Rainbow Bay
Rainbow Bay is a favourite with families and holidaymakers. The shape and orientation of Rainbow Bay provides beach users with protection from southerly winds.
Swimming
- Tower 1 – Snapper Rocks Road, Coolangatta
Patrolled by lifeguards between 8am and 5pm, every day year round
Make sure you swim in the patrolled area between the red and yellow flags.
Surfing
Rainbow Bay is part of the World Surfing Reserve and is the city's most famous point break. The dominant southeast swell refracts around Snapper Rocks creating an extended ride for surfers. The break at Rainbow Bay is fast-paced and attracts experienced board riders. 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.
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 Rainbow Bay
Rainbow Bay is the beach adjoining the famous surf break. On a southerly swell, 'Snapper Rocks' is renowned as one of the world's best right-hand point breaks. Commonly referred to as the Superbank, Snapper Rocks is home to professional surfers including Stephanie Gilmore and Joel Parkinson.
Rainbow Bay beach is surrounded by parklands that contain toilets, barbecues, tables, shade structures and beach showers. The oceanway also passes next to the beach for those who want to walk around the headland.
Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club is one of the best places to watch the surf. A perch on the balcony rewards you with views all along the point towards Burleigh and Surfers Paradise in the distance.