Ruth Haines
Located on the Gold Coast in Queensland, the coastal destination of Coolangatta is conveniently located near the Gold Coast Airport and is a great place for a beach getaway. With its surf breaks, sprawling sandy beaches, and laid-back vibes, it is a popular spot for surfing and swimming. Coolangatta also offers a range of dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences, as well as natural attractions such as Lamington National Park and Currumbin Rock. For those looking for a unique perspective, an aerobatic flight or river cruise provides incredible views of the coastline and hinterland. With its proximity to the airport and abundance of activities, Coolangatta is an ideal place to begin your exploration of the Gold Coast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from the airport to Brisbane CBD | 1.5 hours by car |
| Beaches | Coolangatta Beach, Greenmount Beach, Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks, Froggy's Beach |
| Markets | Gold Coast Arts & Crafts Market |
| Dining | Southbank, Chinatown, Brunswick Street Mall |
| Attractions | Streets Beach, Sea World Marine Park, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Lamington National Park, Munjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre |
| Activities | Surfing, Skydiving, Crab-catching, Yabbies pumping, Border lookout, Aerobatic flights, River cruises |
| Accommodations | Reflections, Mantra Coolangatta, Oaks Calypso Plaza, Nirvana By The Sea, La Costa Beachside Motel, Kennedy Drive Airport Motel |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the beaches, national parks, and shopping venues near the airport
- Take a 30-minute walk to the coast from Surfers Paradise
- Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and feed rainbow lorikeets
- Stroll from Coolangatta Beach to Point Danger, enjoying the scenery
- Check out the Gold Coast Arts & Crafts Market for food, drink, and entertainment
Explore the beaches, national parks, and shopping venues near the airport
Coolangatta is known for its sprawling sandy beaches, cute cafes, craft breweries, modern shopping centres, and marketplaces. The airport is just a few minutes away from the beach, so you can quickly get to the golden sands and enjoy a swim. The coastal walking trail around Greenmount Hill and down to Rainbow Bay offers incredible views. You can also enjoy alfresco dining at beachside restaurants and bars, and even try a surf lesson.
For those who enjoy shopping, The Strand at Coolangatta is a popular destination, with beachside dining, boutique shopping, and entertainment. The Gold Coast Arts & Crafts Market is another great option, with over 150 stalls to browse and a picturesque setting in Queen Elizabeth Park on Marine Parade. It is open on the second Sunday of every month.
If you're looking to explore national parks, Lamington National Park is an hour's drive west of the airport. Here, you can discover unique flora and fauna, waterfalls, and lookouts. You can also walk the famous O'Reilly's Tree-Top Walk, consisting of 9 suspension bridges floating 16 metres above the ground.
For those willing to travel a little further, a trip to Brisbane is a great option. You can cross the Brisbane River and explore the sights, including the bustling weekend markets and fine-dining restaurants.
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Take a 30-minute walk to the coast from Surfers Paradise
There is plenty to do around Coolangatta Airport, including a 30-minute walk to the coast from Surfers Paradise. This route is generally considered easy and is a very popular area for walking, running, and biking. The path features wide walkways, with cyclists, walkers, runners, and beachgoers all sharing the trail. There are plenty of picnic facilities, beach showers, drinking fountains, fitness stations, and accessible facilities, with several options for where to start from various car parks and entry points.
If you're looking for a longer walk, you can walk from Coolangatta Beach to Point Danger in around 45 minutes. This walk features pine trees and lush foliage and forms a border between Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay. From here, the distant Surfers Paradise high-rises resemble a mirage floating on the ocean. A paved trail winds around the headland towards Snapper Rocks, a famous surf spot and host of the world-renowned Quiksilver and Roxy Pro surf competitions.
Coolangatta itself offers a variety of dining, entertainment, and shopping venues, as well as beaches and hotels located near the airport. You can also take a short drive from the airport to reach gorgeous beaches, national parks, and shopping destinations. Lamington National Park, an hour's drive west of the airport, is home to unique flora and fauna, picturesque lookouts, and thundering waterfalls.
For a day trip, consider visiting the Gold Coast Arts & Crafts Market, held on the second Sunday of every month in Queen Elizabeth Park on Marine Parade. This market features over 150 stalls showcasing the finest Coolangatta shopping and offering Instagram-worthy sights, landmarks, food, drink, and live entertainment.
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Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and feed rainbow lorikeets
If you're looking for things to do around Coolangatta Airport, a visit to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to feed rainbow lorikeets is a great option. Located a short distance from the airport, the sanctuary offers a fun and unique experience that is perfect for anyone interested in getting up close and personal with these colourful birds.
