Coolangatta

Photo taken from the foot of Greenmount looking across the beach front

Coolangatta is located on the southern most border of Queensland where it meets the town of Tweed Heads on the New South Wales side. Albeit in different states, the twin towns are joined at the hip and share one of Australia's most favoured coastlines.

The coastal area is renowned for its surf beaches and relaxed atmosphere with a unique small town local feel. The suburb of Coolangatta is home to around 6000 while the large Tweed Shire which includes two towns and 17 villages spaced out over 1300 square km is home to more than 80,000.

Coolangatta beach provides a wide and long expanse of sandy beach front offering room for everyone including the occasional beach fisherman, the regular surfers and body-boarders, the kite surfer, the swimmers and of course those just looking to enjoy soaking up the glorious weather.

Walking south, Coolangatta beach becomes Greenmount beach which leads into a headland breaking the sandy beachfront. On top of the hill is a wonderful viewing platform and there is also a walking track around the base.

Photo looking south along Rainbow Bay beach at dusk

Continuing south and down the hill is the popular Rainboy Bay, a small section of beach featuring a surf club which then leads into Snapper Rocks, an area popular with surfers. Continuing around the the coastline you'll find Point Danger, another rising headland again breaking the sandy beachfront.

Panorama of Snapper Rocks

Point Danger was named by Captain Cook and today features a magnificent lookout providing 180 degree views along the coastline and out to the wide expanse of ocean. A memorial to Captain Cook is a feature of Point Danger along with walking track, grassed areas and sheltered tables for picnics at the popular spot.

Panorama of Point Danger and Duranbah Beach below

Continuing south, and down the hill now, is Duranbah Beach which is a hugely popular spot with surfers. There are two parks at either end of Duranbah, the northerly one featuring barbecues and sheltered seating and at south end a grassed area and childrens playground.

Many hold the Coolangatta-Tweed area in higher regard than the well promoted Surfers Paradise simply due to its relaxed atmosphere, country feel and scenic beauty.

The Tweed area is popular for boating and fishing

Along the esplanade you'll find plenty of food outlets to suit a variety of tastes including coffee shops, major fast food outlets, cafes and restuarants along with healthy options all offering sit down areas with views out across the foreshore and ocean.

On the Tweed Heads side there is the popular Twin Towns Services Club which offers a variety of live entertainment to suit all age groups along with bars, restuarants and gaming machines. Just past Twin Towns is the main shopping centre which features a host of major retailers including a Coles and Woolworths supermarkets.

Photo: Coolangatta's esplanade and beach front at night

Apart from the scenic views, relaxing walks along the well presented beaches and foreshores, the swimming, the surfing and the sun-baking, you can also enjoy fishing charters from the nearby marina or just simply fishing from the many popular spots along Tweed River or Terranora River not to mention exploring the nearby National Parks of N.S.W.