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Best things to do in Coolangatta

Gold Coast

Coolangatta

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

The southernmost suburb of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta or 'Cooly' has been a popular holiday destination for visitors seeking to explore the breathtaking coastline. Boasting beautiful beaches, coastal walkways, markets, op-shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, Cooly is a must visit. To make life easier, we've collated a list of some of the best things to do while you're there:

Cooly Breeze Rooftop

Outdoor seating

One of the Gold Coast's hidden treasures - a glass-enclosed restaurant and bar with sweeping views and sophisticated meals.

Black Dingo Cafe

Black Dingo Cafe Coolangatta

Perched underneath the Point Danger lighthouse with some of the most spectacular views to be had on the Gold Coast

Coolangatta Beach

Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast

Iconic Coolangatta Beach or ‘Cooly’ has been a long-time holiday favourite on the southern Gold Coast

The House of Bamboo

Entry to The House of Bamboo

The House of Bamboo is a funky Asian street food restaurant and bar with a tropical tiki vibe and a disco soundtrack,

Internal venue with tables and mural

Situated right on the corner of Marine Parade in Coolangatta, Pokkoi offers up modern Asian cuisine with the decor to match!

Exterior of Luna's Deli Coolangatta

Luna's Deli is like a bright yellow ray of sunshine on Coolangatta's Marine Pde - an artisan bakery, gourmet sandwich and gelato shop

Awaken Cafe Coolangatta

A casual contemporary cafe with a coastal vibe, perched on the Duranbah Beach headland

Coolangatta Beachside Market

Coolangatta Beachside Art and Craft Markets

Coolangatta Art and Craft Beachside market showcases the best local artisans and great street food talents

Coolangatta to Point Danger Oceanway

The Coolangatta to Point Danger Oceanway makes for a spectacular Gold Coast Walk

Big Papi's Cocina

Big Papi's Cocina Coolangatta

Tucked away in a charming character-filled space at one end of the main shopping strip, is one of SEQ's best Latin American restaurants

Board Short Barista

Board Short Barista Coolangatta

Popular hole-in-the-wall café in the park on the beach, nestled into the southside of the Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club

The Pink Hotel is a vibrant nostalgic place for a unique and memorable Gold Coast retreat.

Pipi's By Gambaro

Pipi's By Gambaro Coolangatta

Perched atop Point Danger with stunning views, Pipi's by Gambaro brings a touch of Mediterranean-inspired allure

Lifeline Shop Coolangatta

Lifeline Shop in Coolangatta is a treasure trove of fantastic threads and funky vintage finds

Baskk Italian Coolangatta

Baskk Italian is Coolangatta's stunning and sophisticated beachfront restaurant and bar

4 Pines Brewing Co.

4 Pines Brewing Co. Coolangatta

Fancy having an Australian craft brewery with its doorstep practically on the beach

Little Mali Coolangatta

Cool cafe at Rainbow Bay popular for its serious coffee & healthy menu

Espresso Cooly Coolangatta

One of the best cafes in Coolangatta for great coffee & tasty breakfasts

Bellakai Coolangatta

Bellakai is a breakfast and brunch spot in Coolangatta, dishing up great brews and ocean views seven days a week

Beach 'n Bean Cafe

Beach 'n Bean Cafe, Coolangatta

A hidden gem of a beachfront cafe, attached to Greenmount Surf Club and with stunning beach views

The Lume Coolangatta

A stunning cherry-blossom festooned Yum Cha and Asian fusion restaurant in the southern end of Coolangatta

Eddie's Grub House

Eddie's Grub house Coolangatta

Eddie's Grub House is a grunge-centric rock 'n' roll bar, live music venue and American-inspired noshery

Harahetta Ramen

Entry view of Harahetta Ramen

Harahetta Ramen brings an authentic taste of Japan to Coolangatta, serving up delicious bowls of ramen that may just be the best on the Gold Coast

People seated at entrance of Bar Evelyn Coolangatta

Bar Evelyn is a charming artisan pizza, pasta and wine bar tucked away underneath the Beach House Resort in Coolangata

Xenia Grill Coolangatta

This restaurant in Coolangatta fuses the charm of a traditional Greek tavern with the lively atmosphere of a beachside eatery

Vanilla Lily Coolangatta

Vanilla Lily is a boutique café & cocktail bar in the heart of Coolangatta’s busy beachfront food strip

Choofa's Smokehouse

Exterior of Choofa's Smokehouse Coolangatta

An American-style restaurant with a massive menu of BBQ local seafood and meat dishes and rum & cocktail bar

Blue C Apartments

Here's a great spot to base yourself for your next coastal getaway, with views for as far as the eye can see and everything at your doorstep for the best beach break ever

Retrosheila

Retro Sheila's street entry

Take a trip through time from the 1940's through to the 1980's, at this treasure trove of fashion, accessries & collectables

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