to Greenmount beach, Marine Parade and the centre of Coolangatta.  
Catering for all eventualities there are heated indoor and outdoor spa and pools!  Restaurant and bar on-site and 24 hour room service.  All hotel suites and apartments are air-conditioned so it meets all my criteria!

If you are looking for hotel style accommodation or 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments in the heart of Coolangatta this is my top pick.

More information on Outrigger Twin Towns including availability and prices.


Coolangatta Information
Click to find on this page


Travel times
Directions




Golf Information


Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club is about 10 minutes drive from central Cooly at Tweed Heads South.  Two  great golf courses including one of the top public courses in the country - so worth a trip if you are a golfer.  

Name Suburb Travel time Extra Info
Luxury Golf Courses
Lakelands Golf Course Merrimac 25 mins Usually available for bookings at selected times Monday to Friday only.
The Colonial Robina 25 mins  
Palm Meadows Golf Course Carrara 35 mins At Raddisson Resort
Royal Pines Resort Carrara 35 mins At Crowne Plaza Royal Pines Resort
The Villa Nerang 35 mins Only takes groups - minimum 12 maximum 32.  Can play at night under lights.
The Grand Golf Club Gilston 40 mins Very Exclusive - you'll have to know someone to get in here!
Hope Island Resort Golf Course Hope Island 50 mins At Hope Island Resort - the only links course in the Gold Coast.
Sanctuary Cove Golf Resort Sanctuary Cove 55 mins Two courses - The Palms and The Pines
General Golf Courses
Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club Tweed Heads South 10 mins Two championship courses to choose from!  The River and The West.
Gold Coast Burleigh Golf Club Miami 25 mins  
Robina Woods Golf Course Robina 25 mins  
The Glades Robina 25 mins Greg Norman designed course
Tallebudgera Golf Course Tallebudgera 30 mins  
Surfers Paradise Golf Club Clear Island Waters 35 mins  
Emerald Lakes Golf Club Carrara 35 mins 9 holes under lights to 9.30pm each night.
Southport Golf Club Bundall 40 mins  
Parkwood International Golf Club Parkwood 40 mins  
9 Hole Courses
Boomerang Farm Golf Course Mudgeeraba 25 mins  
Merrimac Golf Course Merrimac 25 mins This isn't a very exciting course - but is very affordable!
Burleigh Palms Golf Course Tallebudgera 30 mins  
Tally Valley Golf Club Tallebudgera 30 mins  



Beach Information

Greenmount Beach Panorama

Greenmount - divides Greenmount Beach and Rainbow Bay

There are three beaches at Coolangatta to choose from all are patrolled daily from  8.00am to 5.00pm unless the beach is closed. -
  • Coolangatta
  • Greenmount
  • Rainbow Bay
Greenmount is incredibly wide with beautiful clean sand.  Whilst Rainbow Bay Beach has a lagoon area at lower tides which is great for the kids to splash around in.  Rainbow Bay is my pick for families with young children but Greenmount Beach is also a good option.

Surfers love this area because of the very long point break.  Surfers must keep away from the flagged areas which are clearly marked on the beach.

You will also see people fishing around Snapper Rocks - so perhaps this is something else you can do with the kids - bring your own rod and have a go.

When the wind is blowing from the southeast there is some protection on these beaches.

As with all Gold Coast beaches make sure you are aware of the beach and surf conditions and only swim between the flags. 

Coolangatta Information
Click to find on this page


Travel times
Directions




Travel Times
Approximate travel times by motor vehicle - please note travel times can be affected by many factors including traffic hazards and roadworks. These are just an indication.

10 minutes

Gold Coast Airport – Coolangatta

15 minutes
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
 
30 minutes
Broadbeach – beaches, restaurants and entertainment
Jupiters Casino – Entertainment and restaurants
Pacific Fair – shopping, cinemas, entertainment and cafes

35 minutes
Surfers Paradise
Tropical Fruit World – Duranbah

40 minutes
Main Beach
Movieworld – theme park
Wet ‘n’ Wild – water theme park
Australian Outback Adventure – entertainment


45 minutes
Sea World – water and theme park
Dreamworld & White Water World – water and theme park
50 minutes
Harbour Town – shopping, cinemas and cafes

1 hour 30 minutes
Brisbane Airport

2 hours 40 minutes
Australia Zoo – Beerwah, Sunshine Coast



Directions for Car Travel
For directions and other information I recommend you use Google Maps Australia.  This will open in a new window, select the directions tab and then type in your starting point and where you want to go.  I find the format the easiest to use and follow.
Not found quite what you are looking for?
Coolangatta is a great place for surfing or family holidays.  Other options on the southern end of the Gold Coast are Kirra or Burleigh.

If your are feeling this is a bit too far away from all the things you want to do then consider being more central in one of the Carrara resorts, Surfers Paradise, Main Beach or Broadbeach.

For golfing holidays check out Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island, Carrara or Robina.


When is the best time to visit? 
That depends upon what you want to do, when you can come, your budget and what kind of weather you'd prefer! Check out my guide to the best time to visit the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast Suburbs

Suburbs

Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach
Main Beach
Mermaid Beach
Sanctuary Cove
Hope Island
Runaway Bay
Sovereign Islands
Labrador
Southport
Miami
Burleigh
Palm Beach
Currumbin
Kirra

Coolangatta
Carrara
Robina
Mt Tamborine



Want to know what to do in the Gold Coast?

So many things to do, so little time - take the challenge check out the Gold Coast main attractions and plan your trip to make the most of it.


Custom Search



Keep in touch with what is changing on the Gold Coast.  
Please subscribe to my monthly newsletter, Gold Coast Fun Lovers. Each month, it tells you about new information that I have added, including some hints, tips and reviews by other Gold Coast FUN lovers.



Return to HOME page

footer for Gold Coast page