📍18 Best Fun, Unique & Free Things To Do In Coolangatta, QLD. (Attractions & Activities.) (2024.)

WONDERING WHAT THE BEST FUN, FREE & UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN COOLANGATTA ARE?

Coolangatta sits along the coast at the southernmost end of the Gold Coast on the Queensland side of the state border with New South Wales. It has a much more peaceful and laid-back atmosphere than the bustling chaos of tourist hotspots such as Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. But that, in no way, means it doesn’t hold a candle to those places in what attractions, tours and activities it can offer visitors.

So, for those looking for a less touristy way to see and appreciate the Gold Coast, here are the best fun, unique and free things to do in Coolangatta, including one of my all-time favourite experiences.

1. Experience The World From A New Perspective!
Aerobatic Flight. – $.

The best and most unique thing to do in Coolangatta, hell, the entire Gold Coast is, undoubtedly, ride in the cockpit of the nimble Yak 52 Russian Warbird. This city’s mantra is Famous For Fun and no activity exemplifies that sentiment more than an exhilarating aerobatic flight in this gorgeous 2-seater. 

What makes this such an outstanding adventure for everyone it is tailor-made for you. Simply enjoy a scenic flight, feel the g-force of a couple of manoeuvres or dive nose-first into a relentless barrage of high-octane spins, turns, barrel rolls, Cuban 8s, loop de loops and more like you’re in an active warzone dodging enemy fire for 25 adrenaline-pumping minutes like I did! It’s completely up to you! (Or what your stomach can handle!) And best of all, it’s all done with the magnificent skyrises of Surfers Paradise as the backdrop, so it doesn’t get much better than that. 

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2. Freefall Out Of A Perfectly Good Plane.
Gold Coast Skydive. – $.

Another magnificent way to see the coastline from above is to jump out of a perfectly good place and plunge face-first towards it with an adrenaline-pumping tandem skydive. And there are few better places in Australia to tick off this bucket list activity than doing so over the Gold Coast. But a skydive with Gold Coast Skydive is no ordinary undertaking.

What makes a death-defying jump with this company so unforgettable is not only does it involve an exhilarating freefall towards the earth at terminal velocity with some of Australia’s most famous shorelines and rugged landscapes as the scenery, but it also concludes with a soft landing on the beach, making it one of the most elite and unique skydives in the country! 

3. Jump The Border!
Point Danger. – Free.

Rather than earmarking the QLD/NSW border with a sign or a small monument, the twin towns of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads have created an incredible landmark that doesn’t just signify the easternmost point of where these two states meet, but also serves as a lighthouse, symbolizing danger to boats coming in at night or during fog.

At the same time, the Point Danger Lighthouse isn’t ordinary-looking. It appears as more of a compass, with each of its 4 towering pillars showing the 4 main directions: North, South, East, and West, so you’d be forgiven for not recognising it as such. Underneath the striking structure is the line representing the border, and jumping back and forth between Queensland and New South Wales is a must-do.

As for views, it has some lovely ones. North has distant views of the Gold Coast skyline while at the base of the headland is the renowned Snapper Rocks, while on the southern side, the scenery showcases Duranbah Beach and the mouth of the Tweed River.

Between them the vast Pacific Ocean, and one of the best lookouts on the Gold Coast to spot marine animals from the mainland, thanks to its position further out to sea than the rest. Common sights are playful pods of dolphins close by and during the winter months, humpback whales in the distance as they make their way up and down the east coast of Australia for their annual migration.

4. Learn To Surf. – $.
Coolangatta Beach.

If you don’t know how to surf and you’ve always wanted to give it a go, one of the best things to do in Coolangatta is to take a surfing lesson. Start with learning how to catch a wave, then progress to standing up on the board. Sure, there will be lots of stacks and spills while attempting to master the basics at Coolangatta Beach, but that’s all part of the fun and there’s no better place than the Gold Coast, the place most synonymous with this quintessential part of Australia’s idyllic lifestyle.

