Coolangatta's Oh So Cool

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday May 17, 2008

Sarah Thomas

The gateway to the Gold Coast has revitalised itself with new developments, great cafes and restaurants.

For many, Coolangatta is just a passing-through point to the main Gold Coast attractions. However, new accommodation, stylish restaurants and a laid-back and casual character make this town, nestled between Tweed Heads and Kirra, worth staying in.

Barry McNamara, president of the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce, says the town has undergone a "fairly substantial renaissance" over the past decade after falling behind other areas on the coast in the 1980s. Now families are cottoning on to the fact that the location is a good base for all the region's attractions.

"It is good value and that's one of the reasons why it's family-focused. They are getting good quality accommodation with all the facilities that you would expect in a location that has a huge amount of dining variety and excellent beaches," McNamara says.

For families, Coolangatta can also mean a break from the Gold Coast crowds. As well, the beaches are safe and its small size means everything is accessible on foot. The growth in holiday apartments has also contributed to its appeal for families. Mantra and Mint both operate beachfront resort apartments.

Outrigger took over management of the Twin Towns Resort in December, a property that was expanded by the addition of the 197-room Harbour Tower in 2006. The property has hotel rooms and self-contained apartments and is seeing the benefit of growing tourist numbers.

General manager Correen Hurley says: "People can get here what they used to go to Main Beach or Broadbeach for. Having more apartment-style accommodation is

really bringing in young families."

There are many attractions on Coolangatta's doorstep. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is five minutes' drive away and is home to more than 1400 birds, reptiles and mammals. It is famous for its rainbow lorikeets that children can feed and play with. A little further north, near Burleigh Heads, is the David Fleay Wildlife Park, which also offers access to some of the region's native species in a natural bush setting.

It's not just families who are catered for in Coolangatta. The many new restaurants and pub redevelopments have created an up-market entertainment destination. O-Sushi on Marine Parade opened in September. It is an indication of the town's progress that the owners already run a restaurant in Byron Bay and, having scoured the Gold Coast, chose Coolangatta for a second location.

Bellakai opened last October and offers modern Australian cuisine with an Asian influence. Other newcomers on Marine Parade include Fish & Wine and Cecada, both serving high-quality food backed with good wine lists.

The town's two main pubs have had facelifts. The Coolangatta Sands Hotel completed a 12-month, $5-million renovation last November and now boasts a fresh, sleek bar, timber benches and bistro area. The Coolangatta Hotel has undergone a $7-million refit and now has a swish alfresco area out the front and a 1000-seat entertainment venue.

The town also has a long history as one of the world's best surfing destinations. Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew trailblazed the path for professional surfers in the 1970s and still calls Coolangatta home (see story, page 14). Now world champions Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore are the faces of a new generation of local surfing superstars.

McNamara is keen to see the town's surf heritage celebrated with a museum or hall of fame and says planning is in the "embryonic" stages. "Some of the best surfers in the world come out of this area. It may be another 10 years before [a museum] comes to fruition but that sort of attraction is important for here."

There are people already embracing Coolangatta's surfing heritage. Steve and Donna Archdeacon operate Cafe D'Bar in a beautiful location at the top of Point Danger, right on the NSW-Queensland border. The cafe's gallery features local artists and surfing prints of local stars. Steve says there is space to bring a cultural focal point to Coolangatta.

"We are showcasing the local artists in the area and combining that with surfing photography, good food and views all in one package," he says.

Coolangatta will also be boosted by the $100-million redevelopment of the nearby Gold Coast Airport, which will double in size. The work is scheduled to be completed in 2010, by which time there will be many more people sampling Coolangatta's charms.

Your perfect day in coolangatta

Start the day with a coffee and take in the spectacular views at Cafe D'Bar at Point Danger.

Shop for designer labels at Fashion Rehab in the Showcase on the Beach shopping centre or get yourself buffed into shape and shop for bikinis at the aQueous beauty spa and swimwear store on McLean Street.

Sip a pure indulgence juice - pineapple, orange, mango, strawberry, dragon fruit and banana - from the Fresh Garden Cafe. Enjoy a piano recital at the Sweet Talk Cafe, with owner and classically trained pianist Heather McLeod-Dryden, or lunch at Markwell Cafe & Bar, all on Griffith Street.

Pick up surfing gear at Mick Fanning's Rip Curl store and buy surf photography by Sean Scott at Slide Cafe and Gallery, both on Marine Parade.

Spend time on the beach or stroll along the beautiful coastal path to Point Danger.

End the day with a beer while watching the sunset at the Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club.