Southern Gold Coast

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FREE Things to Do

Currumbin Rock Pools

We all know it gets harder and harder each year for most working families to go away on holiday, however there is a way for you to take your kids on a holiday and jam pack it to the rafters with fantastic things to do that won't cost a lot, in fact they cost very little!

For those who need to be thrifty, this is where it's at! The Southern Gold Coast has so many things to do that are low to no-cost. Of course we have plenty on offer for those who have the cash to splurge, however not everyone fits that bill. We are pleased to be able to say that the Southern Gold Coast caters for all types of budgets!

See for yourself just some of the things that you can do for free on the Southern Gold Coast. You will find that you can create a whole itinerary for your holiday, one that won't cause more stress financially, one that you feel refreshed after enjoying, one that you're family will remember for years to come and most importantly, one that is kind to the hip pocket!

Click on the below links for find out more!

Walks & Lookouts - See the sights from all the best vantage points!

Fishing - Catch a big one

White Sands - Pristine Beaches

Hinterland Wonderland - Freshwater pools and creeks to explore all day long!

Bike Riding - Leisurely rides to challenging off-road trails

Great places for a Picnic - Family picnic or maybe a romantic date??

Events & Festivals - Thats right, for FREE!!

See the sights from all the best vantage points!

Walks and Lookouts of the Southern Gold Coast

Walks & Lookouts Printer friendly PDF

Watch the Great South East segment on Walks & Lookouts of the Southern Gold Coast here!

The Southern Gold Coast is one of the most vibrant, abundant, unspoiled destinations in the world. Its sub-tropical climate is perfect for outdoor fun all year round, with plenty of sunshine and many different vantage points, lookouts and walking tracks to help you explore the surroundings.

The Southern Gold Coast consists of eight distinct villages; Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta, Kirra, Bilinga, Tugun, Currumbin, Currumbin Valley and Currumbin Waters. Although they share the same relaxed lifestyle and environment, each has its own individual personality and charm.

This guide will outline the coastal and hinterland walks and lookouts that showcase our unique and glorious natural wonders of the Southern Gold Coast!

Also check out this great blog with more fantastic walks and drives around the Southern Gold Coast!

Ocean Walkway (foreshore, paved thoroughfare) incorporating Point Danger, Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay, Greenmount, Coolangatta, Kirra Point, Kirra, Bilinga, Tugun, Currumbin, Currumbin Alley and Currumbin Creek estuary (18km round trip- but can be shortened to suit);

"Golden Four" Beaches Walk. Walk on the beach (hard or soft sand) from Kirra Point north past Bilinga and Tugun to Currumbin Rock (12km round trip, but can be shortened to suit);

Thrower Bridge to Kropp Park Currumbin

Thrower Bridge to Kropp Park Walk (Currumbin to Flat Rock Creek, Tugun) 7km roundtrip. This incorporates Currumbin Creek walkway, Winders Park, Currumbin Rock, Pacific Parade walkway, Elephant Rock and the Kropp Park Reserve. From Currumbin Rock to Kropp Park can be walked on the beach as an option.

Currumbin Alley to the Valley

Currumbin Rock and Currumbin Alley, Pacific Parade, Currumbin Beach: At the entrance to this precinct, a large plaque records that The Currumbin Rock is a National Environmental Sanctuary dedicated for the purpose of the study of geology and marine biology by school children and other interested students:

Views to the West, along the beautiful Currumbin Creek estuary and wetlands and up into the Currumbin Valley and the McPherson Ranges;

To the north, the entire length of the coast incorporating Palm Beach, Tallebudgera, Burleigh Heads, Surfers Paradise and South Stradbroke Island;

To the south, Elephant Rock and down to Kirra and Coolangatta.

Elephant Rock, on the beach- adjacent to the Currumbin Vikings Surf Lifesaving Club, Pacific Parade, Currumbin Beach:

Views to the south all the way to Coolangatta, Rainbow Bay and Snapper Rocks;

To the north, Currumbin Rock, Burleigh Heads, Surfers Paradise and South Stradbroke Island;

To the West, back over the beautiful villages of Currumbin and Tugun.

Currumbin Hill Lookout - Pacific Parade, Currumbin - stairs lead from park opposite Currumbin Alley:

Views to the south, over Currumbin Beach and all the way to Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks; and

To the north, over Currumbin Alley and the entire length of the Gold Coast up to Surfers Paradise and South Stradbroke Island.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Forest Walk, incorporating Observation Deck with views over the Sanctuary and Currumbin and Tugun Beaches (3km round trip). This walk is accessed as part of admission fee to the Sanctuary.

