COOLANGATTA

QLD 4225

Area Profile / History / Events / Shopping / Restaurants / Schools / Amenities / Sports and Parks

“Cooly” is the most southern Gold Coast suburb on the coast, named after the schooner that was shipwrecked there in 1846. Coolangatta and it’s neighbouring ‘Twin Town’ Tweed Heads have a shared economy.

Coolangatta History

History:

Coolangatta marks the southern end of the strip of surfing beaches that runs from the Queensland/New South Wales State Border north to Main Beach.

The town of Coolangatta is situated on the beach between the rock headlands of Point Danger, Greenmount and Kirra.

Behind Coolangatta, the land rises into the border ranges of the Tweed Basin – remnants of a large caldera (a large crater formed by the eruption and collapse of the Mount Warning Shield volcano 20 million years ago).

To the south is the Tweed River which forms in the Tweed and McPherson Ranges and then flows down along a flood plain to enter the sea at Tweed Heads.

Naming Coolangatta

Coolangatta is named for the schooner Coolangatta wrecked on the beach to the north of the Tweed River in 1846.

The schooner was waiting to collect a cargo of cedar and the ship dragged its anchors and washed ashore. A wreck, which was believed to be the Coolangatta was uncovered by wave action in 1974.

The twin towns of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads have long offered locals and visitors the best of both worlds when it comes to natural attractions.

Greenmount Point is a coastal headland which separates Rainbow Bay to the south and Coolangatta Beach to the north, while Greenmount Beach is the name of the south eastern end of Coolangatta Beach.

Coolangatta Events

Coolangatta Gold (Ironman event)
Quiksilver and Roxy Pro- an annual professional surfing event held in March.
Cooly Rocks On festival is held in Coolangatta every June, a two week 1950s & 1960s nostalgic festival with free entertainment and attractions including hot rods, restored cars and revival bands. Local interstate and international visitors enjoy this attraction.
Coolangatta Beach – host of the 2018 Commonwealth Games Volley Ball

Shopping & Attractions

As a border town Cooly has everything in the way of shopping, large supermarkets, malls and small boutique shops. Tweed Mall is located in Wharf St Tweed Heads and Tweed City offers dining and shopping.

Shopping:

The Strand in Coolangatta
Endota Spa
Sole Integrity Footwear
Boo Boo’s Fashion
VIP Nails
Strand Fruit & Vege
Coolangatta Menswear
Beach & Beyond
Just Sunnies
Timezone
Vibe Hair & Beauty
Sun & Sea
Stock & Supply Clothing
Sunburn Swimwear
The Cabin Store – Home Décor
The Shoe Rack
Australian Sports Nutrition
Tripaway Cruise & Travel
Saltwater Silver

Red Cross Shop
Lorna Jane
Esteem Medi Spa
Toledo Fine Jewellery
Four Letter Store
My Juju Dance Fever
Moelleux
Olive & Vern
Ritzi
Aloha Lucy Fashion
Base Gym
Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas
Cash Converters
Concrete Line Skate Shop
Cooly Liquor
Lotto Express Kiosk
Meat Merchant
Fashion Nails
Eyebrow World
NicNax Discount Variety

Attractions:

Snapper Rocks – Snapper Rocks is a small rocky outcrop on the northern side of Point Danger at the southern end of Rainbow Bay. Snapper Rocks is a world renowned surf spot.
Point Danger – scenic lookout with walking paths – picnic areas – Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse
Greenmount, Duranbah, Kirra and Coolangatta beaches
Jack Evans Boat Harbour – watercraft available for hire at Big Trev’s
Gold Coast Skydive – lands on Kirra Beach
Kirra Hill Lookout – best photo opportunities – BBQ facilities
Kirra Groyne – Extended by 30 metres in 2013 to it’s original constructed length, Kirra Groyne is a perfect spot to enjoy watching the surfers.
Kirra Reef – Dive Site
Gold Coast Sky Dive – Musgrave Street
Gold Coast Adventure Flights – Eastern Avenue Coolangatta Airport

Coolangatta Restaurants/Cafes:

Catering to everyone’s needs- there are restaurants all along Marine Parade and the main street Griffith St. There are surf clubs at Snapper Rocks, Greenmount, Coolangatta and Kirra all with varied menus and wonderful ocean views.