The Strand at Coolangatta is the beating heart of this iconic seaside town, capturing the relaxed yet vibrant spirit of Gold Coast living. More than just a shopping and dining hub, it’s a place where locals and visitors come together to experience the best of Coolangatta’s beachside lifestyle.
Nestled right on the stunning beachfront, The Strand offers breathtaking ocean views and direct access to Coolangatta Beach. Here, strolls along the promenade meet bustling cafés, unique boutiques, and lively social spots – all wrapped in the charm of a coastal community.
🛍 Shopping – Coastal Chic and More
The Strand’s shopping scene caters to all tastes, from stylish beachwear to homewares and specialty items.
- Fashion & Accessories: Find on-trend women’s fashion at Esteem’s Boutique and Boo Boo’s, or iconic Australian swimwear at Seafolly.
- Surf & Skate: Immerse yourself in local surf culture at Boardriders, which offers everything from surfboards to apparel, or grab a new set of wheels at Concrete Lines.
- Homewares & Gifts: Look for unique gifts and travel-inspired homewares at Sabah Lifestyle, or keep the kids entertained with a visit to the Sandy Crab Toy Store.
- Fresh Food & Grocery: From a full supermarket at Woolworths to gourmet produce at Salt & Smoke, you’ll find everything you need.
🍽 Dining – From Beachside Bites to Gourmet Treats
Whether you’re after a quick snack, a relaxed brunch, or a fine dining experience, The Strand offers something for every craving.
- Casual Dining: Grab a gourmet burger from Burger Urge, fresh Mexican from Guzman y Gomez, or a classic schnitzel from Schnitz.
- The Surf Club Coolangatta: A local favourite, this spot offers stunning ocean-view dining with a classic Australian menu. It’s perfect for families, with special offers like “Kids Eat Free” nights on Mondays.
- Gelato Messina: End your day with a sweet treat from this renowned gelateria. You’ll find a range of creative and classic flavours, including “Salted Caramel & White Choc” and “Panna Cotta W/ Fig Jam & Amaretti.”
🌊 Beach Access & Amenities
One of The Strand’s biggest draws is its direct beachfront location. Visitors can easily move from shopping and dining straight to the sandy shores.
- Family-Friendly: The beach is patrolled for safe swimming and is surrounded by parklands with public toilets, showers, barbecues, and shade structures.
- Surf Culture: Coolangatta is part of a World Surfing Reserve and is a great spot for both beginners and experienced surfers. You can often find surf lessons and board hire nearby.
- Coastal Walks: Access scenic paths along the shoreline, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
🎉 Events & Activities
- Coolangatta Art and Craft Markets: Held on the second and fourth Sunday of the month in the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park (right across from The Strand), these markets are a great way to spend a Sunday morning. You’ll find everything from local arts and crafts to delicious food and live music.
- Seasonal Celebrations: The Strand often hosts special events and activities during school holidays and festive seasons. Check their website or social media for the latest updates.
📍 Location, Parking & Contact
- Address: 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
- Website: strandcoolangatta.com.au
- Parking: The Strand has a multi-level underground car park (2m height restriction). Parking is free for up to three hours on weekdays and two hours on weekends, with a nominal fee for longer stays. This is perfect for a leisurely visit.
🚗 Plan Your Visit with Alpha Car Hire
Make the most of your Gold Coast adventure with the convenience of a rental car from Alpha Car Hire. A car provides the freedom to easily combine a visit to The Strand with other nearby attractions.
- Seamless Arrival: If you’re flying in, use Alpha Car Hire’s shuttle bus service to get to your hire car pick-up point. From there, it’s a short drive to Coolangatta, where you can make use of the convenient parking at The Strand.
- Explore Further: After a relaxing morning of shopping and a delicious lunch, use your Alpha Car Hire vehicle to visit nearby attractions like the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or take a scenic coastal drive up to Burleigh Heads.
