At a Glance 🏝
- 📍 Location: Coolangatta, Gold Coast, QLD
- 🚗 Nearest Airport: Gold Coast Airport (OOL) – 5 mins drive
- 🌊 Best For: Surfing, family beach days, coastal walks
- 🏄 Surf Level: Beginner to Pro (depending on swell)
- 🗓 Best Time to Visit:
- Surfing – Mar–Aug
- Swimming & Family – Sept–Feb
- 📋 Facilities: Lifeguards, public toilets, showers, picnic areas
- 🗺 Map: View on Google Maps
Why Greenmount is a Must-Visit
Greenmount’s sheltered bay and world-class right-hand point break make it one of the Gold Coast’s most versatile and beloved beaches. Whether you’re chasing legendary long, peeling waves, planning a laid-back family beach day, or exploring the picturesque coastal walking tracks and local markets, this Coolangatta gem delivers an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Surfing at Greenmount 🏄♂️
The Legendary Point Break
Thanks to its unique geography and the man-made Superbank sand formations, Greenmount offers some of the longest rides on the coast. The point break produces long, peeling right-hand waves that are a dream for intermediate to advanced surfers, allowing for long, exhilarating rides.
- Best swell: SE to E
- Best tide: Mid to high
- Skill level: Intermediate–Advanced on the point break, but with smaller swells, it can be suitable for confident learners. The southern sheltered end is consistently a great place for beginners.
- Surf Cam & Report: Check live conditions on the Swellnet surf cam or a similar report to see what the waves are doing before you paddle out.
The Superbank Connection
The Superbank is a world-famous, man-made surf break that links Snapper Rocks to Greenmount, creating a continuous wave that can stretch for hundreds of metres. This unique feature is what creates the iconic, long rides that define Greenmount.
Beginner-Friendly Zones
The southern end of Greenmount, near the headland, is a fantastic spot for learners. The waves are much gentler and more forgiving here, making it the perfect place to start. Reputable surf schools, such as Go Ride A Wave and Walkin’ On Water, operate from this area and offer daily lessons and board hire. Always remember to stay between the red and yellow lifeguard flags for your safety.
Greenmount Beach for Families 👨👩👧👦
Greenmount is a favourite among families for its safe and comfortable environment.
- Calm, safe waters: The beach is naturally sheltered from strong swell by the headland, and it is patrolled by lifeguards year-round. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Wide sandy beach: Perfect for games, sandcastles, and spreading out for a relaxed picnic.
- Nearby cafes: The Greenmount Beach Surf Club offers absolute beachfront dining with stunning ocean views. There are also numerous other cafes and eateries just a short stroll away in Coolangatta.
- Playgrounds & shaded areas: Adjoining parks, like Queen Elizabeth Park, provide excellent playgrounds for kids and plenty of shaded picnic tables and BBQ facilities.
Things to Do Nearby 🚶♂️
- Point Danger: Take a walk up to the lookout to stand on the border of Queensland and New South Wales. It offers panoramic coastal views and is a top spot for whale watching from May to November. The Captain Cook Memorial Lighthouse is also a key feature here.
- Snapper Rocks: Just a short walk from Greenmount, this is the official starting point of the Superbank. It’s where some of the world’s best surfers gather and hosts major events like the Gold Coast Pro on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.
- Coolangatta Markets & Dining: Explore the local culture at the Art & Craft Markets held in Queen Elizabeth Park on the second Sunday of every month. The streets of Coolangatta, particularly Griffith Street, are also home to a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and beachfront food trucks.
Practical Info for Visitors 🗒
- Lifeguards: The beach is patrolled year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Parking: There is paid and some free street parking available along Marine Parade, but spaces can be limited on weekends and during school holidays.
- Facilities: Public toilets, beach showers, picnic tables, and BBQs are easily accessible near the beach and in the surrounding parklands.
- Accessibility: Coolangatta is a very accessible area, with wheelchair beach mats available on request from the lifeguards.
Getting Around Coolangatta & Beyond 🚗
If you’re flying into Gold Coast Airport (OOL), Greenmount is just 5 minutes away by car. To explore the wider region with ease, from Point Danger and Snapper Rocks to Currumbin and Burleigh, a rental car is your best option.
Why Choose Alpha Car Hire:
- Free Airport Transfers: Alpha Car Hire has no branch at the airport, but they offer a complimentary shuttle bus service to take you from the terminal to their nearby depot, making for a seamless transition from your flight to your hire car.
- After-Hours Collections Available: This flexibility means you don’t have to worry about arriving late.
- One-Way Car Hire Options: Ideal if your journey doesn’t end where it began.
- Standard Liability Protection & Roadside Assistance: All rentals include essential peace of mind.
- Flexible Fuel Policies: You can choose the option that best suits your travel plans.
- Book Early & Save: Checking Gold Coast car hire deals well in advance can secure a better rate, especially during peak holiday periods.
Map – Greenmount & Nearby Attractions 🗺
Final Tip 💡
Greenmount is one of those rare beaches where surf culture, family fun, and stunning views collide. Come for the waves, stay for the coastal charm — and with a rental car, you can make the most of every hidden corner of the Gold Coast.