5. Ride A Wave At The World’s Most Elite Surfing Spot.
Snapper Rocks. – Free.

Speaking of Snapper Rocks and surfing, if you are proficient at it, there is no better place on planet Earth to work on your wave-riding abilities as it is a world-renowned surfing destination thanks to the strong south-east swells creating the dream conditions for barrel rolls. As if that wasn’t enough to solidify it as a phenomenal haunt, this is one of Mick Fanning, retired three-time world surfing champion’s favourite places to relive his heyday.

If you prefer watching the sport, it’s also where elite-level competitions are held, so you can watch the best of the best at the top of their game.

Note: Swimming isn’t advised here due to the rocks.

6. Frolick Around The In The Protected Waters.
Rainbow Bay (Sheltered Beach.) – Free.

Coolangatta has plenty of beautiful beachfront, but if you have children or are not a strong swimmer, Rainbow Bay and Greenmount Beach are two of the best places for them as they are the only ocean-facing beaches on the Gold Coast with a northerly direction, meaning they have less direct waves, offering more tranquil conditions for families and friends to safely enjoying playing in the sea.

Providing an extra layer of safety, they are also lifeguard-patrolled every day of the year between 8 am and 5 pm, giving peace of mind that someone is available to help should the need arise.

7. Discover A Hidden Lookout.
Kirra Hill Lookout. – Free.

Point Danger isn’t the only picturesque lookout in Coolangatta. Hidden on a hill behind the Kirra and Coolangatta Beach, Kirra Hill Lookout is a gorgeous gem that not many people know about. Earmarked with a stunning eagle sculpture, this beautiful location overlooks the coastline to the north and east. As one of the places observable from there is the waters off Snapper Rocks, it’s a great place to watch surfers riding the waves, particularly when a competition is being held there. 

It’s also one of the best lookouts on the Gold Coast to photograph the sunrise with the mainland in it as the coastline swoops towards the sea and to spot whales during their annual migration up and down the east coast of Australia during the winter months.

8. Photograph Two Distinctive Coastal Landmarks.
Currumbin Rock & Elephant Rock. – Free.

The coastline up and down these parts is home to many stunning headlands, but a short distance north of Coolangatta, Currumbin Rock & Elephant Rock are two striking landmarks that jut out of the sand in the nearby suburb of Currumbin. 

Both are gorgeous photography spots, especially at sunrise, but Elephant Rock is also a lookout and a lovely place to enjoy the surrounding landscape. But where it really shines is as a plane spotting site. The Gold Coast Airport is just a stone’s throw away and the aircraft often descend from the north, meaning you can see them remarkably close, so bring some binoculars or a zoom lens and enjoy seeing their marvels of engineering fly past.

Note: If your visit includes ANZAC Day (25 April), I highly recommend getting up early and attending the Dawn Service to pay respects to Australia’s heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

9. Swim In A Mountainfed Waterhole.
Currumbin Pool. – Free.

While the coast has plenty of beautiful seaside attractions, one place not to miss for a change of pace is Currumbin Rock Pool. Located along Currumbin Creek Road, this gorgeous spot, fed from the pristine mountains and valleys of Springbrook National Park is a wonderful spot to go wild swimming. However, sometimes, the water in the main pool can be cold. If that’s the case, I recommend walking to the cascades upstream which are noticeably warmer, even though they are in the shade.

Wearing water shoes is always a good idea when visiting places like this as walking the creek bed is easier, plus you can never know what other hazards there are. Speaking of, I did get bitten by a freshwater eel while swimming here. It wasn’t a bad bite, just surface-level scratches and a drop of blood. They are normally nothing to be concerned about. I’ve swum in many similar waterways and have never had a problem with them, but it’s just something to be aware of when deciding whether to go in or not. 

10. Enjoy A Taste Of Springbrook National Park.
Cougal Cascades. – Free.

At the end of the same road, lies the south-easternmost corner of Springbrook National Park. While there is only one short trail here, it’s just a small taste of this magnificent waterfall heaven (its other sections make an exceptional day trip. More about it below.) 

