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Embrace the
Adventure

Explore the best
of Coolangatta

 Nestled on the southern Gold Coast, Rainbow Bay offers a relaxed, coastal escape just steps from pristine beaches and gentle waves. Wander along the scenic headlands of Snapper Rocks and Point Danger, paddle out to enjoy world-class surfing at the nearby breaks of Snapper Rocks, D-Bah and Kirra, or simply soak up the sun on the soft shoreline. With charming cafés, local boutiques, and easy access to Coolangatta’s dining and entertainment precinct, Rainbow Bay is the perfect base to experience the Gold Coast’s laid-back lifestyle at your own pace.

Explore nearby beaches and surf breaks
Explore nearby beaches and surf breaks

The Coolangatta and Tweed coastline blends relaxed beach culture with stunning scenery, offering everything from gentle family friendly waves to world class surf breaks. Snapper Rocks launches the famous Superbank, Kirra delivers coveted hollow barrels, and Duranbah (“D-Bah”) provides powerful, consistent waves for all skill levels. With its scenic foreshore paths, crystal clear water, and sweeping views from Rainbow Bay to Tweed, the region is perfect for surfing, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun. Nearby beaches include Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks, Greenmount, Coolangatta, Kirra, and D-Bah all within easy walking distance.

Experience Gold Coast
Experience Gold Coast

The Southern Gold Coast is packed with unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveller. Start your adventure at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can wander leafy boardwalks, meet native animals.

If the ocean is calling, Coolangatta is the perfect place to dive in, learn to surf with a group lesson or hone your skills with a personalised 2-hour session on some of Australia’s most beautiful waves.

For thrill-seekers, the region takes adventure to new heights with Gold Coast skydiving, offering breathtaking coastal views as you free-fall above turquoise waters. Prefer your adrenaline with a vintage twist? Take to the skies in an exhilarating aerobatic warbird or scenic Tiger Moth flight, soaring over beaches, headlands, and the Tweed Coast.

And if you’re visiting the Gold Coast, the fun doesn’t stop there, world class theme parks such as Dreamworld, Movie World, Wet’n’Wild, and Sea World are only a short drive north, offering rollercoasters, water slides, marine encounters, and full day excitement for families and adventure lovers alike.

From wildlife encounters to sky-high adventures, ocean-side fun, and theme-park thrills, the Southern Gold Coast delivers a perfect mix of nature, excitement, and coastal magic.

Local Events
Local Events

The Southern Gold Coast is alive with local events that bring the community together and celebrate the region’s relaxed coastal lifestyle. From vibrant beachfront markets and live music sessions to food festivals, surf competitions, and cultural gatherings, there’s always something happening.

Coolangatta hosts some of Australia’s most iconic coastal events each year. In February, the World Club Challenge Cup transforms the coastline from Kirra to Snapper Rocks with a vibrant mix of surf, culture, and community, featuring 31 Australian and international boardriding teams.

The WSL Championship Tour returns to Snapper Rocks in May 2026. The Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro will be the 3rd stop on the schedule.

Then in October, the legendary Coolangatta Gold returns, one of the toughest endurance races in surf sports and a long standing highlight of the national sporting calendar.

Held every June, Cooly Rocks On transforms Coolangatta into a vibrant celebration of all things retro. Australia’s biggest rock ’n’ roll and nostalgia festival brings five days of live music, classic cars, vintage markets, swing dancing, and family friendly entertainment inspired by the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s. It’s a standout event on the Gold Coast calendar and a must-see for lovers of old-school cool.

Tweed adds its own flavour with weekend markets, seasonal food celebrations, and riverside community days. Whether you’re into music, culture, sport, or simply soaking up the local vibe, the area’s event calendar is packed with reasons to get out and enjoy the sunshine.

https://artandcraft.com.au/

Shopping
Shopping

Shopping in the Southern Gold Coast and Tweed region offers the perfect mix of relaxed coastal style and convenient retail hubs. In the heart of Coolangatta, The Strand delivers beachfront shopping with a blend of fashion, lifestyle stores, cafés, and essentials ideal for a breezy stroll between swims. Just over the border, Tweed Mall and Tweed City provide even more variety, from major retailers and supermarkets for your grocery needs to specialty shops, dining options, and services.

If you’re craving a bigger shopping adventure, a short drive north takes you to Pacific Fair, one of Australia’s premier shopping destinations. Here you’ll find luxury brands, global fashion, entertainment, and an impressive dining precinct, making it a full day out.

