After a cool beach getaway for the family in Queensland? Well, Coolangatta needs to be on your radar as it’s one of the best Queensland holiday destinations for families and offers plenty of things to do in Coolangatta.
Located on Queensland’s far southern border, Coolangatta offers an awesome escape featuring plenty of family-friendly Gold Coast accommodation options and top Gold Coast experiences to choose from.
To help you make the most of your Coolnagatta holidays, here are our top 10 Coolangatta attractions and activities to add to your trip.
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10 Cool Things to Do In Coolangatta With Kids:
1. Explore Coolangatta Beaches
Of course, the biggest drawcard to any seaside destination is the beach. And, let me say Coolangatta’s beaches boast spectacular ocean views, pristine waters, and world-class surfing conditions.
What’s best of all is these Gold Coast beaches each offer something different due to the way Coolangatta stretches and wraps around the coastline.
There are six beach spots to lap up being Kirra Beach, Kirra Point, Coolangatta Beach, Greenmount Beach, Rainbow Bay and Snapper Rocks.
From lazing on Kirra’s long sandy beach to swimming in the calm waters of Greenmount Beach to carving up the waves at Snapper Rocks – you and the kids will have a ball.
MORE: If you’re a fan of pro surfing then you have to visit Coolangatta when the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast surf contest is on. Held at Snapper Rocks, this event attracts professional surfers from all over the world and thousands of spectators.
2. Playtime at Queen Elizabeth Park
Now we know when holidaying with young children, you’re most likely to spend some time at a playground and park.
And in Coolangatta, a great place to visit when exploring the area is the Queen Elizabeth Park.
It’s a cool beachfront park that overlooks Coolangatta Beach and is directly across from The Strand, which is one of the main shopping, entertainment, and dining precincts in Coolangatta.
The park offers plenty of space to throw out a rug and enjoy a picnic while the kids play at the playground.
The playground features all your typical play equipment for kids and is a good stop when you are walking along the Coolangatta Beach Esplanade.
3. Coolangatta Art and Craft Markets
Held in Queen Elizabeth Park every second Sunday of the month, is the Gold Coast’s most famous Beachside Art and Crafts Markets.
Operating for over 30 years, this iconic beachfront market attracts hundreds of people who are keen to find a bargain and taste delicious food and snacks, all while soaking up the amazing views of the Gold Coast coastline.
What’s great about these markets, and why it’s one of our top things to do in Coolangatta is it features over 150 stalls that sell a variety of Australian-made products, fresh produce, food and live entertainment to enjoy.
A great day activity out for the family, and afterward you can swim and laze on the beach.
4. Eat Pancakes In Paradise
Who doesn’t love pancakes! One joint that the kids will absolutely love any time of the day is at Pancakes In Paradise (Pancake Diner).
This American-style pancake diner serves up plenty of delicious pancake creations as well as some classic American diner meals such as burgers, milkshakes, USA-style pork ribs, hotdogs and all-day breakfast.
But we’re interested in the pancakes and with such flavours as Devonshire Pancakes, Hot Bavarian Apple, Sticky Date Pancakes, Black Forest Pancakes and your classic maple syrup stacks. The whole family will be spoiled for choice!
Located in The Strand, why not visit after exploring Coolangatta Beach or playing at the Queen Elizabeth Park playground.
So, when thinking of where to eat or what to do in Coolangatta, be sure to add a trip to this cool American pancake diner on your itinerary.
5. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Not only is the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary one of the top things to do in Coolangatta, but it’s also a top Gold Coast attraction.
Only an 11-minute drive from Coolangatta Beach, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary boasts 27 hectares of rainforest to explore and is home to over 1,400 Australian native wildlife.
This animal sanctuary is great for the whole family and allows you to see koalas, echidnas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, emus, dingoes and more.
What’s great about the animal sanctuary is there’s so much to do. From hand-feeding kangaroos, cuddling and having breakfast with koalas, seeing Australia’s largest saltwater crocodile in action, and walking the dingoes – you’ll have a busy visit.
There’s also a bunch of interactive keeper shows, an outdoor playground, miniature train rides and an onsite Wildlife Hospital to see the vets care for the animals.
We also love the lorikeet feeding sessions that occur outside the entry of the animal sanctuary at 8am and 4pm and only cost a dollar coin donation. A great budget-friendly activity for the family.
MORE: Why not add a visit to the Palm Beach Parklands nearby (only a 3-minute drive), which has a cool pirate ship playground the kids will love and overlooks the Currumbin Creek.
6. TimeZone Coolangatta
An easy winner when looking at what to do in Coolangatta and how to keep the children busy, cool and happy is at TimeZone Coolangatta.
This classic arcade and entertainment venue features 200 of the latest and greatest games and experiences for the kids (and adults) to go wild and win as many points/ tickets as possible to get prizes/ toys.
It’s a family-friendly venue full of bright lights, colours and gaming noise – old fashion arcade fun! So, why not challenge the kids to some laser tag, dodgems and rounds of hyper shot basketball, Mario Kart and Daytona USA.
7. Coolangatta Tweed Tenpin Bowling
Up for some friendly competition? Then why not head to Coolangatta Tweed Tenpin.
This classic full-size bowling alley will have the whole family competing to score as many strikes as possible.
Only a 4-minute drive away (750m) from Coolangatta Beach, it’s a great activity to experience a traditional bowling alley with its 16 full-length tournament lanes and free-falling pins.
