World Class Surfing Beach in Coolangatta, South East Queensland
Table of Contents
Hello beach lovers! Welcome to my post about Kirra Beach in Coolangatta, Queensland.
To ensure this post is easy for you to follow, I have set this article up into the following sections:
1. Introduction
2. Where is Kirra Beach?
3. Best Time To Visit Kirra Beach
4. What Facilities do they have at Kirra Beach?
5. How to get to Kirra Beach
6. Things to do at Kirra Beach
7. Tours and Excursions
8. Kirra Beach Accommodation
9. Kirra Beach Restaurants
10. Final Thought
11. FAQs
I hope this review inspires you to pay a visit to this fabulous Gold Coast beach!
(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: 8 Minutes
Introduction
Kirra Beach has been a popular south east Queensland beach holiday hotspot for over 100 years.
Well known for being a world class surfing destination, Kirra is also probably up there as the best swimming beach Gold Coast has to offer.
Its gorgeous stretch of golden sand is perfect for lazy days of sunbathing and while the sight of the experienced surfers riding breaking waves on the Coral Sea will captivate you for hours.
Away from the beach, the area is a top spot for brunch, and there are several hip and buzzy cafes where you can enjoy a delicious serve of ricotta cakes or avo smash. You’ll also find several quaint, air-conditioned boutique stores to browse when the heat of the day gets too unbearable.
As you might expect, just a stone’s throw from the beach are several high-rise hotels, holiday apartments and pretty much every type of Gold Coast accommodation you could wish for. Yet nestled amongst them, you’ll also discover charming weatherboard shacks that speaks volumes of the suburb’s history and character.
When not on the beach, the local surf club is a terrific place to enjoy a beer or a meal on its sunny deck. Alternatively, head up to Kirra Hill, to take in an incredible Queensland sunrise or sunset. You might even spot whales frolicking in the distance if you come at the right time of year.
The best time to visit Kirra Beach Gold Coast very much depends on what you want to do when you want to visit there.
Where is Kirra Beach?
Kirra Beach Gold Coast is one of many excellent beach-side districts in Coolangatta.
It is located just a couple of minutes drive from the Gold Coast airport, which can be accessed via Musgrave Street. Indeed the airport is so close, many tourists head here for a last minute spot of sunbathing or a dip in the Coral Sea before boarding their plane home!
The beach resides on land traditionally owned by the Yugambeh people. It is less than a kilometre from Coolangatta beach and about 30 km south of Surfer’s Paradise.
Bounded by the Coral Sea, it is also less than 2.5km from Tweed Heads in New South Wales and about 102 km north of Queensland’s state capital, Brisbane in South East Queensland.
Distance from other Gold Coast beaches to Kirra
- Coolangatta (1 km)
- Greenmount Beach (1 km)
- Rainbow Bay (2 km)
- Currumbin (6 km)
- Palm Beach (7 km)
- Miami (14 km)
- Nobbys Beach (16 km)
- Tallebudgera Creek (16 km)
- Burleigh Heads (17 km)
- Mermaid Beach (17 km)
- Broadbeach (19 km)
- Surfer's Paradise (31 km)
- Main Beach (33 km)
Best Time To Visit Kirra Beach
The best time to visit Kirra Beach or any of the beaches on the Gold Coast for that matter depends on what you want to do when you want to visit there.
As it is a family-friendly beach, the school holidays represent an excellent time to visit Kirra. However, you definitely won’t be alone at this time as the beach gets very crowded. Bear in mind it is also busy on public holidays and weekends, especially around 10 am until about 4 pm.
If you are after lazy days in the hot sun, the period between October to April and in particular the summer months of December to February are perfect. Just remember to put on a hat and plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water.
For those wanting to surf, the waves have a consistent swell at most times throughout the year. However, most surfers agree that autumn and winter represent the best times to venture into the water. This time of year is also very good if you want to go for a beach walk as the sun isn’t so hot (but pleasant enough).
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter when you go to Kirra Beach, as the beach is fabulous all year round.
That said, personally, my favourite time to visit there is in Late November or February and March. At this time, the weather is usually glorious, the beach is relatively quiet and you should not have much trouble getting a parking space.
What Facilities do they have at Kirra Beach?
Kirra Beach is flanked by the Gold Coast Oceanway, a convenient pathway that runs along the coastline from the border of New South Wales all the way up to the Gold Coast Seaway. It is a place where people walk, jog, skateboard and cycle and incorporate lush parklands.