Arthur Freeman Lookout - Tomewin Mountain Road, Tomewin, Currumbin Valley 1km west of Freemans road-side stall:

Views to the north and north- east, spectacular views right down the Currumbin Valley;

To the west and south, panoramic view across the Currumbin Valley to the spectacular escarpment of Mt Tallebudgera, Springbrook National Park, Boyd’s Butte, and Mt. Cougal National Park (the Cougals) - all part of Australia’s Green Cauldron.

McPherson Range - Highlands Estate, Warri Way, Eco Village, Currumbin Valley:

Views to the north across the beautiful Currumbin Valley and into Tallebudgera Valley and on to Surfers Paradise;

To the west, down the Currumbin Valley to Mount Tallebudgera and the Cougals, all part of Australia’s Green Cauldron; and

To the east, down Currumbin Valley and to Currumbin Alley at the Pacific Ocean.

The Cougal Cascades Walk, Currumbin Valley.

Located in the Mount Cougal Section of Springbrook National Park, which is World Heritage Listed Sub-Tropical Rainforest (part of Eastern Australia's Gondwana subtropical rainforests) and part of Australia's Green Cauldron:

The Walk incorporates viewing platforms which are signposted with explanation boards of indigenous and European history, and flora and fauna (3 km round trip).

Kirra

Kirra Hill, Garrick Street, Kirra Point:

Views to the east, back over the best surf beaches and point breaks in Australia- Coolangatta, Greenmount, Snapper Rocks;

To the south, over Coolangatta precinct and into the Tweed;

To the north, over Kirra Point and up the Golden Four Beaches of Kirra, Bilinga, Tugun and Currumbin; and beyond right up the entire length of the Gold Coast including Surfers Paradise and Stradbroke Island; and

To the west into Australia’s Green Cauldron, incorporating the McPherson Range, The Cougals, Currumbin Valley and Springbrook National Park, Mount Tallebudgera, and the western Gold Coast hinterland, including Mt Tamborine plateau.

Coolangatta - Rainbow Bay - Point Danger

Greenmount Hill, Hill Street, Greenmount Beach:

Views to the east, Rainbow Bay and Snapper Rocks surf beaches;

To the north, the surf beaches of Greenmount, Coolangatta, Kirra and all the way up the coast to Surfers Paradise and South Stradbroke Island;

To the west, glimpses of the McPherson Range incorporating Springbrook National Park, Currumbin Valley and Mt Tallebudgera, all part of Australia’s Green Cauldron.

Razorback Outlook Razorback Rd - 2.5 km from Main Street of Coolangatta. You will arrive at the Tom Beatson Outlook.

Views to the north east, over the Tweed River, Point Danger, Coolangatta and Pacific Ocean;

the west, over Gold Coast Airport, and into Australia’s Green Cauldron, incorporating Mount Warning, The Cougals, Currumbin Valley, Springbrook National Park, Mount Tallebudgera, and western Gold Coast hinterland; and

the south-east, Tweed River estuary, trawler fleet; marina, Cook Island, Fingal and Kingscliff

Captain Cook Memorial Point Danger, Boundary Street, Coolangatta. This Memorial is one of the most visited sights on coastal Queensland. It is Queensland mainland’s most easterly point and delineates the border with New South Wales. Its plaques recognize the history of the visit of Captain James Cook on his discovery voyage to the East Coast of Queensland; commemorate the loss of Australian merchant and hospital shipping and members of their crews in the Coral Sea in the Second World War at the adjacent Centaur Memorial and Remembrance Walk; and have an explanatory display of the Tweed River Entrance Sand Bypassing Project, a significant, oceanic, hydrological-engineering project which pumps life-blood sand under the Tweed River to the magnificent southern Gold Coast beaches.

Views to the south east, Tweed River entrance to the Pacific Ocean and D’Bah Surf Beach and back to Cook Island and Fingal Lighthouse; and

To the north over Snapper Rocks, home of the Quiksilver and Roxy Pros, Rainbow Bay and all the way up to Surfers Paradise and South Stradbroke Island.

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Catch a big one!

Fishing

Beach fishing is a popular pastime along the length of the Southern Gold Coast coastline, especially in the deep gutters that form along Bilinga and Kirra. Good catches of whiting and flathead are common, as well as Tailor during the winter months. The best time to fish is during the last of the run out tide and during the first few hours of the run in tide.

