Beachside suburb surrounding the airport with surf beaches and cafes.

About Coolangatta / Tweed Heads

Coolangatta and Tweed Heads are twin towns straddling the Queensland-New South Wales border, sharing a community split by an invisible state line running down the middle of streets. Coolangatta sits on the Queensland side and is known for some of the Gold Coast's best and least crowded beaches, including Snapper Rocks — home of the annual Quiksilver Pro surfing competition and the starting point of the famous Superbank sand formation.

The Point Danger headland at the border offers panoramic views up and down the coast and houses the Captain Cook Memorial lighthouse. Rainbow Bay and Greenmount Beach are sheltered coves perfect for swimming, while Kirra Beach to the north provides world-class surf breaks. The area has a relaxed, local vibe compared to the tourist-heavy Surfers Paradise further north.

Tweed Heads, on the NSW side, is famous for its massive licensed clubs — Twin Towns Services Club and Seagulls Club — which offer affordable dining, entertainment, and gambling. The Tweed River and its mangrove-lined banks provide kayaking and fishing opportunities, and the nearby Tweed Hinterland with Mount Warning (Wollumbin) offers spectacular bushwalking through World Heritage-listed rainforest.

Nearby Landmarks

Snapper Rocks Rainbow Bay Point Danger Greenmount Beach Twin Towns Club

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost AUD $10-15
Time 5-10 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost AUD $8-12
Time 5-10 min

Terminal exit

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit OOL arrivals and walk to the bus stop (2 min)
2. Board the 760 or 700 bus heading south toward Coolangatta/Tweed Heads
3. Ride just 1-2 stops to Coolangatta Beach or Griffith Street (5-8 minutes)
4. For Tweed Heads, stay on the bus one more stop across the state border
5. Alternatively, it is a 15-20 minute flat walk from the terminal to Coolangatta Beach

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi AUD $10-15 5-10 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare AUD $8-12 5-10 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis and rideshare are available from the airport for this very short trip (under $15 AUD). The 760/761 bus routes run until about 10:00 PM. Given the minimal distance, even a late-night taxi is very affordable. Coolangatta accommodation is often within walking distance of the terminal.

Luggage Tips

For such a short distance, any transport option handles luggage fine. Many Coolangatta hotels and holiday apartments are within walking distance (1-2 km) of the terminal. If walking, the route is flat along the main road. The 700 bus handles luggage for the short hop.

Accessibility

Gold Coast Airport has full accessibility. The short distance to Coolangatta means accessible taxis are the most practical option. Coolangatta beachfront has accessible pathways along the Esplanade. Greenmount Beach has beach wheelchair access points.