The venue also has arcade games and a fully licensed cafe and bar onsite to enjoy some refreshments and snacks.
MORE: You can also play tenpin bowling at TimeZone Coolangatta if you can’t get to Tweed Tenpin.
8. Learn To Surf Coolangatta
Gold Coast is home to many great spots to go surfing and to learn how to surf. And, as Coolangatta has six different beaches on its coastal stretch, keen surfers are spoiled for choice.
This is why we feature it as one of our top things to do in Coolangatta. You can’t visit the place and not try surfing – it’s only the home of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Surf Contest!
One main operator is Coolnagatta Learn To Surf, they’ll have you surfing the picturesque and gentle waves of Rainbow Bay where they hold their learn to surf lessons.
They offer both group and private lessons running all year. The group lessons go for 2 hours, while the private lessons go for around 1.5 hours. Both include all equipment supplied and wetsuits. All you need to bring are swimmers, a towel and water.
MORE: To experience more surfing spots why not check out these cool Gold Coast surfing lessons held at Miami, Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise.
9. Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Offering unique insight into Aboriginal culture, Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is a popular historic attraction for families when visiting Coolangatta.
Run by the area’s Aboriginal community, it allows visitors to learn about local Aboriginal culture and see impressive museum exhibits, informative videos and Aboriginal art.
Tours also run through the museum and site where they speak about the relics, plants and animals, what life was like when the area was untouched and the cultural significance of the Bora Ring.
The Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is also a great place to explore, pack a picnic and relax amongst the Australian bushland.
10. Coolangatta to Point Danger Walk
This is our top thing to do in Coolangatta, especially during the cooler months (April to September) when the Queensland heat isn’t as brutal.
The Coolangatta and Point Danger Walk is one of the most stunning walking tracks on the Gold Coast.
This Oceanway Walk will have you soaking up the stunning coastal views of the Gold Coast and Tweed Coast, as you follow the path, which starts from Greenmount Beach Surf Club.
You’ll see such scenic sights as the Rainbow Bay Lookout, Greenmount Beach, Snapper Rocks, Apex Park, Point Danger, Captain Cook Memorial Light, Froggy Beach and Flagstaff Beach.
Be sure to wear your walking shoes, bring the pram/ baby carrier and don’t forget your camera to capture all the incredible coastal views.
Best Gold Coast Attractions Near Coolangatta
Want more things to do in Coolangatta? As this beach hotspot is on the Gold Coast you won’t find it hard to keep busy with the kids or wonder what to do in Coolangatta.
So, to help you out below are some of the best Gold Coast attractions the whole family will enjoy and are close to Coolangatta to experience.
- Experience the TreeTop Challenge Zipline Tour at Mount Tamborine
- Explore the Gold Coast Amusement Parks – Wet n Wild, Movie World, Dream World, Sea World
- Attend the Outback Spectacular Show
- Trying various water sports like surfing, kayaking, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding
- Jump on a Gold Coast Sightseeing River Cruise
- Soak up and swim the Currumbin Rock Pools
- Do the Mount Warning hike
- Day trip to Byron Bay
DEALS: Fun Gold Coast Attractions For Families
How to get to Coolangatta?
Located on the southernmost end of the Gold Coast and borders New South Wales, Coolangatta is an easily accessible destination from all major Australian cities.
This is especially so when the distance from Gold Coast airport to Coolangatta is only a 4-minute drive. So, this turns out to be a quick uber, taxi and airport shuttle ride for the family.
Below is the travel time and most convenient transport options (driving and flights to Coolangatta) to help get you and the family to Coolangatta.
- Brisbane to Coolangatta – Distance 102km. Drive 1.5hrs via M1.
- Sydney to Coolangatta – Distance 817km. Drive 8hrs via Pacific Hwy and M1 or fly direct (1.5hr).
- Canberra to Coolangatta – Distance 1,085km. Fly direct (1.5hrs).
- Melbourne to Coolangatta – Distance 1,677km. Fly direct (2hrs).
- Adelaide to Coolangatta – Distance 1,984km. Fly direct (2.5hrs).
- Hobart to Coolangatta – Distance 2,396km. Fly direct (2.5hrs).
- Darwin to Coolangatta – Distance 3,503km. Fly to Brisbane (4hrs). Then drive 1.5hrs via M1.
- Perth to Coolangatta – Distance 4,338km. Fly direct (4.5hrs).
Coolangatta Hotels and Apartments
So, how much is a hotel room in Coolangatta? The great thing about this beach hotspot is there are plenty of Coolangatta accommodation options for families to book, making it an affordable Queensland holiday destination.
Our top Coolangatta accommodation properties found were the luxury beachside apartments, Nirvana by the Sea with their fully equipped two-bedroom apartments and Mantra Coolangatta Beach.
Some other amazing family-friendly Coolangatta hotels near the beach are:
- Kirra Surf Apartments
- Greenmount Beach Hotel
- Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
- Pink Hotel Coolangatta
- Beach House Coolangatta
- Beachcomber Resort Coolangatta
For more Coolangatta hotels and apartments be sure to check out this Coolangatta deals page.
MORE: Want more family holidays QLD hotspots to visit? Then you need to check out the BIG 4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort. The kids will love the waterpark and parents will enjoy the resort pool, food and relaxing atmosphere. You can even go glamping!
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