Currumbin Estuary is a great spot to try your luck with a line. There are two fishing platforms located along a boardwalk that winds its way across mangrove flats near Palm Beach Currumbin High School. The boardwalk connects the Thrower Drive boat ramp car park to the Gold Coast Highway Underpass on the northern banks of Currumbin Creek. Each fishing platform has a shade cover and seat. You will find them about 1km upstream of the tidal entrance of Currumbin Creek.

Drop into Boatshed Bait n Tackle for more than just worms and sinkers... word on the street is that they have a bucket full of top tips to make sure you come home with the goods!

Pristine Beaches

White Sands

Rainbow Bay beaches

Splash out!

With so many beautiful, big, white, sandy beaches to choose from, you can spend an entire week exploring them all. The best part is, they are usually not overcrowded and many are patrolled year round. Most beaches have picnic areas, toilets, barbecues and lifeguards.

Remember, all beaches can be dangerous and unpredictable, so if you are swimming, stay between the flags to ensure you and your family’s safety.

Currumbin offers the best of both worlds: the calmer waters of Currumbin Estuary and the rolling surf of Currumbin Alley. The Surf Club balcony hangs over the waves and rocks – a great spot to watch the surfers and swimmers.

Tugun has a long stretch of white sandy beach; perfect for a swim, a run or a stroll. Afterwards, enjoy a drink at the Surf Lifesaving Club. It’s right on the beach and the friendly staff are waiting to take your order.

Bilinga is one of the Southern Gold Coast’s straightest, cleanest stretches of beach. Get your toes wet, go for a jog, cycle along Pacific Parade or picnic in the park.

North Kirra has its own beachfront Surf Club, with meals and drinks for lunch and dinner all year round. Swim or take a stroll or BYO picnic lunch under a Pandanus Tree along the foreshore – there are hundreds to choose from.

Kirra is the place to be if the surf’s up. The preferred surfing spot of greats including Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew and Mark 'Occy' Occhilupo, Kirra has a reputation for producing 'challenging' barrels, and also smaller waves for beginners. Here you will find another great beachfront club for drinks and meals.

Coolangatta is a great starting point for a walk south along the foreshore to Point Danger on the border. After your stroll, explore the al fresco restaurants and coffee shops, enjoy a beer at the popular Coolangatta Hotel or the Cooly Surf Club, or shop your way along Griffith Street.

Greenmount is home to the Southern Gold Coast’s dolphin family, who are often seen frolicking in the waters off Greenmount headland. This beach is relatively protected, so it’s perfect for families with young children and toddlers. Have a drink on the deck at the Coolangatta Tweed Heads Surf Club located at Greenmount. Formed in 1911, it’s Queensland’s first, and oldest, Surf Lifesaving Club.

Rainbow Bay and Snapper Rocks, or the Super Bank, are world renowned surfing spots. If the surf is up, take your autograph book and look out for the sport’s top guns, because this is where you will find them when they are at home between international surfing events. The Rainbow Bay Surf Club is famous for its view and the balcony is a great platform to watch the surfers carve up the waves.

Froggies is on the list because it’s one of the locals’ favourite spots. More than twenty years ago, this ‘frog shaped’ rock became a landmark when someone painted it green. You will find Froggies between Snapper Rocks in Queensland and Duranbah beach in New South Wales. It’s worth a look, and a photo!

Point Danger and its historical landmark, the Captain Cook Memorial Lighthouse, marks the border between Queensland and New South Wales. This steep rocky headland with spectacular views was named by Captain Cook in 1770 and is a great spot for whale watching from July to November. While you’re there, enjoy a coffee or snack at the popular Café D’Bar.

Flags and signage

surf safety flag meanings for Queensland

Freshwater pools and creeks to explore all day long!

Hinterland Wonderland

Long Tan Park Currumbin Valley

From babbling brooks where the kids can amuse themselves gathering stones and diverting streams (just a little dam Mum?!), to deep swimming holes, to rope swings and rockslides not for the faint of heart and grassy knolls to spread that blanket out and read a good book!

The Currumbin Valley hinterland is a wonderland filled with amazing spots to play a game of cricket, take a dip or just sit peacefully, watching the fresh mountain water gather momentum as it races towards the ocean. Explore the creek that winds its way from head waters, starting in the world heritage listed Mt Cougal section of the Springbrook National Park (which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia) and carves a path of approx 20kms all the way to the Currumbin Alley estuary.

There is a world of exploration just waiting for you to enjoy!

