How to Relax in Coolangatta for the Over 55s

Coolangatta is a paradise for the over 55s. Relaxed and charming with stunning scenery and plenty to do, it’s the perfect place to visit for a holiday (or to even consider retiring too!)
 
The Strand at Coolangatta has put together some fantastic ideas on how you can indulge, relax and recuperate in the Coolangatta area.

Hit the beach

Is there anything more relaxing than grabbing a book and a beach towel (and of course, your sunscreen) and heading down to a scenic beach to sprawl on the sand, interspersed with dips into the cool, crisp ocean? If there’s anything better, we can’t think of it!
 
Coolangatta and the Gold Coast is world-renowned for its famous beaches, consisting of seemingly endless stretches of sand, forested headlands, stunning blue water and plenty of natural wildlife. Absolute heaven!
 
Here are some of our favourite beaches to visit when in Coolangatta:

•  Main Beach: The start of the 36 kilometre long Gold Coast Oceanway, Main Beach is more mellow than its Surfers Paradise neighbour, offering glimpses to South Stradbroke Island. You can grab a cheap and cheerful takeaway fish and chips from the historic bathers pavilion before hitting the sand. Yummy!
•  Burleigh Heads: Any local will tell you that Burleigh Heads is Coolangatta’s equivalent to Byron Bay. It’s a bohemian-surfy pocket fringed with stunning Norfolk Pines. The beach is always patrolled and is mostly protected from southerly winds. 
• Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay: If you don’t feel like travelling far from Coolangatta, then you’re in luck because we’re home to what we believe is one of the most stunning beaches in the world. A perfect place to laze away a Sunday (or any day if you’re on holiday!), you can take a stroll from the Point Danger viewpoint, past Froggies Beach, around Greenmount, along the esplanade at Coolangatta and right through to Kirra. After your beach time and walk, grab a bite to eat at one of the many dining establishments at The Strand Coolangatta.

Head out on a cruise to see whales and dolphins

If you’re in Coolangatta from May to October then you’re in luck, because it’s whale migration season! This is one of those quintessential activities that’s an absolute must-do on the Gold Coast, and with many cruise boat operators conducting whale watching tours from many convenient locations, it’s the perfect way to be able to sit back and relax while still enjoying some water action and active wildlife. You could be coming back to shore and calling your kids or grandkids to tell them all about the whales that you saw jumping or the dolphins that were swimming to keep up with the stern of your vessel!
 
If whales and dolphins aren’t particularly your thing but you’d still like to get out on the water, then joining a fishing charter or hiring your own boat to cruise the crystal clear waterways is another fantastic idea. You could jump on an Aquaduck Tour, a cruise of the rivers and canals, or a cruise to the stunningly tropical South Stradbroke Island. The opportunities are endless!

Hit the pavement (or sand) and go for a walk

Coolangatta and the surrounding areas are full of pretty walks to do, no matter what your fitness level or how long you feel like walking for.
 
Here are some of our favourites:

•  Kingscliff to Cabarita: This walk takes about two hours and twenty minutes, depending on how fast you walk. Starting from the southern end of Kingscliff Beach, it’s about 12 kilometres of shady, flat route. Although you don’t necessarily have beach views the whole way, you can hear the sound of the ocean, take note of local wildlife sightings and ogle at some of the beautiful houses at Casuarina. When you’ve finished, you can get the 603 bus from Cabarita that goes back to Kingscliff, taking about 15 minutes and coming once an hour.
• Burleigh Headland: This is a well-worn route for locals, as it’s a beautiful, shady path with lots of greenery and glimpses of the ocean. Perfect for an afternoon stroll after a day at the beach, you may even be lucky enough to see the fireflies that come out just as it gets dark around August.
• The Pinnacle Lookout: Located in the Border Ranges National Park, this fantastic spot is known to be looking its best at sunrise. However, it’s around a two-hour drive from Coolangatta, so unless you’re keen to wake up super early, it may be best to do the walk in the late afternoon when it’s not too hot. Whenever you make it to the top, the sprawling hinterland is absolutely stunning, and always well worth the climb!

Dine at some of the best restaurants in town

Coolangatta and its surrounds are home to some fantastic dining establishments serving up fresh, delicious, affordable food. Here are some of our favourites.

• Bin 72: Featuring beautiful ocean vistas framed by Norfolk Pines, Bin 72 is an original Coolangatta restaurant, and it’s definitely still one of the best. Serving up tapas, cocktails and delectable desserts, the staff are super attentive and friendly. It’s in a convenient location as well, just upstairs at The Strand Coolangatta.
• Cafe 28: If you’re an early riser and love going out for a bacon and egg roll, you won’t find a better one than at Cafe 28. Serving up unpretentious, home-style food, the cafe also has a great selection of juices and smoothies, along with a licensed bar if you’re after something a little stronger.
• Delizioso: This restaurant really does bring modern Italian dining to Coolangatta. From the pizza and pasta to the lamb shanks and pork belly, Delizioso is bound to get your mouth watering. And with over 300 types of red and white wine, it’s easy to stay hydrated, too!

Relaxing in Coolangatta

So, whether you’re in Coolangatta for two nights or two weeks, there are many different ways to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy your stay. Check out The Strand at Coolangatta for inspiration when it comes to shopping, checking out a movie or dining on some culinary delights.