The Best Surfing Spots of Coolangatta

Coolangatta has long been one of the Gold Coast's favourite surfing destinations, but it was the development of the two-kilometre Superbank in the 1990s that turned its beaches into international superstars. Today, it's not uncommon to see as many as 500 surfers at a time taking on one of the longest waves in the world.

If you're visiting Coolangatta and you want to get amongst them, here are five top Cooly surf beaches you owe it to yourself to try.

1. Snapper Rocks

Home of the Quiksilver Pro Surfing Competition, this rocky outcrop at Point Danger can produce a world-class wave. As the starting point of the two-kilometre sandbank, it often creates a long powerful wave that on good days can be ridden for hundreds of metres. The world's top surfers can often be seen hitting its swells, along with those who fancy a challenge trying to ride it all the way from Snapper Rocks to Kirra.

The best surf conditions

Ideal wind: SW 

Where to shop after your surf?

If you’re hungry after heading to Snapper, take a short drive or walk over to The Strand in Marine Parade Coolangatta to get some fish and chips from Selfish.  

2. Kirra

A long-time favourite, Kirra's dominance of the surfing scene was challenged by the development of the Superbank, which reduced the quality of its waves. But then a $1.5 million restoration by the Queensland Government rejuvenated its legendary break and its reputation. Today Kirra is considered to have the best sand-breaking right hand point in the world and can be relied on to draw hundreds of local and visiting surfers when conditions are right.

The best surf conditions

Ideal wind: SW

What to eat after your surf?

If you need a pick-me-up after your surf, head over to Cooly – Kirra’s beach neighbour and enjoy a meal at Beach Burrito.

3. Greenmount Point

Greenmount is a great point break connected to Snapper Rocks on the eastern end of Coolangatta Beach. This wave works best when the swell is around 1 to 2.5 metres and a standard ride can run for around 50 to 100 metres, up to 300 metres on good days. Because it’s sheltered from the south-easterlies, Greenmount is a great place to learn to surf and it’s one of Cooly’s most accessible beaches, directly opposite the shops and restaurants of Marine Parade.

The best surf conditions 

Ideal wind: SW or S 

Where to relax after your surf?

Head to The Coolangatta Hotel afterwards for a cold drink at sunset. Check out what’s on at the hotel here. 

4. Duranbah 

Known as D-Bah by the locals, Duranbah offers some of the most consistent surf in Coolangatta, thanks to its position close to the mouth of the Tweed River, just around the corner from Snapper Rocks. The home break of former world champions Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson, D-Bah has strong rips, occasional sharks and large swells and is better suited to experienced surfers and those training for surfing comps.

The best surf conditions

Ideal wind: NW

What to drink after your surf?

Enjoy a post-surf breaky at Crema Espresso, where you can seek shade from the Queensland sun under palm trees. 

5. Currumbin Alley

If the Superbank is looking flat, head to Currumbin Alley for world-class longboarding all year round, but especially between January and June. This right-hand point break is welcoming to beginners and seasoned pros alike, with easier waves towards the creek and more challenging right-handers closer to the point rocks. If you'd prefer to avoid the crowds though, heading a little further along the Alley will take you to quieter Palm Beach where you can still enjoy quality surfing.

The best surf conditions

Ideal wind: SW

What to do after your surf?

Want to explore more of Currumbin? Check out Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, less than a 5-minute walk from the beach. 

Want an uncrowded surf spot? 

Due to the rapidly changing direction of sand, breaks can change overnight. For this reason, you may want to head over to Tugun, next to Currumbin. Rather than a point break, Tugun is a beach break – generally meaning that there will be fewer people around to get in your way. 

If you’re up for a drive, you may like to head North to Palm Beach or Broadbeach. Although both beaches still tend to attract lots of surfers – these beaches have many more breaks. So paddle over to the least crowded one and away you go! 

Learning to surf

If you’re totally new to surfing or at an intermediate level and looking to improve your board skills, some of the best surf tuition in Coolangatta can be found at Walkin’ On Water Surf School at Greenmount Beach.

They offer surfing lessons for all ages and abilities. The surf instructors are highly qualified and professional, making your experience unforgettable. Walkin’ On Water Surf School is fully licensed and accredited. Lessons include everything you need, providing wetsuits, boards and sunscreen.  

A lesson will also get you a show bag containing a variety of local discounts, including 10% off at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Surf’s up in Coolangatta

Whatever time of year you’re heading to the Gold Coast, check out what’s on in Coolangatta to catch some of the world’s premier surfing competitions and other events.