Coolangatta
Coolangatta has a pristine beach with clear water perfect for swimming, fishing and diving. The beach is north facing making the area more sheltered from the predominant east to southeast swells.
Swimming
Coolangatta Beach has one patrolled lifeguard tower:
- Tower 3 – Marine Parade, near Coolangatta Surf Club
Patrolled by lifeguards between 8am and 5pm, every day all year round
Make sure you swim in the patrolled area between the red and yellow flags.
Surfing
Coolangatta Beach is part of the World Surfing Reserve and is a popular location for surfers. Coolangatta produces a surf break usually best suited to beginner and intermediate boardriders. Surfers should always assess conditions. If in doubt, don't paddle out. For more information, visit our Surfing page.
Facilities
To view the facilities available at this beach including accessibility features, use our interactive map.
Dogs
Coolangatta Beach is a dog prohibited area.
Dogs must always be on leash unless in a signed designated off leash area. Dogs are prohibited in children's playgrounds. Tough penalties apply. View this prohibited area or search for a designated off leash exercise area on our dog exercise area map.
Getting there
| Public transport |
Translink buses run along Griffith Street, one street back from Coolangatta Beach. Plan your trip using Translink's journey planner. |
| Active travel |
Walk, run or bike ride to the beach. Plan your trip using our walking and cycling maps. |
| Parking |
There is limited parking at the surf club. On-street parking is available in surrounding streets. Take note of parking signs and/or line markings before heading to the beach. |
About Coolangatta Beach
If you walk along the oceanfront through Queen Elizabeth Park on a sunny winter's day, you may just spot the pods of dolphins and migrating whales. Coolangatta has been a popular holiday destination since the late 1800s and promises a slower pace in comparison to the bustling centre of the Gold Coast a half-hour drive away.
Coolangatta Beach is surrounded by parklands that contain toilets, barbecues, tables, shade structures and beach showers. The oceanway runs along the beach, popular with walkers, riders and skateboarders. Coolangatta's main retail and commercial area is just across the road, with plenty of cafés and restaurants.