Coolangatta, in Queensland, Australia is the most southerly suburb of the Gold Coast, right on the border with New South Wales. In former times the area was a convict settlement, and then a centre for the logging and fishing industry. Now tourism is also a thriving business, and the fishing fleet supply fresh seafood to restaurants on both sides of the state border. This area is the location for Gold Coast Airport, and is the southern gateway to the Gold Coast region. Attractive beaches and rain forest covered mountain ranges can be easily visited by anyone staying in the region.

The history of the area hold some interest. James Cook came by here in 1770, and he added two important local points (Point Danger and Mount Warning) to his charts. Point Danger is a good spot for watching over the Pacific, and spotting dolphins and sea birds, and possibly migrating whales.

After a short career as a convict station, Coolangatta became an important focus for the logging of red cedar from the area. The Tweed River developed as a port and the twin towns of Coolangatta (Queensland) and Tweed Heads (New South Wales) developed on either side of the state boundary. With the arrival of the railway the area began to see its first tourist visitors, coming from Queensland's state capital, Brisbane, and from New South Wales.

The early visitors went to the local beaches: Coolangatta Beach, Greenmount Beach and Rainbow Bay for swimming and surfing, and in 1911 the first surfing club in Queensland was established, the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta SLSC. At this time the first guest houses and tourist hotels started to be built in the area.

In modern times many tourists arrive by airplane, and Gold Coast Airport is only five minutes away from the town centre. Holiday visitors still enjoy swimming and surfing on the long, sandy beaches, and the GCCC Oceanway network, and the Southern Points Promenade network, mark out the best footpaths and cycle routes for exploring the coastline.

In the centre many interesting shops and boutiques can be found, as well as many good cafes and restaurants, and lively pubs and clubs. The local fishermen ensure a regular supply of fresh catches from the Pacific, and sea food restaurants are numerous. Pubs and clubs in the area often have live music and other entertainment.

On New Years Eve visitors can see the new year in twice. New South Wales is an hour ahead of Queensland so you can watch the Tweed Heads (New South Wales) fireworks at 11 pm Queensland time, and then watch the Coolangatta display at the normal time.

There are many other things to see and do in other parts of the Gold Coast, and as it is a relatively small area, most attractions can be easily reached by a short car journey. The mountainous and tropical forest landscape of the hinterland is definitely worth visiting, and is protected by several national parks. The busy centre at Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise is Queensland's busiest shopping district, and can be reached along the Gold Coast Highway. There are some major theme parks in Gold Coast, and many sports facilities, including over forty golf courses.