It is an image which fits wonderfully with the lovely bend in the coastline separating Coolangatta and Kirra beaches, and easily one of the most popular scenic drives on the Gold Coast.
Best known for its world-class surf breaks, crystal waters and rocky headland, Kirra attracts people from all parts of the globe.
There’s plenty of character to be had in Kirra, which, despite its bustling crowds, remains one of the Gold Coast’s most laid-back beach destinations.
You can still find plenty of weatherboard beach shacks among the burgeoning apartments and an emerging café scene that swells with visitors every weekend.
Follow the road a little further around the bend and you arrive in Coolangatta, renowned for its casual beach-side culture and numerous resorts and holiday apartments.
It is also the perfect spot to park the Mercedes-Benz and venture out on foot as you follow the beautiful walking trail around the hill connecting Greenmount Beach to Rainbow Bay and head up to Point Danger.
The views are spectacular, whether facing north to Surfers Paradise, east into the horizon or south to Cook Island.
If you pick your seasons right, it is a great place for dolphin and whale watching too.
Coolangatta was named after a schooner which was shipwrecked in 1846, and even today the suburb exudes an old-school beachside charm, combined with oceanfront accommodation, cafes, restaurants, pubs and surf clubs boasting million-dollar views.
Coolangatta is also famous for the crowds of car enthusiasts and 50s and 60s music revivalists who flock there in winter for its ‘Cooly Rocks On’ retro festival in June, where classic cars, music and surf culture meet to enjoy some winter sun.
Places to eat and drink
Kirra and Coolangatta are two destinations foodies flock to, with location, outlook and fine food tempting visitors with a treat for all the senses.
KIRRA
Bread and Butter
Located on Kirra’s beachfront strip at 76 Musgrave Street, Bread and Butter has matured into a stylish restaurant and lounge bar offering tapas, pasta, gnocchi and pizza.
It offers an edgy and atmospheric dining experience with ample alfresco seating looking out over the park and Kirra beach, it is a lovely spot to dine, day or night.
Choose from an exciting selection of share plates including the delectable truffle and mushroom arancini, calamari a la romana and croquetas de gambas (garlic prawn Bechamel bites with aioli).
Add to that a list of extensive international and local wines, classic cocktails, spirits and beers and you may want to stay awhile.
Tupe Aloha
For an otherworldly experience check out Tupe-Aloha, a colourful bar and grill located under ‘Nirvana by the Sea’ apartments on Musgrave Street – Kirra’s beachfront strip.
Picture Hawaiian cool and Mexican heat and you get a tropical tiki bar to kick back with a cocktail and a tasty taco while enjoying the groovy surf tunes.
It’s not just the wonderful atmosphere that keeps this place full, the menu if full of treasures from Tiki Tasters like salt and pepper squid, beer-battered prawns, jalapeño poppers, tropicana fried chicken tenders and chilli buffalo wings complementing the corn chips, curly fries, grilled corn, and nachos.
Café Kirra
If breakfast or lunch are more to your taste, maybe after an early morning surf, then Café Kirra is a popular beachfront hangout located at 48 Musgrave Street.
A firm favourite amongst locals, it offers curbside communal “coffee bar” style seating as well as some individual umbrella shaded tables and a huge covered alfresco area outside.
Café Kirra is popular for its exotic espresso roast coffee from the Byron Bay Coffee Company, and a selection of sweet and fluffy fresh cabinet treats including croissants, bagels, breaky bars, cakes, muffins and slices.
Breakfast favourites include the corn, zucchini and fetta fritters (stacked with bacon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, sour cream and mixed leaves) and the Kirra avo smash (served on sourdough toast with cherry tomatoes, poached eggs, homemade dukkha, mint and lemon).
Lunch fare includes classic burgers and open grills, salads and sides as well as fun gluten-free options and specials like Spaghetti Bolognese with garlic pistachio Turkish toast.
COOLANGATTA
Baskk Italian
If you are looking for something more sophisticated, Baskk Italian, a restaurant and bar located at the northern (Kirra Point) end of Marine Parade in Coolangatta, is a popular choice.
Baskk offers traditional Italian fare using quality local produce to create a refined menu featuring Primi (entrees) including authentic antipasti, focaccia slabs, Sicilian arancini, lemon chilli prawns and Calamari fritti; Secondi (light mains) include the Don’s cannelloni, vino rosso pulled beef and Italian meatballs.
Their selection of mains or Grande Piatto include Tuscan-style ossobuco, Sorrento-baked crispy skin salmon and vegetable parmensan grande tian; Pitta (pizza) such as Queen of Stracciatella, Spicy Vesuvio, and Sicilian Vego Farmer; and Cavatelli (pasta) including Pappardelle Ragu, Pollo Rigatoni, Roman’s Traditional Carbonara and Gnocchi Zucca.
