Travel Tuesday: Coolangatta from Caz of yTravel Blog!
We are so honored to have Caz of yTravel Blog share her travel and Aussie expertise with us for this week's Travel Tuesday! She takes us on a little ride through the paradise that is Coolangatta, QLD. If you thought the name was fun to say, wait until you discover all that it has to offer... When most people plan a visit to the Gold Coast, they head straight for Surfers Paradise. Surfers is known to be the adventure and party capital of this sub-tropical Queensland region, if not Australia. What many travelers don't realize is that only 25 minutes south of Surfers lies a sleepy, yet world famous surfing beach town, and one of my Australian favourites. Coolangatta, the gateway to the Gold Coast, is located only 5 minutes from the airport and is still in close proximity to all the attractions that the area has to offer. Poised to be the next Byron Bay, here are a few reasons why this is a must see Aussie destination:
Surfing Beaches
World Surfing Champions Michael Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore call Coolangatta their home. It is no surprise that they reign the surfing kingdom, as Coolangatta has three world-class surfing breaks located within walking distance from each other. If you aren't yet ready to enter the annual Quicksilver Pro Surfing event here then why not learn to surf? We recommend
Beach Bum Surfaris Australia. And if you don't like surfing, the beaches are relaxing and spectacular enough to enjoy at your own leisure.
Luxury Accommodation at Backpacker Prices Komune Resort and Beach Club has to be the hippest hostel I have ever stayed in. You have views of the beach as you chill out with a beer around Bali infused decor of the pool area. With modern facilities, parties that involve bikini models walking down the pool runway, and outdoor movie cinemas you will never want to leave Coolangatta. Especially since the prices are set with the budget backpacker in mind.
Pubs, Clubs, Restaurants and Cafes Even though Coolangatta is a quiet oasis compared to the bustling world of Surfers, there are plenty of nightlife to be had, at a more relaxing pace. Most accommodation will be only a short walking distance to the main beach strip where you will find a diverse mix of international and Australian restaurants, cafe, pubs and clubs. Our recommendation is
The Sands Hotel, which is an old Queenslander building that has been recently renovated. It now has live music in its funky new wine bar with a delicious Moroccan menu to complement.
Proximity to Attractions Only a short drive or bus journey from Coolangatta lies a Gold Coast world of adventure and natural beauty for you to explore. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary makes for a fun day zip-lining through the trees of the rainforest, feeding kangaroos, and cuddling koalas. Gold Caost Hinterland is a beautiful region to explore with hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, spectacular views, wine tasting, quad biking, and hang gliding. And the of course there are the theme parks, which the area is most noted for. You can spend many days thrilling yourself on rides such as Tower of Terror at Dreamworld, becoming part of Aussie Hollywood at Movie World, or cooling down on the water slides of Wet and Wild.
Why not enjoy all that the Gold Coast has to offer, but from the cheaper and more chilled out surfing town of Coolangatta? It is a unique Aussie beach experience. Really, you won't want to leave. I'm trying to ride the next wave back there.
