The Gold Coast's southern suburbs have got the goods.
The Gold Coast's southern suburbs have got the goods.
It’s always a good time when hundreds of (often quite good looking) surfers descend on one area for several days in a row.
It’s even better when that one place is a local Gold Coast beach surrounded by lots of places to eat delicious food and other delightful things to look at.
Because it’s almost that time of year again (brb buying all the bikinis) we’ve compiled a list of eight things to do on a trip to our southern most suburbs.
Pull up some sand
Yep, so number one is quite obviously heading down to watch the main event which runs from April 3rd to 13th (pending conditions). The guys and gals will battle it out in the sparkly sea (is 34 too old to become a pro surfer, asking for a friend?) for top honours and we are pretty pumped. Go Aussies.
Where: Snapper Rocks
Sip a brew
Just around the corner from all the action is local, grab-and-go coffee joint Little Mali. They’ve got all your coffee needs covered for a big day on the beach plus raw and vegan treats, cold pressed juices and some brekky goodies if you’re up and about early (which you’ll need to be because surfing is an early morning sport y’all).
Where: Corner Ward and Boundary Street, Coolangatta
Dance, dance, dance
In the happiest of news, a boutique music festival is cruising around with the World Surf League Championship Tour this year and since the Coast is the home of the Quiky and Roxy Pros, we get to join in the dance party. The Drop Festival will feature Angus + Julia Stone, Jungle Giants, Client Liaison, Hockey Dad and Alex the Astronaut and it’s gonna be a real good time. Almost as exciting as the surfing itself if you ask us.
Where: Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta
Get cultured
If you need a break from the beach, pop into Maverick Hair and Art Space in Coolangatta. It’s a contemporary gallery dedicated to emerging local artists. While the event is on, Local Kirra artist, Bindi Hokins is debuting her first Solo Exhibition #SlowMovingWoman and it’s really quite a treat for your eyeballs. May as well get yourself a haircut while you’re at it.
Where: 1/17 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Eat a pie
There needs to be no reason for eating numerous pies from The Coolangatta Pie Shop particularly at 3am after an all night sweat session at Rattles (tales for another time friends). Anyway. Pies from TCPS are some of the best there are and after a day of sunshine and salt water, you’ll be stinging for some pastry. There’s delicious desserts too so don’t miss that boat.
Where: 50 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Drink a beer (or three)
We were always going to get here because beers on balmy Gold Coast afternoons are life. While there are many spots to get involved in one or three beverages, today we’re going to talk about the Kirra Surf Club because Kirra is the name of things that are great and there are uninterrupted ocean views there. Food too but, beers. ALSO. Resn Byron are presenting a night called ‘Cooly under resin’ showcasing epic imagery of Snapper Rocks by some of Australia’s most amazing photographers. It’s on for one night only – Friday April 12th from 6pm to 10pm. Don’t miss that one.
Where: 15 Marine Pde, Kirra
Take a stroll
If all those fit, good-looking people are getting on your nerves, take yourself for a walk up to Kirra Hill Lookout and see the stunning sights. Unsurprisingly, there’s ocean viewing for days and although walking up a hill isn’t all that fun, the chill vibes provided by the views are definitely worth it. Send photos.
Where: Garrick St, Kirra
Learn to Surf
Feeling inspired? Learn to surf yourself! Walkin’ on Water gives lessons at super chill spot Greenmount Beach where the waves are not akin to Snapper and there’ll be no one to watch you fall because they’re all around the corner cheering on the pros. Plus, it’s a fun time. Give it a go.
Where: (Next to the Greenmount SLSC), Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Kirra Smith