There is also a wide selection of healthy Salutare (salads) and children’s meals, as well as Dolci (desserts) to die for.
4 Pines Brewing Co.
Centrally located at the beachfront entrance to Coolangatta’s Strand arcade on Marine Parade, the 4 Pines Brewing Co., brings Australian craft beer to the beach and is freshly brewed on site.
The cool open layout of reclaimed wood and funky festoon lighting features the shiny Smartbrew tanks and six taps of their core beer line-up and limited releases, showcasing 4 Pines’ fresh, unique and innovative house brews.
4 Pines also offers a classic Australian cafe and pub menu, featuring half a dozen beer and food combo options, and a stack of burger choices.
Places to shop
Kirra Surf
If you are after some fresh surf apparel, it is well worth a pit stop to the legendary Kirra Surf shop. Now known as the Billabong Kirra Surf Store, it is recognised as the largest surf shop in the Southern Hemisphere and showcases an amazing range of surf-related products under one roof at its new location right in front of the surfing heartland of Australia’s most famous point breaks.
Cotton Living
Established in 2013, Cotton Living set out to bring unique and luxurious homewares to your home. Most of their furniture range is either sourced, manufactured, or directly hand-picked by their team.
Their vision is to bring unique, beautiful and luxurious products from collections all over the world into your home.
Boardwalk Boutiques
Boardwalk was created in 2018 to bring together a footwear range with affordable, practical fashion and quality handbags.
Based in Coolangatta’s Strand Arcade on Marine Parade, they have a little bit for everyone and always try to source what you are after.
They offer a wide range of women’s footwear and fashion products from reputable brands such as Birkenstock, Isabella Brown and Simona Ricci.
Soho Bay
From idea to reality, Soho Bay offers amazing homewares and fashion inspired by the Australian way of life and aim to continually deliver and showcase the ‘Soho’ style.
Whether you are looking to redecorate your house, buy your loved ones a gift, or refresh your wardrobe, they are sure to have something for you.
Soho Bay is diverse and provides raw and rustic bohemian designs with a modern twist.
Places to stay
Kirra Beach Apartments
Stay amongst tropically landscaped grounds opposite Kirra Beach and close to local restaurants, bars and cafes at Kirra Beach Apartments.
The accommodation consists of spacious one, two, three and four bedroom (penthouse) self-contained apartments which have 51 north-facing private balconies – most with beautiful ocean views.
The pool area has views of the ocean, a heated spa, sun lounges and a free BBQ area for your entertainment.
Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
If you are looking for a family or couples-friendly Southern Gold Coast experience, you should check out the Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites.
The 4.5-star resort features spacious, self-contained one and two bedroom apartments – most with sheltered balconies providing pool, ocean or hinterland views. For the ultimate in space and comfort, they also offer a range of split-level executive apartments with spa baths.
Set on the beachfront at Coolangatta, it is the perfect hub from which to explore areas of natural beauty, as well as its buzzing shops and cafes.
Things to do
ART AND CRAFT MARKETS
The Coolangatta Art and Craft Markets offer a great day out on the second Sunday of every month, all year round. With over 100 stalls of locally made crafts, fresh produce, preserves, cookies and cakes, there is literally something for everyone.
Take a stroll and explore around Queen Elizabeth Park on the beachfront of Coolangatta. Whether you’re after handmade fashion, jewellery, homewares, skincare, toys, fresh produce or just something unique you won’t find in the shops, there is always something to catch your eye.
See you all soon!!
GOLD COAST SKYDIVE
Boasting an excellent safety record, state of the art equipment and a pristine beachside location, Gold Coast Skydive takes off from Coolangatta Airport and lands on the iconic Kirra Beach.
They are the only tandem skydive operation on the beautiful Gold Coast and have a great team of fun and professional tandem masters who will take you through all the necessary training to make sure it’s a truly amazing experience you will never forget!
WALKIN’ ON WATER SURF SCHOOL
Located at Greenmount Beach in Coolangatta, Walkin’on Water Surf School uses the gentle waters of the southern beaches to teach people of all levels how to ride waves with confidence.
They offer group and private lessons for all ages and abilities and are blessed with an amazing location for beginners and early intermediates. The protected rolling waves are perfect for getting the basics and learning in gentle forgiving waves.
Combined with comprehensive lesson plans, all of their instructors are professional, fully qualified Surfing Australia instructors able to create a fun and friendly environment. All of their instructors also hold a number of lifesaving/lifeguard and first aid qualifications to ensure a safe surfing experience.