In My Backyard: Coolangatta & The Tweed
Locals refer to Coolangatta and Tweed Heads as the ‘Twin Towns’ as they sit side by side on the Queensland/New South Wales border on the southern end of the Gold Coast. Here the vibe is very different to the more popular touristy Surfers Paradise. The beaches are less crowded, the surf is pumping, there is the added attraction of the Tweed River and the vibe is more laid-back and relaxed.
Coolangatta
Coolangatta is the southernmost suburb of Gold Coast City, Queensland, located on the border right next to Tweed Heads, New South Wales. It is named after the schooner Coolangatta that was shipwrecked there in 1846.
To me Cooly (what the locals call it), exudes an old-school beachside charm where you still think you are back in the hey days of the 1960’s when Coolangatta was the most sought after holiday location. It combines this with world-class oceanfront hotels, restaurants and clubs, the most popular of which is Twin Towns Services Club, home to local and international acts.
It also hosts Cooly Rocks Festival, the biggest 50s and 60s nostalgia festival in Australia! Over two kilometres of Rock ‘n roll, Rockabilly, Swing music and over 1,000 hot rods, custom cars and classic vehicles lining the stunning beachfront of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads all over two huge weeks in June, each year.
Coolangatta Beaches
Beaches here are renowned for the most spectacular surf, particularly off the northern corner of Coolangatta Beach, the headland around Greenmount, Snapper Rocks into the southern corner of Rainbow Bay and of course, the world-class surf break of Duranbah. Snapper Rocks is stop number one of the World Tour of Surfing event calendar that occurs in March. Meanwhile, the corner of Greenmount Beach offers a protected spot for a swim.
A scenic walking trail wraps around Greenmount Hill connecting Greenmount Beach to Rainbow Bay. From here you can head up the hill to the exotically named Point Danger and plant one foot in Queensland and another in New South Wales at the same time. This lookout is also a great place for whale watching. Or take a walk or drive up to Kirra Lookout for panoramic views of Coolangatta and Kirra Beaches.
The entire beachfront of Marine Parade is fringed with green grassy parks, picnic tables, BBQs and children’s playgrounds. A walking/cycling path heading north towards Surfers Paradise. The path winds its way through the parklands and around Kirra Point, with spectacular views of the Kirra Beach, and then goes all the way along the Gold Coast coastline.
Tweed Heads
Known as ‘Australia’s Green Cauldron’, Tweed Heads offers the best of both worlds with lush rainforests and dramatic mountain ranges to uncrowded, unspoilt beaches and world-famous surfing point breaks.
It was established when timber cutters came to the Tweed Valley to cut down the trees for timber. Soon after farmers moved in with bananas, cane and dairy farming dominating the area, while a fishing industry developed. Nowadays it is a bustling town with two major shopping centres and three large Clubs offering live music, world class entertainment, restaurants and gaming.
Things To Do and See in Tweed Heads
The top ten things to do in Tweed Heads are:
- Surf at one of the famous surf breaks such as Snapper Rocks or Duranbah.
Pumping Surf at Snapper Rocks - Cruise along the Tweed River on one of the boat cruises or hire your own boat and navigate your way around the Terranora Lakes and Tweed River.
Tweed River Boat Cruises - From June to November you can go whale watching on a boat cruise.
- Snorkel or scuba dive at nearby Cook Island.
Cook Island - Go game fishing for marlin, dolphin fish or mackerel on a fishing charter or cast a line from the the open beach, headlands or around the river and creek mouths.
- Discover ‘Giants Causeway’, a crescent shaped mass of hexagonal volcanic rocks, and the Fingal Lighthouse at the beachside and riverfront village of Fingal.
Giants Causeway, Fingal - Explore ancient landscapes in the Tweed Valley where there are five national parks and the Gondwana Rainforests.
- Take a day trip south of the border along the coastal road and visit the coastal villages from Kingscliff to Pottsville.
Cabarita Headland - Sample seasonal fruits and experience a plantation safari tour at Tropical Fruit World.
- Watch the spectacular sunrise from the summit of Wollumbin Mt Warning after a challenging 4.4 kilometre hike up the mountain.
Mount Warning
This is just a sample of what is on offer at the ‘Twin Towns’ of Tweed Heads and Coolangatta. There are a series of Tweed touring brochures available from the Visitor Information Centre that vary from a Historic Pub Tour, to the Tweed Valley Art Trail, or to the Tweed Food Trail, or Border Ranges Circuit, to Wollumbin Mt Warning View Circuit.
This is all in my backyard so understandably I am never bored for entertainment. A drive across the border into Northern New South Wales is like a breath of fresh air and that feeling of slowing down and taking in the beauty that abounds in this region. There is little argument as to why this is a very popular holiday spot for we Gold Coasters.
Linking up with Travel Photo Thursday
I just love the limestone steps, that screams at me the beach xxx
The beach is my favourite place in the whole wide world. Wherever it may be :)
It looks such a beautiful area and away from the glitz and glamour of surfers – which I would like better than super busy. One day – yes – we will get there for a holiday. Loved your pics as usual :)
Thanks Jo, I enjoyed photographing my backyard and bringing it to you. I tend to like the less busier holiday destinations as well. :)
We’re staying down there after Christmas Kathy! We’re staying at a motel that lets you have pets and the chihuahua and fox terrier are coming with us. I had no idea there was a Giant’s Causeway at Fingal Bay. We must have a look!
I thought you were staying at Mt Tamborine?? You will love this area as it is much less busy and more restful than Surfers Paradise. I’m sure your pooches will enjoy a dip in the Tweed River too! You must walk up to Fingal Lighthouse which is on a headland with magical views to the north and south and of course out to Giant’s Causeway and Cook Island. Also Dreamtime Beach to the south is a dream.
No. Because my parents cannot assure us they won’t have sold their weekender by Christmas we had to make alternate arrangements and will now be staying at Camp tail Waggers in Coolangatta. I’m sure it’s very upmarket ;)
Well enjoy Camp Tail Waggers. I’m off to Broken Head in our caravan (if we still have it), but would love to catch up for a coffee if I’m around.
LOVE the ‘Twin Towns’ area, although I haven’t visited for awhile … I’ve got great memories (and photos!) of Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Creek and Burleigh Heads – yes, the southern end of the GC really does it for me!
You are talking about my backyard here, as I live at Burleigh Heads and often walk around Burleigh Point to Tallebudgera Creek. Sometimes we are guilty of not realising the potential of the region where we live and I am embarrassed to say that I discovered new places when I was taking photos around the Twin Towns. Thank you for dropping by my blog. :)