Leisurely rides to challenging off road trails

Bike Riding

Whether you enjoy a quiet Sunday afternoon bike ride along the beachfront or the challenge of a mountain, the Southern Gold Coast has a bike trail for every level of fitness. Try the Southern Points Promenade (or Ocean Walkway) for a long leisurely bike ride along the beach that starts at Point Danger and continues all the way to Bilinga. Complete some, or all of the continuous bike trails that stretch over 18kms as a round trip (this can be shortened to suit your liking) on relatively flat ground, you may want to make a day of it and plan some rest breaks at either Coolangatta or Kirra for a bite to eat or a drink to refresh before you continue on your way.

For those looking for a mountain trail or off-road track to really test your limits, try out Tomewin Mountain Rd in Currumbin Valley, there are also off road trails that run along the border here that are used in the Anaconda Adventure Race held annually on the Southern Gold Coast. Though be warned, these trails are not for the novice or beginner, you will need a high level of fitness and endurance to conquer these challenges!

Family picnic or a maybe a romantic date?

Great places for a Picnic

Kropp Park

Kropp Park Currumbin

The Southern Gold Coast has so many options for great spots to picnic, it's almost overwhelming. So to help you choose the best place, we've put together an overview of our best possies to roll out the rug and enjoy some goodies!

Picnic Spots with BBQ's
Currumbin Valley
Currumbin Rock Pools - Currumbin Creek Rd The Currumbin Valley Rock Pools have been a favourite of families for many years now! The facilities there are perfect for an all-day outing, complete with a toilet block, shaded areas, tables and BBQ's and of course, the cool fresh waters of the rock pools. Kids, big and small love to explore the creek, and on the last Sunday of each month the nearby Currumbin Community Farm Campus hold a great little market! There's a fantastic mixture of arts & crafts, fresh produce, bric-a-brac and live music! The kids will love the Farmyard Friends Animal feeding time, all in a magnificent setting! Whether you want to woo that special person, entertain the whole family or just have a bit of time out, this is our number one pick!
Robert Neumann Park - Currumbin Creek Rd Enjoy a day at what locals lovingly refer to as The Duck Pond! This park is a popular spot for the local geese and duck population, who visit the park area daily. The park has all the amenities you need for a great day, including BBQ's, kids play area, toilets and gazebo's to sit under and escape the sun's harsh rays. You can even throw a line in the water and see what you can catch!
Currumbin Waters
Michel Drive Just near the Currumbin RSL, you can find an amazing park area that sits on the banks of the Currumbin Creek. It has shaded areas, BBQ's and toilets with a good size car parking area. This park is normally pretty quiet, so you'll have plenty of room for the family to run about, play a game of cricket or kick the footy around! Being on the bank of the creek means you can take a dip and cool off after all that activity then throw a few snags on the BBQ and enjoy a good feed! Or maybe launch your canoe for a paddle. This is an ace little spot for a family picnic!
Currumbin
Currumbin Creek Rd - Veterans of South East Asian Wars Park Yet another idyllic location for the family to gather! Between the RSL and the tennis courts on Currumbin Creek Rd, this park has all the amenities you need for a whole fun filled day! BBQ's, play areas for the kids, shaded tables and toilets all within a stone's throw of Currumbin Creek.
Winders Park - Duringan St Moving further along Currumbin Creek Rd towards the estuary mouth, Winders Park sprawls for a good 500m along the creek with various shaded play areas, pelican sculptures, BBQ's, toilets and tables. Stand up paddling, kayaking & fishing are popular activities, with Boatshed Bait & Tackle just around the corner where you can hire the equipment needed. This park has plenty of room for large groups and families with plenty of car parking and boat ramps to launch from, you can tell this is a popular spot!
The Alley - Duringan St This is a fantastic place for the family to spend a day! With the famous Alley surf break across the road, a lookout behind the park area plus play areas, BBQ's, toilets and tables, you can't get a much better spot on the whole of the Gold Coast to enjoy a picnic! All with great views, ocean breezes and plenty of walking and bike paths to burn off excess energy, if you have it!
Kropp Park/Len Wort Park/Alex Griffiths Park - Teemangum St With three different park areas this little precinct has got it all! Direct beach access at Kropp Park/Len Wort Park, and then a quick trot across the road to Alex Griffith Park for a lovely tree lined park with lots of shade! The area has BBQ’s, toilets, play areas, tables and of course lots of space to enjoy a picnic basket packed with yummy treats!
Tugun
O'Connor St Right next to the Tugun SLSC patrolled beach is a sprawling patch of park with all the amenities you could ask for! Shaded play areas, park benches, toilets, tables and BBQ's, a large car park, plus the ocean just a hop step and a jump away, what a bonus!
