Excellent Gold Coast Beach Queensland Tourist Destination
Table of Contents
Hello! So, you are interested in visiting Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast in Queensland? Well you’ve come to the right place. My post on the beach at Currumbin will tell you everything you need to know about going there.
Here is the table of contents for it.
1. Introduction
2. Where is Currumbin Beach?
4. Best time to visit Currumbin Beach
5. How to Get to Currumbin Beach?
6. Beach facilities at Currumbin Beach
7. Things To Do At Currumbin Beach
8. Tours and Excursions
9. Best Currumbin Accommodation
10. Best Currumbin Restaurants
11. Shops
12. Final Thought
13. FAQs
After reading the post, hopefully you’ll be inspired to visit this fabulous Gold Coast Beach destination soon.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).
Read Time: 12 Minutes
Introduction
Extending for just 750 metres in length, Currumbin Beach is not the biggest beach on the Gold Coast. However, as it is bookended between Currumbin Rock and Elephant Rock, which soars 10 and 15 metres respectively, this northeast-facing beach is arguably the most picture-perfect.
Located on the Southern Gold Coast, this popular and accessible beach is a top spot for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and kite-surfing. It is also home to the fascinating Currumbin Rock Pools and the Tallebudgera Creek, whose sheltered waters are perfect for less confident swimmers.
If you follow the creek inland to the ancient Springbrook National Park, you can check out the stunning Cougal Cascades Waterfalls. Alternatively, if you make your way to the Currumbin Creek Estuary, you’ll enjoy great fishing for bream, flathead and sea mullet.
Just off the sand, Currumbin Beach is well known for hosting the Swell Sculpture Festival, which takes place on the Gold Coast Oceanway. It also provides you with one of the best views of the Surfers Paradise skyline you can get from anywhere in the region, if you visit the surf club.
If you are wondering when the best time to visit Currumbin Beach is, well, the answer largely depends on what you want to experience during your trip
Where is Currumbin Beach?
Currumbin Beach is located between Palm Beach and Tugun Beach, at the Gold Coast’s southern end.
It is about 15 km south of Surfer’s Paradise, and around 6 km north of Coolangatta Beach on the border of New South Wales.
The beach resides within the coastal suburb of Currumbin which extends from Wyberba Street, at its southern most point to Currumbin Creek at its north. It is bound on the east by the Coral Sea and to the west by the Pacific Motorway.
The traditional owners of the land on which Currumbin Beach sits are the Yugambeh people. The name Currumbin is thought to have derived from a word of the Ngaraangbal dialect in the Bundjalung language meaning either high or high trees.
There is also a school of thought that it might be a corruption of the word for kangaroo – kurrohmin.
Best time to visit Currumbin Beach
If you are wondering when the best time to visit Currumbin Beach is, well, the answer largely depends on what you want to experience during your trip.
The Gold Coast Beaches enjoy a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year, which means it is a destination you can visit all throughout the year. However, if you want to enjoy lazy beach days where you sunbathe, surf and swim in warm and sunny weather, the months of November to April are when you should schedule your visit.
You should be mindful that this period is also the peak tourist season, so tourist numbers and Currumbin Beach accommodation prices are much higher, if you decide to come at this time.
For those wanting to avoid the crowds, but still enjoy a good vibe and some decent Currumbin weather, the spring shoulder season months of September and October and the autumn month of May are good choices.
During the winter months of June to August, the weather tends to hover around the early 20 degrees Celsius, so it is still decent for sunbathing and swimming. However, you also have a good chance of seeing the magnificent site of migrating humpback whales pass by the coastline at this time, and scoring yourself a cheap Currumbin accommodation deal.
Distance from Currumbin Beach to other Destination in Queensland
How to Get to Currumbin Beach?
Like most places on the Gold Coast, Currumbin Beach is an easy beach to get to. If you are driving you can reach it via the Gold Coast Highway (State Route 2) or M1, depending on where you are coming from.
The beach is well signposted and, if in doubt, head to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. However, if you use apps like Google Maps or Waze, you should not have any issues getting there.
If you don’t have access to a car, you can get to Currumbin via the efficient public bus system that runs on the Gold Coast. Buses are operated by TransLink and cover various locations in the region which will take you right to the beach.
