The beach & the surf
Kirra is one of Australia's most iconic north-facing beaches, a long arc of soft sand with a legendary point break that has drawn surfers for generations. When the swell lines up it produces some of the best waves on the coast; when it's calm, it's a gentle, family-friendly swim. The patrolled flags, the surf club and the scenic oceanfront pathway are all just across the road from the apartment.
Walk south and you'll reach Coolangatta, Greenmount and the famous Snapper Rocks and Rainbow Bay, the start of the Superbank and one of the longest rideable waves in the world. Point Danger and the Captain Cook Memorial mark the New South Wales border, with sweeping views back over the coastline.
Where to eat
Kirra and neighbouring Coolangatta punch well above their weight for food, from long lazy lunches with a view to buzzy beachfront diners. A few local favourites:
- Siblings@Kirra is award-winning modern-Australian dining with some of the best Kirra views on the coast, made for a long, lazy lunch.
- Kirra Beach House serves a Mediterranean-style grazing menu with panoramic Kirra Beach views and a world-class cocktail and wine list.
- Hanks sits steps from the sand with wrap-around ocean views, ideal for a sunset dinner or a relaxed coastal lunch.
- Pipi's is beachside dining with sweeping ocean views, modern Mediterranean plates and locally caught seafood.
- Billy Chow is refined coastal fine dining with inventive drinks and a curated wine list.
- Agave Rosa is a modern Gold Coast Mexican taqueria with an Asian twist.
- FRANC JRS is a Coolangatta local favourite for fresh, authentic Italian pizza.
- Eddie's Grub House piles on towering burgers, wings and loaded fries in a music-led dive-bar setting.
- La Stradina is a European-style bistro and cocktail bar with small plates and live-music evenings.
Coffee, bakeries & beachfront bars
- Love Street is part café, part gallery, part surf shop in the heart of Kirra, with great coffee and an easy beachside vibe (kids and dogs welcome).
- Baked at Ancora is an artisan bakery with rustic sourdough, patisserie and a relaxed brunch menu.
- Made Espresso Bar pours specialty coffee for a laid-back breakfast or brunch.
- The Bread Social is a much-loved Tweed Heads bakery-café known for sourdough and pastries, a short drive south.
- Kirra Beach Hotel is a relaxed beachfront pub serving Australian classics.
- Kirra Beach Surf Club & Coolangatta Surf Club are absolute-beachfront clubs for a casual feed and an ice-cold drink with sand underfoot.
Surf, beaches & the outdoors
Snapper Rocks & the Superbank
The start of the legendary Superbank, around two kilometres of sand-bottom point break through Rainbow Bay, Greenmount and Kirra, and host to World Surf League events.
Point Danger
A scenic headland on the Queensland and New South Wales border, with the Captain Cook Memorial and lighthouse, picnic spots and views over Duranbah Beach.
Coastal pathway
Walk or cycle the oceanfront path linking Kirra, Coolangatta and beyond.
Kool Bike Hire
Hire e-bikes and scooters to explore the beachfront pathways further afield.
Rainbow Bay
A sheltered swimming beach and one of the coast's prettiest pockets.
Day trips
The Tweed hinterland, Currumbin and the wider Gold Coast are a short drive north or south.
Markets, events & shopping
- Coolangatta Beachfront Market runs on the second Sunday, with 150+ stalls of Australian-made goods, fresh produce, food and live music; the original Gold Coast markets.
- Cooly Rocks On is a rock & roll festival each June with classic cars, live bands, food and an Elvis tribute contest.
- Cotton Living stocks warm, natural homewares and coastal-boho décor, perfect for a browse.
Getting here
The Kirra Suite is on Marine Parade, Kirra (Coolangatta) QLD 4225. Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is roughly a ten-minute drive away, making it one of the easiest beachfront stays to reach on the coast. Your stay includes one complimentary secure car space, and a private storage cage in the car park is ideal for surfboards, bicycles and e-bikes.