Coolangatta Rd A great little park with all the amenities including BBQs, toilets, play area and lots of space to run around. This park is located right next to the Gold Coast Highway so there is a bit of noise, though this is a great spot if you are looking to spread out away from crowds.
Bilinga to Kirra
Pacific Parade Bilinga to Musgrave St Kirra With 1km of foreshore lined with shady trees and dotted with BBQ's, play areas and tables. The Bilinga to Kirra stretch of Ocean Walkways is a great place to picnic with the family, partner (or potential one!) or a group of friends. Plus once again you have a wide stretch of white soft sandy beaches leading to the water. No matter how many people are around, you'll be sure to find a patch of ground to spread the blanket out!
Coolangatta
Kirra Hill Lookout RT Peak Memorial Park - Garrick St This is a spot you will have to get to early to lay your claim for a BBQ and tables under the shelter. Perched high atop Kirra Hill, this picnic spot has some of the most incredible vistas on the entire Gold Coast! On a clear day you can see the coastline from Main Beach to Snapper Rocks! There's space for the kids to run around on the grassy hill that slopes down towards the heart of Coolangatta. It really does not get better than this little slice of heaven! But remember, get there early or be prepared to wait for a while as this is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike!
Coolangatta Foreshore Queen Elizabeth II Park - Marine Parade Right in the centre of Coolangatta, with a recently redeveloped foreshore area that is sprawling, as it is picturesque! Plenty of play areas for the kids, BBQ's and toilets, and very conveniently right across the road from Coolangatta's main dining precinct. Bring your own banquet or get some take away from the many food retailers, either way this is a great place to enjoy the beautiful Southern Gold Coast weather, right next to the Coolangatta SLC and patrolled beach.
Goodwin Park - Lanham St Behind the main CBD of Coolangatta is a nice little park with shade, tables, play areas, BBQ and toilets all ready and waiting for you to enjoy!
Rainbow Bay
Pat Fagan Park and Foreshore area Rainbow Bay is a favourite among die hard Southern Gold Coast holiday makers. With Rainbow Bay beach being such a popular family holiday spot, it's no wonder that this picnic area always has lots of people making good use of the BBQ's, play areas, shaded tables and of course the beach! We've also had reports from regulars here that the BBQ's are the cleanest on the coast!
Point Danger Another elevated headland with rolling grassed areas, BBQ's and regular amenities. This fantastic spot is the most eastern point on the coast of Queensland! A steep rocky headland that has spectacular views and marks the Queensland/New South Wales border. It is also the site of a historical landmark, the Captain Cook Memorial Lighthouse, which was the first lighthouse in the world to experiment with laser technology in the ‘70s.
Picnic Spots without BBQ's
Currumbin Valley
Long Tan Park - Cnr Bains Rd and Currumbin Creek Rd Drive across the old one lane bridge that spans Currumbin Creek to find this out of the way little park, that has a few tables and lots of charm! While there are no toilets or BBQ's here, it is still a lovely place to spend time dallying by the creek. From the shallows you can wander a little further downstream and find deep swimming holes with sandy bottoms and you may just find a few rope swings about the place to add a little excitement to your sojourn! At the right time of day, if you are very still, you may be graced with a visit from one of the local kingfishers that like to bathe in the creek.
Mt Cougal National Park This is a fantastic spot for a hike and possibly a swim in the refreshing waters between cascades and waterfalls. Learn about local fauna and the historic Saw Mill which is a short walk past the cascades, known to locals as the Rockslide! Viewing platforms display additional information about the area and its inhabitants. They do have tables under the canopy in the car park area, so pack the picnic basket, grab a few friends or the family and enjoy the scenic drive that takes you to the Springbrook National Park, Mt Cougal Section. This is a part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, so enjoy the cool rainforest air and be sure to leave no trace of your visit!
Arthur Freeman Lookout - Tomewin Mountain Rd Perched on top of Mount Tomewin, this little lookout would be the perfect place to impress your date, maybe as a stop along the way to enjoy cheese and crackers as you take a scenic drive with that special someone. There are no facilities, just great views, so make sure you have a blanket and goodies to nibble on!
Ridge Top Park - Currumbin Creek Rd Nestled deep in the valley, this little treasure of a park has just one table and a baby chair rope swing! This is a good place to stop and stretch your legs and let the kiddies run free for a bit before continuing on to the Springbrook National Park Mt Cougal Section. The park sits right below the majestic escarpments of Mt Tallebudgera and has lots of lovely shade trees!
Looking for other romantic spots to woo your date? We recommend the following:
Robert Neumann Park, Currumbin Valley
Long Tan Park Currumbin Valley
Kirra Hill Lookout
Arthur Freeman Lookout Currumbin Valley