surf

The southern Gold Coast's famous sandy beaches and world-class surf breaks conclude at Coolangatta, renowned for its casual beach-side culture. Named after the schooner Coolangatta which was wrecked here in 1846, this suburb exudes an old-school beachside charm. It combines this with oceanfront accommodation, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Flock to Coolangatta for retro festivals and, due to the summer time difference with Tweed Heads, celebrate New Year’s twice. Now that’s a good resolution. Source: www.queensland.com/au/en/places-to-see/destination-inform...

Beach-side culture.

One of the beaches near Southport is the Main beach. While other suburbs snatch their names from exotic Aboriginal meanings or English seaside villages, Main Beach is far more literal. Situated at the northern end of the Gold Coast, Main Beach was so named as it was the main surf beach to the town of Southport. But while its name may be obvious, its hidden gems are far more exciting for this is one of the coast’s areas that celebrates something old and something new in style. A highlight of a visit here is to the beach itself, where the old bathing pavilion, Pavilion 34 to be precise, has been reincarnated as a casual beach café complete with Chiko rolls, potato scallops, pineapple fritters, and fish and chips. The old male and female change pavilions are still here and there are loads of retro photos to remind you of the Main Beach of old. This bathing pavilion sits next to the Southport Surf Club, the first to make its mark on the Gold Coast in 1936 and right next to a sprawling shady park which is perfect for oceanfront picnics. Source: www.destinationgoldcoast.com/places-to-see/main-beach

People have been visiting Burleigh Heads for camping holidays since the early 1900s – it’s not hard to see why. This Gold Coast caravan park continues the long standing tradition and with its beach side village vibe, sheltered swimming spot, peeling point break, thriving foodie scene and incredible National Park, Burleigh is better than ever. Burleigh Beach Tourist Park is 200m from the infamous Burleigh Point – arguably the best headland in the world to sit and watch the world go by. There’s plenty of people watching, the panorama of Surfers Paradise in the distance and a birds eye view of the surfers below. Burleigh Hill is the perfect spot for a picnic or BBQ under the shade of the Norfolk Pines. If you’re up for an adventure explore the scenic walking tracks that weave through the National Park, leading to the stunning Tallebudgera Creek. Source: goldcoasttouristparks.com.au/park/burleigh-beach-tourist-...