Check the TransLink website or use their mobile app to find the best bus routes and schedules for you based on your starting point.
For those flying into the area, the Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport are the closest to Currumbin Beach. The likes of Virgin, Jetstar and Qantas operate multiple regular daily flights there from all over Australia.
Once you arrive, you can hire a car from several operators at the airport including Hertz, Budget and Avis. You can also catch an Uber or taxi.
Beach facilities at Currumbin Beach
There are plenty of facilities and amenities in place at Currumbin Beach to make your visit there as pleasant as it can be.
You’ll find public toilets over the road from the beach at its southern end, as well as in the park that lies across from Currumbin Alley up at its northern end.
Additionally there are beach showers, BBQs, picnic tables and shade structures within the parklands and Gold Coast Oceanway that runs along the Currumbin beachfront.
The parklands also have a children’s playground and lots of bins to enable you to dispose of your rubbish. While you’ll find limited parking in the Surf Club car park, and a good amount of on-street parking and bike racks in the nearby side streets.
Distance from Currumbin Beach to other destinations in Australia
Things To Do At Currumbin Beach
There is plenty to do on the sand at Currumbin Beach during your Gold Coast holiday. As the beach is patrolled year round and the surf quite gentle, the conditions for swimming here are very good. Kids will enjoy playing in the rock pools at both ends of the beach, while there is lots of room for ball sports and sunbathing.
Currumbin Rock and Elephant Rock are also worth exploring and provide fantastic photo opportunities.
If you want to go surfing, Currumbin Alley is a good spot for doing so. The point break there creates a decent right-hander off Currumbin Rock and is regularly frequented by longboarders and paddle borders.
Not far from the beach, Currumbin Lake and Currumbin Creek are very popular hot spots for swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. There are also barbecue facilities and picnic grounds close to the swimming area and a pathway that is good for jogging or dog walking.
Away from the sand, Currumbin has some notable attractions, including the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, which showcases hundreds of varieties of Australian native wildlife, including crocodiles, kangaroos and echidnas, in a natural rainforest and bushland setting.
It is also home to Surf World Gold Coast, which accommodates the largest collection of surfboards in the country – some of which date back to 1915 – as well as display of surfing-related photos, memorabilia, clothing and artwork.
You should also take the opportunity to check out Honeyworld Gold Coast (previously Superbee Honeyworld) which is fully operational honey factory that exports to over 25 countries around the world.
Elsewhere, if you want to experience other parts of nature, the Tomewin Mountain, which resides on the NSW border, showcases tremendous views of the Currumbin Valley. You can get to various breathtaking viewing points via a scenic drive, cycling or hike through bush treks.
Over at Springbrook National Park, the Cougal Cascade is a beautiful waterfall which you can see via a lush rainforest walk. It is also not far from the Currumbin Rock Pools.
If you’re looking for where to eat in Currumbin Beach, you’ll find several options available to you for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tours and Excursions
When you fancy some time away from the sand at Currumbin Beach you can enjoy a wide range of tours and excursions.
You can check out a full list of them from the Viator and Get Your Guide websites. However, some of the activities you can do include the following:
Best Currumbin Accommodation
When it comes to places to stay at Currumbin Beach and the surrounding Gold Coast, there are plenty of options available to you. These range from plush beachfront resorts and boutique hotels to private holiday rentals and Airbnb type accommodation.
Here are some notable hotels in Currumbin. You can click here to make a reservation at any of them.
The Rocks Resort Currumbin Beach
This modern resort offers spacious apartments with balconies and stunning ocean views. It’s right on the beach, so it provides quick and easy access to the sand and surf.
Amenities and facilities at The Rocks Resort Currumbin Beach include a heated swimming pool, spa, sauna and a well-equipped fitness centre. There’s also a BBQ area for guests, making it ideal for families and couples.
Sanctuary Beach Resort
Another terrific accommodation option that offers direct beach access is the Sanctuary Beach Resort. It offers luxurious apartments and is a terrific choice for those seeking a tranquil and upscale stay.
Guests can enjoy a heated pool, spa and dining in a waterfront restaurant. They can also go kayaking at the nearby Currumbin Creek.
Sandcastles on Currumbin Beach
The Sandcastles on Currumbin Beach resort is an ideal choice for families and groups who want self-catering options.
