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Queensland location profile

Coolangatta QLD 4225

Coolangatta is a laid‑back beachside suburb at the southern end of the Gold Coast, right on the QLD–NSW border. It’s known for pristine beaches, world‑class surf breaks, and a relaxed, holiday vibe with a mix of locals and visitors year‑round.

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Why families consider Coolangatta

Beach and surf culture with a mix of retirees, hospitality workers, professionals, and seasonal tourism workers. Housing skews to apartments and holiday lets with some older homes, offering a relaxed coastal lifestyle and strong connection to nearby Tweed Heads.

Amenities & services

  • The Strand at Coolangatta shopping centre
  • Kirra Village Shopping Centre
  • Local supermarkets and convenience stores
  • John Flynn Private Hospital (Tugun)
  • The Tweed Hospital (nearby Tweed Heads, NSW)
  • Coolangatta Medical Centre and GP clinics
  • Marine Parade and Griffith Street cafes, bars and restaurants
  • Surf Life Saving Clubs (Greenmount, Coolangatta, Rainbow Bay)
  • Elanora Library – The Pines Shopping Centre, Elanora QLD
  • Burleigh Heads Library – Burleigh Heads QLD
  • Tweed Heads Library – Wharf St, Tweed Heads NSW (nearby)

Transport & connectivity

  • No heavy rail station in Coolangatta; nearest is Varsity Lakes station (~25km north)
  • Gold Coast Airport (OOL) at Bilinga, minutes away
  • Bus routes 700, 760, 767, 777 connect to Tweed Heads, Broadbeach South, the airport and Robina
  • Major roads: Gold Coast Highway, Pacific Motorway (M1)/Tugun Bypass, Boundary Street, Marine Parade

Lifestyle & recreation

  • Coolangatta, Greenmount, Rainbow Bay and Kirra beaches with renowned surf breaks (Snapper Rocks)
  • Point Danger Lookout and coastal walk
  • Goodwin Park sports fields and skate facilities
  • Cooly Rocks On festival and regular beachfront markets
  • Nearby Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club (NSW)
  • Queen Elizabeth Park (Coolangatta foreshore)
  • Goodwin Park (Coolangatta)
  • Pat Fagan Park (Greenmount Hill)
  • Point Danger Park/Lookout
  • Kirra Hill Lookout parklands

Education context

Several long day care and early learning centres in Coolangatta, Kirra and nearby Tweed Heads; generally available with some waitlists on peak days.

  • Southern Cross University – Gold Coast campus, Bilinga (adjacent to airport)
  • Griffith University – Gold Coast campus, Southport/Parklands
  • Bond University – Robina