Best Beaches near Rainbow Bay
About the Suburb
Explore 6 beaches near Rainbow Bay, a sheltered cove at the tip of the Gold Coast with calm turquoise water. Protected by Point Danger headland, Rainbow Bay is one of the safest swimming beaches on the coast and a favourite for families.
What Makes It Special
- •Point Danger lookout - where Queensland meets New South Wales
- •The Captain Cook Memorial with its laser beam marking the state border
- •Calm enough for toddlers while Snapper Rocks pumps just around the corner
Getting There
90 minutes from Brisbane. 5 minutes from Gold Coast Airport. Limited street parking on Rainbow Bay Road. Overflow at Snapper Rocks and Point Danger. Walking distance from Coolangatta.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round - the sheltered cove stays calm in most conditions. Summer for warmest water. Avoid January afternoons when the small beach gets very crowded.
Along the Coast
What's On
Cooly Rocks On
Wednesday 3 — Sunday 7 June 2026
Five-day rock and roll, rockabilly and vintage lifestyle festival in Coolangatta, featuring a Show N Shine car display with over 900 vehicles, live music, and daily markets along the beachfront.
www.coolyrockson.com