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Secrets of the Southern Gold Coast
From Currumbin to Cabarita Beach in northern New South Wales lies one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Australia.
Spend a few days on the southern Gold Coast, and it's not hard to see why it's a favourite with the locals. Here the beaches are quieter, the swimming safe and it's just a few kilometres to the World Heritage listed Mt Warning National Park and surrounding dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Our base for some leisurely exploring was in Coolangatta right opposite the beach. If you are staying in ‘Cooli’ the four beaches - Kirra, Coolangatta, Greenmount and Rainbow Bay - are all within easy walking distance.
Most hotels along this stretch have their own pool, that’s if you’re not too tired from surfing and swimming in the warm ocean all day.
The other essential for a great weekend getaway is good food, and you won't be disappointed with the array of cafes and restaurants. The surf lifesaving clubs also offer great value meals.
We spent a lazy afternoon watching the dolphins and surfers over a cold beer on the verandah of the Rainbow Bay surf club. There are also plenty of free gas barbecues on the beachfront, just around the corner from the club.
We left the car behind and opted for peddle power, hiring bikes from a place in Kirra. It was great way to explore the gently curving stretches of coastline, stopping for an ice cream or two, along the way.
You don't need to stay close to the beach. There are some unique places in Currumbin which offer a wonderful alternative, cradled in the hinterland rainforest bordering Hanging Rock, a large rock monolith. Perched on stilts to maximise views it would be awesome to wake up and check the surf from your bed!
Activities near Currumbin include nearby Tally Park for horseriding, four wheel driving and bushwalking, and there are three golf courses within a 15 minute radius.
The nearby Mount Cougal National Park is small but also good for families in summer. The 800 square metre park is filled with cascades that make perfect rock slides.
If you're ready to take the plunge, Tandem Sky Dive offers sky diving and tandem jumps from Coolangatta Airport. From here, daily flights take off for Fraser Island and the Great Barrier Reef with Sea Air.
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Coolangatta
- At the southern end of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta has some of the region's prettiest beaches. The rugged headland of Point Danger gives way to delightful Rainbow Bay where gentle surf offers a safe haven to small children.
More information on the Southern Gold Coast
Thanks for a great article! We think the Southern GC is Pure Gold!!!!