My first visit to Coolangatta (or Cooly), occurred sometime in the late 1970s when I came to the Gold Coast on a holiday with two girlfriends. I remember vividly going for a night out to Pacific Village Resort on Marine Parade at Coolangatta which was a party resort for the young in the 1970’s and 80’s.
These days Coolangatta, on the very southern end of the Gold Coast, is far removed from the above faded postcard image. Cooly now features world-class oceanfront hotels, restaurants and clubs and is still as popular as ever as a holiday destination. However in some ways it still exudes the charm of the beachside holiday from yesteryear.
Marine Parade, Coolangatta today
What I love about Cooly is its long stretch of beach, with vast sandy shores protected by Greenmount Point, which normally means it is safe to swim or learn to surf. The beachfront is fringed by green parklands where the children can play, you can sit serenely and take in the beach vistas or stroll along the extensive pathways. Otherwise you can cross Marine Parade and eat and drink to your heart’s desire at one of the many great eateries lining the street.
Coolangatta Beach
Koala Artwork in Coolangatta Beachside Park
Rockpool at Greenmount Beach
Snapper Rocks Surfers
Steps to the Lookout at Greenmount Point
Kirra Point Pavilion
Kirra Hill Lookout and Eagle Statue
Point Danger Border of Queensland and New South Wales
Komune Beach Club
D-Bar Cafe & Gallery
12. Discover Rainbow Bay
Beach at Rainbow Bay
13. Enjoy an afternoon drink and a meal at a Surf Club
Rainbow Bay Surf Club
14. Pick up some new surf gear at a Surf Shop
One of the Surf Shops in Coolangatta
15. Take in a movie at the cinema.
I love Cooly so much so that I often book one of those hotel rooms along Marine Parade and just chill here for a few days. Otherwise I like to drive on down to the southern end of the Gold Coast at every opportunity to experience what it has to offer. Cooly does have that certain something!
Are you ever a tourist in your own town or city? Where do you like to go?
Linking up with Travel Photo Thursday
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Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
July 29, 2016If I didn’t live on the mountain I’d want to live at Cooly. It’s amazing. We enjoyed a few of those places last weekend. It’s magnetic :)
Kathy
July 29, 2016Cooly is definitely the best end of the Gold Coast. It has some great spots to eat and drink as well as superb beaches. Did you enjoy the Surf Club meals in Cooly? :)
Jan
July 29, 2016We had a couple of nights in Coolangatta last Spring and enjoyed the easy walking to clubs, restaurants etc. We had a delicious meal at an Indian restaurant just up the street from the Mantra.
Kathy
July 29, 2016It is a great spot for a holiday Jan. So different to other parts of the Gold Coast. :)
budgettraveltalk
August 1, 2016Great photo of Snapper Rocks – it’s a lovely part of Queensland :)
Kathy
August 2, 2016I captured that photo at Snapper Rocks after a cyclone so the seas were huge! I love doing the walk from Coolangatta up to Point Danger. It always takes my breath away. :)
Rhonda Albom
August 2, 2016I visited Coolangatta a number of years ago. I liked it and most of the S Queensland coast.
Kathy
August 3, 2016I’m glad that you have experienced Coolangatta. I do love my backyard here on the Gold Coast, but more particularly the southern end of the coast and Coolangatta. :)