Throughout this area you will find a range of facilities for beachgoers and the general public to use, including toilets and outdoor showers, shade structures, barbecues and tables. This makes it much easier to be able to spend a whole day on the sand or grass.
Right along the pathway, you should also find electric bikes that can take you anywhere you want to go, more quickly than you otherwise would be able to if you were walking.
Whilst you are swimming in the Coral Sea, you will be watched out for by surf-lifesavers from the Kirra Surf Life Saving Club, who are based within the Kirra Beach Pavilion, a heritage-listed building. They are one of the oldest surf clubs on the Gold Coast.
Kirra Beach Gold Coast is an easy destination to drive to via either the M1 or Gold Coast highway.
How to get to Kirra Beach
Whether you are coming from Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast and beyond to the north of it, or Byron Bay or further to the south of it, Kirra Beach is an easy destination to drive to.
Depending on your starting point, you’ll probably need to take either the M1 or the Gold Coast highway. While there is plenty of signage that will direct you to Coolangatta which is right next door to it, you might want to use an app like Waze or Google Maps to ensure you get there without too many issues.
If you don’t have a car you can catch a Translink bus from various destinations in the surrounding area and beyond that will drop you very close to the beach. Alternatively you can catch a Greyhound Bus, if you are coming from further afield.
Should you need to fly into the area, several airlines including Qantas, Jetstar and Bonza leave and depart from the Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport. From there you can catch a taxi, Uber or bus to the beach.
Distance to other Queensland destinations
- Brisbane (102 km)
- Redcliffe (134 km)
- Mooloolaba (202 km)
- Toowoomba (205 km)
- Hervey Bay (390 km)
- Bargara (475 km)
- Agnes Water (579 km)
- Yeppoon (777 km)
- Mackay (1072 km)
- Longreach (1257 km)
- Townsville (1454 km)
- Mission Beach (1688 km)
- Cairns (1800 km)
Things to do at Kirra Beach
You certainly won’t be bored at Kirra Beach because there is so much to see and do, not just in terms of beach activities, but also sites just a short distance from it.
The main drawcard here is undoubtedly surfing. Kirra is often referred to as the ‘spiritual home of surfing’ in Australia. The area has been designated part of the World Surf Reserve and is home to the iconic ‘Superbank’ at Kirra Point, one of the longest right-handers you could ever hope to see.
It is also close to the famous Snapper Rocks and Point Danger, and accommodates the world renowned Kirra Surfriders Club, whose most famous sun is arguably the three-time surfing World Champion, Mick Fanning. If you want to follow in his footsteps you can take surf lessons right on the beach.
If visiting surf spots and watching the pros take part in surfing competitions don’t ordinarily excite you, fear not. Kirra Beach is also a terrific place for swimming, beach walking, beachcombing, sunbathing or boogie-boarding. From time to time people do watersports like wakeboarding or kayaking and you may even see the occasional water skier.
For those who would prefer something a little more relaxed, there are plenty of spa, massage and wellness services available just a short distance from the Kirra boardwalk, while your kids will enjoy a visit to Timezone in nearby Coolangatta.
Additionally, there are plenty of boutique shops and occasional beachfront markets to provide you with some retail therapy.
Should you fancy going for coastal walks up to the Kirra Hill Lookout, you should take the opportunity to go whale watching if you find yourself in the area between June and October.
Tours and Excursions
While you will want to spend as much time as you can on the beach at this Gold Coast holiday destination, you’ll understandably want to experience some of the other delightful experiences the Gold Coast has to offer. Thankfully there are several tours and excursions you can go on to enable you to do this.
Both Viator and Get Your Guide offer a range of day trips and activities you can book to make the most of your time in the region.
Here are a selection of some of their most popular tours:
Whale watching tour with Spirit of Gold Coast
Brisbane Day Time Glow Worms Caves
Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise
Natural Bridge and Springbrook Waterfall Tour
Mount Tamborine Winery Tour With Gourmet Lunch
Tandem Skydive Over Gold Coast
When it comes to food options, Kirra Beach and the wider Coolangatta area have a good range of dining options to suit all taste buds.
Kirra Beach Accommodation
In the area in and around Kirra Beach Gold Coast you will find plenty of beachside accommodation options. Predominantly these are holiday apartments and Air bnb properties. However, you will also find larger hotels and resorts in nearby Coolangatta.
Overall, you should have no trouble finding something suitable for your needs, although be mindful that many of these places book out well in advance – especially during school and public holidays and at weekends.