The beachfront apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, a lagoon-style pool, a spa, a tennis court and a BBQ area.
The Hill Apartments Currumbin Beach
If you’re after stunning ocean views, The Hill Apartments Currumbin Beach is a great option.
Perched high up on a hill, the apartments offer spacious units, a heated pool, spa and BBQ area. The great thing about staying here is that you are close enough to the action in and around Currumbin Beach, yet also have some separation from it.
Princess Palm on the Beach
The Princess Palm on the Beach resort is perfect for families who want to stay in beachfront accommodation with self-contained apartments, balconies and ocean views. This hotel also has a heated pool, spa, tennis court and a playground for kids.
No matter which hotel you choose, you’ll have easy access to Currumbin Beach and local attractions like the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Currumbin has the perfect hotel for your Gold Coast getaway, whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure.
Best Currumbin Restaurants
If you’re looking for where to eat in Currumbin Beach, you’ll find several options available to you for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
One of the most popular places in town is the Currumbin RSL, which serves up an excellent selection of steaks, burgers, roasts and all the usual fare you’d associate with such a venue. Similarly, you can get an excellent feed at the Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club, which also boasts a stunning beachfront setting and relaxed ambience.
Elsewhere, the Barefoot Barista Currumbin is one of the only cafes in the area with a direct beach view. You can enjoy it while tucking into their all-day breakfast and lunch options. (Their fish and chips are delicious!).
Over the road from the beach on Pacific Parade is a hole-in-the-wall called The Salt Mill, which has a small menu of organic food and treats, while the Dust Temple is a lovely cafe and bar that serves up a delicious menu which includes truffled mushrooms.
Other excellent Currumbin Beach restaurants you can try include Tommy’s Italian, Tarte Beach House and the wonderful Sumptuous Fine Food on the Currumbin Creek Road.
Things to do at Currumbin Beach
Shops
If you love shopping, you’ll be pleased to read there are some lovely places to indulge in a bit of retail therapy in and around Currumbin Beach.
Located just 3 km from the beach, the Pines Elanora Shopping Centre has over 80 specialty shops, including supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths and Aldi where you can pick up grocery items. It also has a selection of clothing boutiques, jewellery stores and plenty of other outlets for you to peruse.
If you happen to time your visit to Currumbin Beach for a Friday you should head to The Sanctuary Markets. They take place at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, on the village green, and features lots of international food stalls, as well as arts and crafts. This venue also provides entertainment and is fully licensed – you can enjoy craft beers and vinos from the Burleigh Brewing Co, and Sirromet Wines.
Elsewhere on Currumbin Valley and Currumbin Waters, there are plenty of other shops you can check out if you can tear yourself away from the sand. A couple of notable ones to look out for are the So Jaded Boutique and EBONiiVORY.
Final Thought
It is not difficult to see what makes Currumbin Beach such a terrific Gold Coast holiday hot spot.
As a year-round destination it offers something for everyone including fun beach activities, fabulous tourists attractions, an excellent dining scene and some top notch resorts and vacation rentals.
It is also a very family-friendly destination, and one of the most dog friendly beaches on the Gold Coast, which means grandma, granddad and your four legged friend are just as likely to enjoy it as you and your little ones.
For this reason, the question you should ask yourself is not ‘should we go to Currumbin Beach’, but rather ‘when should we go to Currumbin Beach?’.
The answer to which, is as soon as possible!
FAQs
Where is Currumbin Beach?
Currumbin reside on the Gold Coast’s southern part, not far from the border of New South Wales. The Brisbane CBD is about an hour long, 100 km drive from the beach, while the Gold Coast airport is just a 10 minute, 6 km drive away.
How far Is Currumbin Beach from Surfer’s Paradise?
Currumbin is about 24 km to the south of Surfer’s Paradise. It typically takes about 35 minutes to drive from there.
Is it safe to swim in Currumbin Creek?
Currumbin Creek features fairly calm water which makes it a terrific spot for children and those who are not strong swimmers. You won’t get much surf here though.
What is the main attraction in Currumbin?
For more than 60 years the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been a major tourist attraction on the Gold Coast. It features 100s of animals native to Australia in their natural rainforest or bushland environments.
