Renowned for its glistening golden beaches, the Gold Coast resembles the peak of relaxation followed by a lifestyle filled with endless sunshine. But when summer gets a bit too hot, you’ll definitely want to find ways to beat the heat and cool off in style.
Here are our local tips on where to go and why.
1. Coolangatta Beach
If you’re a tourist, head to Surfers. But if you want to hang where the locals are, Coolangatta Beach is the place to be. The beach is a poster child for white sandy beaches and pristine clear waters of the Gold Coast beachfront.
As much as Surfers Paradise has the word “surfer” in it, the real surfing happens at Coolangatta Beach. It’s the most popular beach on the Gold Coast for surfing, and you’ll be sure to find flocks of people heading to Cooly during their days off.
With North facing water that provides calmer waters, Coolangatta Beach is great for swimmers who are looking for safe waters and for surfers looking to learn or improve their skills.
For more confident surfers looking to experience awesome breaks, the world renown Superbank at Snapper Rocks will give you a treat. Alternatively, head to Kirra Point or Greenmouth Point – both of which are accessible from Cooly Beach.
Visit at the right time and you can even catch glimpses of dolphins and migrating humpback whales moving north for breeding season.
At the Southern end of the beach there are plenty of rock hopping adventures for the younger ones with plenty of shady spots to throw down a towel and relax on the soft sands. Cooly Beach is visitor friendly with platforms for wheelchair access and has facilities including toilets, tables, and free to use barbecues to cook up a picnic.
There are volleyball courts in front of The Strand available to the public between 8am and 6pm daily.
Make the most of your time at Coolangatta Beach by heading to one of the local favourites for lunch – the Coolangatta Hotel. Featuring a wide selection of meals that will satisfy your appetite, the fresh beers on tap will help you cool down even quicker in the summer weather. Whether you’re looking for a sit down meal at the Bistro Dining or a more casual meal at the Bar & Beer Garden, there’s something for everyone here.
With live music performing every night on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, don’t miss out on a truly exceptional local experience at the Cooly Hotel. Plus, the beachfront views of Coolangatta Beach is enough to make your time that much more pleasurable.
2. Broadwater Parklands
If you’re looking for some fun adventure that offers lots of green space, great walking tracks, and different options to get yourself wet, head to the Broadwater Parklands.
There’s a rock pool in the parklands that offers a great splash pad for kids. A lifeguard is designated to the rock pools during opening hours, ensuring the safety of your child at all times. From exploring the nooks and crannies of the pool to running around the large green lawns and trailing the play equipment, a day spent at the Broadwater Parklands is a day well spent.
There’s also a cordoned area for confident swimmers who want to dip in the sea water within safe boundaries, as well as the GC Aqua Park featuring an inflatable water ninja course that will have the big kids and grown ups laughing their heads off throughout the challenge.
4. The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Built for the Commonwealth Games, the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre is up to world class standards, boasting six swimming pools including two Olympic sized 50 metre pools and a children’s splash zone. Whether you’re looking to swim for fun or for fitness, there’s enough room to suit your needs.
5. Sea World
There are plenty of places to cool off in Sea World, from shooting water cannons at each other to exploring the interactive splash zone known as The Reef at Castaway Bay, a day at Sea World promises being surrounded by lots of water and plenty of fun. There is also a Thunder Lake Stunt Show featuring cool water stunts on jet skis, water boards, water skates, and more.
6. Wet’n’Wild or WhiteWater World
Whether you choose Wet’n’Wild or WhiteWater World, you won’t be disappointed if you’re looking to cool off from the summer heat. These two water parks are the biggest ones in the Gold Coast, with countless splash zones, water slides and activities that will have you soaking wet and feeling good in the sun.
It’s pretty much guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Banner image credit: Air BnB