That said, some of the best places to consider include the following:
Beach Houses Holiday Villas
Situated just 500 metres from the golden sands at Kirra, the Beach Houses Holiday Villas offers comfortable accommodation with excellent sea views. It also offers free private parking – which is very handy in Kirra – and free WiFi.
Kirra Waves
At Kirra Waves, you will be able to stay at fabulous beachfront accommodation that has excellent balconies which allow you to relax and enjoy the views. It also has a swimming pool, lovely garden and free on-site parking.
Nirvana by the Sea
Overlooking the gorgeous glowing sands of Kirra Beach Gold Coast, Nirvana by the Sea is perfect for those wanting deluxe apartments that are set up for self-catering.
One of the holiday rentals Kirra Beach has to offer, it possesses a fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning and an excellent range of modern amenities.
Kirra Beach Apartments
Nestled within beautiful grounds that reside direct opposite the main beach, the Kirra Beach Apartments is the perfect spot for those wanting close proximity to one of Queensland’s best beaches.
Each apartment is equipped with a private balcony which allows you to soak in the wonderful views of the Coral Sea, nice kitchen facilities and comfortable bedrooms.
Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
Set just 100 metres from the sand, the Iconic Kirra Beach Resort makes a wonderful base for your southern Gold Coast holiday.
As well as well-appointed rooms, the property features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and free private parking. It’s also within easy walking distance of one of the best beaches Gold Coast has to offer.
Best Restaurants near Kirra Beach Gold Coast
- St Helens Bar & Burgers (USA)
- Kirra Beach Surf Club (Australian)
- HiPoke Kirra (Hawaiian)
- Rama 5 (Asian)
- Bread and Butter (Italian)
- OSushi Coolangatta (Japanese)
- Xenia (Greek)
- Lam Lam Delicate Thai (Thai)
- Kirra Beach Hotel (Australian)
- Latin Roots Areperia (Latin)
- Tupe-Aloha (Hawaiian/Mexican)
- Haig St Kirra (Australian)
- Pizza District (Italian)
Kirra Beach Restaurants
When it comes to food options, Kirra Beach and the wider Coolangatta area have a good range of dining options to suit all taste buds. Whether you are looking for a quick brekkie on-the-go, a long and lazy brunch or an upscale dinner you can choose from several outstanding venues.
One of my favourite places to eat is the Kirra Beach Surf Club. This family friendly venue offers an excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner menu which includes burgers, pastas and main pub meals that come in hearty portions.
If you love Thai food, check out Lam Lam Delicate Thai. Their Pad Thai is superb and the range of curries they offer has a terrific balance between spice and flavour.
Elsewhere, Xenia is a top choice for those who fancy a nice Greek meal, while OSushi Coolangatta serves up an accomplished menu which presents their take on Japanese classic dishes.
For a healthy breakfast, HiPoke Kirra offers a great range of poke bowls that will set you up perfectly for the day. Meanwhile, if you are after a juicy and delicious burger you can’t go wrong with St Helens Bar & Burgers.
Final Thought
If you are planning a visit to the Gold Coast, I can’t recommend visiting Kirra Beach highly enough.
As well as being a mecca for surfers and surf culture, its pristine stretch of sand provides the perfect backdrop in which to set yourself up for a day of rest and relaxation.
Moreover, as it is just a stone’s throw from Coolangatta, you’ll also find everything you could need within easy walking distance of its golden shores.
So, really, there is no excuse not to go there for your next family-friendly Queensland beach vacation!
FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast.
What suburb is Kirra Beach in?
Kirra Beach is a lovely sea-side neighbourhood which resides in the suburb of Coolangatta within the City of Gold Coast in South East Queensland, Australia.
What is Kirra Beach known for?
Kirra Beach is one of the most popular of all Australian beaches. As a holiday spot, it gained popularity in the 1990s, largely due to its big stretch of pristine sand which is offset by gorgeous deep blue waters. In recent times it has become recognised as the spiritual home of surfing - at least on the Gold Coast anyway. You'll see surfers spend many hours riding the waves here.
Can you swim at Kirra Beach?
Overall, Kirra Beach is a relatively safe beach to swim on as it has low waves and generally no rips that are close to shore. The beach is patrolled by the Kirra Surf Life Saving Club.
Is Kirra Beach Busy?
In the height of the summer and sometimes around Easter, Kirra Beach can get very busy. However, at other times of the year it is not as busy as other beaches on the Gold Coast. So it is a good option for those looking for a family-friendly beach.
