Kirra Beach

There’s variations on what the word Kirra actually means, but some believe Queensland Aborigines named it after a boomerang. Which makes sense as Kirra wraps evocatively around the bend separating Coolangatta and Kirra beaches and in front of Kirra Hill. Surfers still flock to Kirra bend for its world-class breaks despite beach erosion issues changing the game and nature of the surf spot a bit. Still, there’s plenty of character to be had in one of the Gold Coast’s most laid-back beach destinations and home to Kirra Surf which surfies consider the one-stop shop for surf gear.

This is not a place for glitz and glamour, you’ll still find plenty of weatherboard beach shacks here among the burgeoning apartment scene. There’s also a cute café scene emerging here but for a true taste of Kirra, head to the iconic Kirra Beach Hotel which has been trading for more than 50 years. There’s even accommodation upstairs in this pub offering views of the ocean and the Gold Coast foreshore.