Whether you’re after beachwear, everyday essentials, local finds, or a premium retail experience, the Southern Gold Coast and Tweed region have shopping options for every mood.

https://www.strandcoolangatta.com.au/

https://www.tweedmall.com.au/

https://www.tweedcity.com.au/

https://www.pacificfair.com.au/

Discover a range of restaurants and bars
Discover a range of restaurants and bars

Coolangatta is a foodie’s paradise, where sun soaked beaches meet an electric mix of restaurants, bars, and surf clubs. At the heart of it all is Pipi’s Restaurant is your approachable yet elegant beachside dining experience. With spectacular 220 degree ocean views, Pipi’s offers modern Mediterranean inspired cuisine, featuring stunning, locally caught seafood and world class Australian beef cuts. Beyond Pipi’s, Coolangatta’s streets are lined with casual eateries, and stylish bars, offering everything from beachside brunches and gourmet burgers to craft cocktails with ocean views. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, a laid back bite, or an evening watching the sunset, Coolangatta serves up a dining experience as memorable as its waves.

To make a reservation for Pipis, See our front desk team or click the link below

https://pipisrestaurant.au/

A few of our go-to places in the area:

  • Baskk – coastal dining with a relaxed vibe
  • Siblings – handcrafted cocktails, Italian dishes, in a beachside setting
  • Hanks – upscale streetside coastal European dining experience
  • House of Bamboo – a favourite for Asian-inspired flavours
  • Agave Rosa – bold, vibrant Mexican with great cocktails

Local Surf Clubs:

  • Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club – iconic beachfront spot for both surf and social gatherings.
  • Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club – known for its family-friendly atmosphere and scenic location.
  • Greenmount Surf Club – great for casual meals, drinks, and ocean views.
  • Kirra Surf Club – famous for its legendary surf breaks and vibrant club events.

These surf clubs aren’t just about the waves they’re also fantastic spots to grab a bite, meet locals, and soak up the coastal culture.

Enjoy local cafes
Enjoy local cafes

Coolangatta is a haven for coffee lovers and café enthusiasts, with a range of spots to suit every taste. At the heart of it all is Awaken Café, a local favourite just up the road renowned for its specialty coffee, wholesome brunch menu, and relaxed, welcoming vibe. Whether you’re after a perfectly brewed flat white, fresh pastries, or a hearty breakfast to kickstart your day, Awaken Café delivers a truly memorable experience.

Beyond Awaken, the area is dotted with charming cafés perfect for a casual catch-up, a quick takeaway coffee, or people-watching by the beach.

Must see landmarks
Must see landmarks

The Coolangatta/Tweed area is packed with iconic landmarks that showcase its natural beauty, coastal charm, and rich history. Don’t miss Point Danger, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the Queensland–New South Wales border, or snap a photo with the famous Captain Cook Memorial Lighthouse. Stroll along the Coolangatta Foreshore and take in the sparkling beaches, or explore Kirra Hill Lookout for breathtaking views of the surf and coastline.

For nature lovers, Tweed River and surrounding walking trails offer peaceful escapes and wildlife spotting. Whether it’s coastal vistas, historic sites, or scenic walks, these landmarks are essential stops for anyone looking to experience the heart and soul of the Southern Gold Coast and Tweed region.

Hire what you need
Hire what you need

Make your stay on the Southern Gold Coast effortless and fun with our range of hire options. Whether you need baby equipment for the little ones, a beach cabana to relax in the sun, beach trolleys for easy transport to the beach, surfboards to catch the waves, or bikes to explore the coastline, we’ve got you covered. Our friendly team at the front desk is always on hand to help, or simply give us a call to organise everything in advance so you can focus on enjoying your perfect beachside getaway.

Relax and unwind
Relax and unwind

For those seeking rest, rejuvenation, and a little indulgence, the Coolangatta–Tweed area offers a range of wellness centres, day spas, and massage studios to help you unwind. And right here at Esprit, you have your very own rooftop wellness centre featuring a hot rock sauna, steam room, and ice bath perfect for relaxing and recharging with breathtaking views.

Looking for something more social or personalised? Ask us about organising private or group yoga sessions on our rooftop relaxation lawn, ideal for you and your friends to stretch, breathe, and soak in the coastal vibes. Whether it’s a soothing spa session, a hot-cold wellness ritual, or a mindful yoga practice, Esprit and the surrounding region make it effortless to reconnect with yourself and emerge refreshed body, mind, and soul.

Esprit – Rainbow Bay
1RAINBOW BAY
7RAINBOW BAY SURF CLUB
450m walk
2COOLANGATTA
RESTAURANT PRECINCT

550m walk
8TWIN TOWNS SERVICE CLUB
500m walk
3SNAPPER ROCKS
650m walk
9JACK EVANS BOAT HARBOUR
400m walk
4FROGGY BEACH
700m walk
10OCEANWAY PATH
400m walk
5PIPI's & AWAKEN CAFE
350m walk
11GREENMOUNT BEACH
450m walk
6DURANBAH BEACH
800m walk

Moments at ESPRIT @espritholidaysgoldcoast

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