The Cougal Cascades is a stunning series of consecutive mountain-fed waterfalls and plunge pools flowing downstream into the aforementioned Currumbin Rock Pool as it makes its way to the ocean next to Currumbin Rock.

At the end of the track, lies a heritage sawmill that tells of the forest’s former days as an area for wood sourcing when people didn’t understand the importance of preserving the natural environment the way we do today.

Just across the border lies Tweed Heads, the twin town of Coolangatta. This beautiful place continues the city vibes, with highrise hotels and shopping malls, being the last major urban centre before the country charm of the Northern Rivers takes off. However, despite what the State Of Origin tells you about the fierce rivalry between the two states, it’s all just friendly and popping over is a must as it offers a few unique attractions that you won’t find in Coolie.

11. Swim Face-To-Face With Majestic Humpback Whales.
Cooly Eco Adventures. – $.

One of the most remarkable events to happen off the coast of Australia is the annual migration of humpback whales as they leave their homes in the Antarctic Ocean and travel north along both sides of the continent to warmer waters close to the equator, where they breed and calve before heading south again. 

The routes are known as Humpback Highway and many tourism operators at major townships all across the country take advantage of this captivating yearly movement by offering whale watching cruises that allow passengers to see these majestic marine animals up close.

It is an incredible wildlife experience not to miss, but Cooly Eco Adventures in nearby Chinderah does one better and lets you go into the water and see these remarkable marine giants face-to-face underwater in their natural environment, providing a profoundly intimate and unforgettable experience with one of the largest and most majestic creatures on the earth. 

Note: Only available during the winter months.

12. Explore The Rivers.
Tweed River & Terranora Creek. – Free.

The most prominent aspect of Tweed Heads is that besides being NSW’s northernmost coastal town, it has the picturesque Tweed River and tranquil Terranora Creek winding through it, providing tonnes of real estate for various water-based activities such as boating, jet skiing, kayaking and more. So, whether you just want to enjoy a splash or a paddle nearby or venture upstream for a few hours, there are miles and miles of tranquil waters to do so.

13. Learn About Local Aboriginal Culture.
Munjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. – $.

One of Tweed Head’s most fascinating attractions is the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, which is run by local indigenous people and aims to showcase the traditional lifestyle of the country’s first inhabitants through exhibitions, informative videos, Aboriginal art and dancing performances.

The land it resides on holds significance as it shows the area’s natural environment before it was plundered and turned into the city it is today. The short and easy trails lead through several different vegetation and habitats, but, be warned, it’s MOSQUITO CENTRAL. I forgot the insect repellent and ended up with over 40 bites despite walking around with my arms flailing like mad. How they managed to deal with it in the olden days? I’ll never know. Yikes!

Note: Open – Monday to Thursday, 10am to 3pm. The walking trails are always open.

The Gold Coast has much to offer behind its golden beaches, but there is even more to discover behind it in the hinterland. Switching waterfront scenery from ocean to lakes and waterfalls, and from sand to valleys and cliffs, here are the best day trips from Coolangatta worth driving to. 

14. Springbrook National Park. – Free.

One of the best places to become enamoured with the Gold Coast’s breathtaking landscapes is at Springbrook National Park. While Cougal Cascades offers a tantalizing taste of this spectacular Gondwana Rainforests Of Australia World Heritage Area, it is significantly more magnificent atop the plateau where cliffs and even more waterfalls reign supreme. Purlingbrook Falls, Twin Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Goolmoolarha Falls are just a few of the most impressive ones to be found along the many walking trails.

Meanwhile, off the plateau on the far western side, lies the national park’s most unique waterfall, the Natural Bridge. What makes it such a drawcard is that it first cascades down a gentle rock face before dramatically plunging into the earth and exiting through an open cave. Being inside this natural amphitheatre is quite the experience. Feeling the raw power of the water and the sound it makes as it pours into the enclosed space is both an exciting and unnerving experience that I highly recommend doing with your eyes closed.

