Years ago Kirra Beach was Coolangatta’s poorer cousin. However over the past 10 years it has undergone a transformation from a ramshackle beachside suburb with rundown surfie shacks, a few unappealing shops and cafes, to a new vibrant and upmarket beachside suburb. The southern Gold Coast suburb located in my backyard – Kirra Beach, is without a doubt now one of the most sought after areas real estate wise.

View of Kirra Beach from Lookout

Kirra Beach Makeover

So what is so appealing about this surfing mecca, whose claim to fame was the popular Kirra Surf store, the 50-year old Kirra Beach Hotel and the Kirra Beach Pavilion? The developers have been in and demolished some of the rundown buildings and replaced them with sleek new 10-storey high apartments, boutique shops and a few trendy cafes. Plus the destruction that sand-pumping and beach erosion caused that took away the surfing point, has since been restored to its former glory and it’s once again an awesome surfing break. In fact Kirra Beach is now protected as part of the World Surfing Reserve.

View of Kirra Beach from Kirra Point

Although I loved the retro, rundown beach shacks and the laid-back vibe that Kirra Beach once possessed, I now feel that it is much more attractive. The extensive green spaces fringing the wide sandy beach and the walking/cycling paths make it a wonderful location for families and walkers/joggers/cyclists.

Kirra Beach Parklands and Oceanway

The refurbishment of the Kirra Beach Hotel and Kirra Beach Pavilion has made it look a lot more appealing and the retention of the 1910 Kirra Beach Shelter Shed on the point gives it that “beachside vibe from a bygone era” feel.

Kirra Beach Shelter Shed

Kirra Beach Attractions

If you venture to the top of Kirra Hill you will share the view of the iron eagle, a sculpture that stands on the lookout, and enjoy an eagle’s eye view of both Kirra and Coolangatta Beaches.

The Eagle Sculpture on top of Kirra Hill

But I think what I like the most about Kirra Beach are the rocky sections of beach on the point, where sometimes little rockpools form and the waves gently lap the shores.

Gentle Waves at Kirra Point

Of course if you’re strolling along the oceanway you must take a photo with one of the two Koala sculptures that are sitting in the park overlooking the beach.

One of Kirra’s Koalas

Kirra Beach Surfing & Diving

Kirra Point has been known to host the Quiksilver Pro World Surf League event, when the surf has been too wild at Snappers Rocks. This point break is protected by two groynes and is renowned as one of the fastest, heaviest barrels in the world on a sandy bottom.

One of the contestants surfing the Kirra Point Break in the Quiksilver Pro in 2018

Not far from Kirra Beach, is a popular interesting dive site; Kirra Reef. Consisting of scattered rocky outcrops covered in kelp fronds, there are scores of hidden gems throughout the reef. Marine species found here include octopus, cuttlefish, nudibranchs and flatworms. However many large species visit this rocky reef including stingrays, eagle rays, wobbegongs and blind sharks.

A Bait Ball at Kirra Reef

You will also notice that the wide expanse of sandy beach between Kirra and North Kirra are the perfect landing locations for tandem skydivers. Try it if you dare!

Where to Eat at Kirra Beach

Kirramisu Cafe is a lovely casual cafe with great service, good coffee and a decent breakfast menu with some healthy options. Or sit out the front on the bench seats with views of the beach and people watch from Cafe Kirra and try their ‘Avo Smash’ and a freshly squeezed juice for brekkie. For some great pub grub try the Kirra Beach Hotel bistro or slip across the road for a pizza at the Pizza Hut and watch the waves roll in.

Kirra Homeware Shop and Kirramisu Cafe next door.

Kirra Beaches

There are several spots along Kirra where you can access the beaches. Starting from the Coolangatta or the southern end there is a tucked away little beach adjacent to the groyne. There are two staircases from the oceanway around the point where you can access the rocky section of the beach.

Lifeguard patrolling the beach at Kirra

Outside Kirra Surf Club is probably your safest option as its patrolled by Lifeguards seven days a week. Otherwise the wide sandy stretch of beach continues from the Surf Club north all the way to North Kirra Surf Club.

One of the entrances to Kirra Beach

I may be biased, but Kirra Beach really is one of my favourite Gold Coast Beaches and I think you would probably agree based on these beautiful photos.