Southern Gold Coast

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Things to Do

There is no end to the exciting and exhilarating things you can do on the Southern Gold Coast! All of the ones listed below are FREE!

Walks and Lookouts of the Southern Gold Coast

Walks & Lookouts Printer friendly PDF

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 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 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 (3klm 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.

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 Froggy’s 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

Always swim between the red & yellow flag on patrolled beaches
Always read the Flags and Safety Signs and understand what they mean before entering the water

It is important to read the Flags and Safety Signs and understand what they mean before entering the water.

Red & Yellow Flag (Safety)
Bathe between the Red and Yellow Flags

Red Flags
Dangerous conditions - do not enter the water

Yellow Flags (Caution)
Swim with caution

Swimming Prohibited

Surfboard Riding Only

Take a hike!

Mt Cougal

Just 20 minutes from Currumbin Beach along Currumbin Creek Road, the Mt Cougal section of the world-heritage listed Springbrook National Park is an outstanding place to visit for a walk or swim. Just a few minutes stroll through the national park leads to picturesque cascades and waterfalls known as ‘The Rock Slide’, surrounded by lush rainforest with ancient trees. Be sure to trek a little further along the track to explore the remains of a former 1940s bush sawmill. A display stand at the track entrance has maps and information about the park and its wildlife.

Currumbin Rock Pools

This beautiful park is a popular locals’ Summer swimming and picnic haven. Located just 15 minutes drive along Currumbin Creek Road from Currumbin Beach, the Rock Pools’ crystal clear ponds and bubbling cascades are a cooling treat for the whole family when the mercury rises.

Southern Points Promenade

This 3.5km walkway forms the southern end of the 36km Gold Coast Ocean Promenade network. Starting at Point Danger, see the special memorial site honouring the 75 Merchant Navy crew who perished aboard the hospital ship Centaur on 14 May 1943. Follow the path to Snapper Rocks (0.5km), the beautiful sheltered Rainbow Bay Beach (0.7-1km), Coolangatta and Greenmount Beach (1.4-2.4km) before reaching the historic Kirra Surf Lifesaving Club (2.9km). Keep an eye out for War Memorials (0.2km), the large green frog (0.4km), an historic shark watch tower (1.3km) and an eagle perched on Kirra Hill (2.4km). If you are feeling energetic, climb Greenmount Hill (1km) and Kirra Point (2.5km) and soak up the vistas.

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 Boatramp Carpark 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.

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