15. Hinze Dam. – Free.

From spending time at beaches, rivers, and waterfalls, another way to enjoy the many ways of water is by visiting the supply dam for the Gold Coast, which is also an excellent recreational facility. The Hinze Dam’s day-use area has two picnic areas, which are fantastic for romantic picnics, group get-togethers, and bonding with the family over some games. Visitors can also walk to the waters’ edge or across the dam wall for scenic views or bike to the other end to enjoy the dedicated trails at the Pat Hallinan Mountain Bike Precinct.

As for those who’d like to enjoy the lake from the surface level, the Western Boat Ramp further south along the Nerang Murwillumbah Road allows you to launch an electric boat, sailboat, or kayak and spend a few hours lapping up the remote tranquillity. Furthermore, the Hinze Dam is en route to Springbrook National Park, allowing you to tick off both these must-visit places in one scenic day trip from Coolangatta.

Across the New South Wales border, the Northern Rivers has a vastly different atmosphere from the Gold Coast. The hustle and bustle of the city gives way to quiet coastal towns and gently undulating landscapes, providing a fantastic escape for those looking to reconnect with nature.

16. Kingscliff & Fingal Head.

Just south of Coolangatta, Kingscliff and Fingal Head are two neighbouring towns that are the perfect taste of what this gorgeous region south of the border is all about. 

The former is the larger of the two and is well worth visiting for Cudgen Creek, which has calm crystal clear waters that make it an idyllic escape for friends, couples, or families when you want to cool off on a hot summer day and possibly only then, as the water is cold even when the temperature is in the high 30s. But hey, you might also see a dolphin hanging out in there, as was once reported on the news and the internet.

Fingal Head, on the narrow peninsula between the Tweed River and the Pacific Ocean and partially observable from the Point Danger Lighthouse offers a unique charm of its own, making it the perfect accompanying place to visit along with Kingscliff on a day trip from Coolangatta. The river has many scenic picnic spots and boat launching ramps for those looking to spend time on the water in a human or powered vessel, while on the ocean side, the short walk to the Fingal Head Lighthouse which has gorgeous views overlooking Cook Island and striking lava columns closer to shore. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeling on the seas and the skies as I was fortunate enough to see Australasian gannets divebombing for food and dolphins playing in the shallows one of the times I visited. 

17. Byron Bay.

Perhaps the most prolific town in the nation is Byron Bay, which epitomizes the quintessential Australian lifestyle, making it a highly sought-after destination for its vibrant but relaxed atmosphere, its beautiful beaches, the stunning national park that it sits on the doorstep of, which has the gorgeous heritage-listed Cape Byron Lighthouse, the country’s most easterly point on the mainland and panoramic views.

But that’s not the only way to experience this captivating town. The best way to remember this breathtaking holiday hotspot is to see it from the air. Enjoy tandem hang gliding over the rugged cape, plummeting face first towards the earth tandem skydiving or marvel at the beauty of the coastline and the country with a scenic gyrocopter ride. 

Note: Cape Byron has expensive pay-per-hour parking. More so the closer you get to the top. You may want to walk from further away. Early in the morning and night may have free parking.

18. Nightcap National Park.

For those who prefer to explore the hinterland landscapes of the foot, Nightcap National Park is home to the region’s most breathtaking waterfalls, Minyon Falls. See the Repentance Creek tumble over a sheer, 100m cliff face from the wheelchair-friendly viewing platform, or embark on a 13km hike to the waterfall’s base and back, where you can appreciate its majestic beauty up close.

Not far away, on the park’s western side, the walk to Protestors Falls has many picturesque rock pools along the way before concluding at the striking natural landmark of the trail name, where Bat Cave Creek takes a 30m drop over another vertical cliff. 

Accommodation: Where To Stay In Coolangatta, Queensland.

• Budget: Kennedy Drive Airport Motel.
• Mid-Range: La Costa Beachside Motel.
• Luxury: Nirvana By The Sea.

From exhilarating aerobatic flights to scenic river cruises, border lookouts, prime surfing beaches, border lookouts and cascading waterfalls and wild swimming holes, there are some incredible unique, fun and free things to do in Coolangatta that make venturing down to the border or just out of the Airport, well worth it.

If you are planning to visit Coolangatta, consider looking at these other posts.