Coolangatta
Just south of Currumbin is the town of Coolangatta which lies on the border between Queensland and
New South Wales while merging into its twin town of Tweed Heads. The two states are separated simply by a border marked by a giant concrete plinth just off the main road. Most visitors cross over without even realizing it while others cleverly utilize the one hour difference between the states to celebrate the New Year twice. The main street in Coolangatta is Griffith Street which stretches just over a kilometre along the beach and runs parallel to the seafront Marine Parade. Here, visitors will find nicely spaced banks, accommodation and shops that remain untouched by heavy development, thereby maintaining the town's charming seaside ambience. See our detailed Coolangatta map. Things to See and Do
Coolangatta features some of the best surf and beaches that are often overlooked by travelers, with the view north along the shore culminating in the familiar high-rise buildings of Surfers Paradise. The border between the states meets at the steep Point Danger headland where the Captain Cook Memorial lies as a monument commemorating the journeys of the legendary English explorer. Daytime activities in Coolangatta largely revolves around surfing, particularly between Point Danger and Kirra Point or at Flagstaff Beach where the breaks are regarded by many as possibly the best in the world. Greenmount Beach is a good place for beginners while more advanced surfers will prefer Snapper Rocks further down the peninsula. If you're not into surfing and prefer to just relax in the sun-drenched beaches, Coolangatta Beach just north of Greenmount is a popular spot. However, the long stretch of beaches further up, past Kirra Point, will usually be less crowded and more peaceful. Surf shops specialising in supplies, rental and second-hand equipment can be easily found along Griffith Street.
Getting to Coolangatta
The Gold Coast Airport is approximately just 3km north of town and services regular domestic flights from the major centres around Australia. Visitors can rent a car at the airport or catch a taxi or the shuttle bus which runs to Coolangatta and various stops along the way to Surfers Paradise. Visitors traveling via long-distance bus services such as Greyhound Australia will be dropped off over the border at Golden Gateway Travel in Tweed Heads. Visitors traveling by car from Sydney and beyond can use the Pacific Highway which connects directly to Griffith Street. From Surfers Paradise and other places along the Gold Coast, the Gold Coast highway would be your best bet while from Brisbane, the Pacific Motorway joins the Gold Coast highway just before the airport.
Tourist Information
For more information, please Contact Us or the Coolangatta Visitor Information Centre at the corner of Warner and Griffith streets.
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