The rainbow lorikeet is a brightly coloured Australian parrot found in eastern Australia, along the coast from Queensland to South Australia and in north-western Tasmania. These parrots are known for their diet of pollen, fruit, and insects. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been feeding wild lorikeets since 1947 to prevent them from eating all the flowers.
Every day at 8 am and 4 pm, you can participate in feeding these wild lorikeets. Don't worry if you're scared of birds, as these lorikeets are not shy of humans and will happily eat right from your hands or perch on your head and shoulders. They are more interested in the food bowls than anything else! This experience is actually free, as it takes place before the entrance to the sanctuary, although a donation for the food bowl is encouraged.
To get to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you can take a short bus ride (number 760, which runs every 30 minutes with a 10-minute journey time) from just outside the airport. Alternatively, you can opt for an Uber or hire a car. The sanctuary is located at 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, and there is a dedicated paid car park on Tomewin Street open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, as well as free street parking.
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Stroll from Coolangatta Beach to Point Danger, enjoying the scenery
If you're looking for a wonderful way to explore the environment of the south end of the Gold Coast, a stroll from Coolangatta Beach to Point Danger is a perfect option. The Coolangatta to Point Danger Oceanway is a spectacular walk, offering awe-inspiring coastal views and nature therapy along the way. The two-kilometre section from Coolangatta to Point Danger is particularly picturesque, with coastal views stretching from Coolangatta to the skyline of Surfers Paradise.
Starting at the end of Coolangatta Beach at Greenmount Hill, you'll be greeted by a lush headland of pine trees and foliage, forming a border between Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay. From here, you can spot the distant high-rises of Surfers Paradise, floating like a mirage on the ocean. A paved trail winds around the headland towards Snapper Rocks, a renowned surf spot that hosts world-famous competitions and is known for its consistent breaks.
As you continue your stroll, you'll pass Froggy's Beach, named after a large rock painted to resemble a frog, and make your way up the hill to Point Danger. This section of the walk offers spectacular views over the Tweed River. On a clear day, allow yourself about an hour to complete the return walk and take your time to enjoy the scenery.
Along the way, you'll find facilities like public toilets, children's playgrounds, and street parking or a car park at Point Danger. Queen Elizabeth Park, located near the Coolangatta Surf Club, serves as a recommended starting point for this walk.
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Check out the Gold Coast Arts & Crafts Market for food, drink, and entertainment
If you're looking for a fun day out near Coolangatta Airport, the Gold Coast Arts & Crafts Market is a great option. This popular market, held on the second Sunday of every month, offers a plethora of Instagram-worthy sights, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live entertainment. With over 150 stalls, you can indulge in some retail therapy and explore the best of what Coolangatta has to offer.
The market is located in the picturesque Queen Elizabeth Park on Marine Parade, providing a beautiful natural backdrop for your day out. You can expect to find a wide variety of stalls, including local artisans showcasing their unique crafts, jewellery, and homewares. It's a great opportunity to support local talent and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home.
Food and drink options at the market are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Treat yourself to some fresh produce, indulge in sweet treats, or enjoy a refreshing beverage while listening to the lively music. The market also offers a range of dining options, from casual bites to more substantial fare. With such a variety, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
In addition to the shopping and dining, the Gold Coast Arts & Crafts Market provides a full day of entertainment. Talented musicians perform live, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. You can also admire the locally made artworks on display, showcasing the creativity and talent of the local community. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the people of Coolangatta.
The market's location in Queen Elizabeth Park also offers a peaceful escape. After exploring the stalls, you can take a leisurely stroll through the park, soak up the sun, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. With its convenient location near Coolangatta Airport, the Gold Coast Arts & Crafts Market is easily accessible and offers a wonderful blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment for a perfect day trip.
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Frequently asked questions
The coastal destination of Coolangatta, Queensland, is known for its beaches, surfing, dining, shopping, and entertainment. Some popular things to do include:
- Learning to surf at Greenmount Beach or Snapper Rocks
- Visiting Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Exploring the Gold Coast Arts & Crafts Market
- Taking a walk from Coolangatta Beach to Point Danger
- Visiting Lamington National Park
The Gold Coast Airport is conveniently located near the town of Coolangatta. It is possible to walk from the airport to Coolangatta in around 30-45 minutes. However, this depends on your luggage and preferred mode of transport.
There are various accommodation options near the airport, including:
- Reflections
- Mantra Coolangatta
- Oaks Calypso Plaza
- Nirvana By The Sea
- La Costa Beachside Motel
- Kennedy Drive Airport Motel
Coolangatta has a variety of dining options, including new restaurants and takeaway stores selling burgers and milkshakes.
There are several attractions near the airport, including:
- Sea World Marine Park
- Southbank in Brisbane
- The Gold Coast Skyline
