Rainbow Bay Beach

Rainbow Bay is a compact, north-facing crescent tucked between Snapper Rocks and Greenmount Point in Coolangatta. That north-facing aspect is what sets it apart. Greenmount Hill blocks the southerly breezes that hit every other local beach, so you get genuinely calm, turquoise water. A shallow sand-banked pool often forms between the surf break and shore, which is great for young kids.

Step south to Snapper Rocks and the vibe shifts completely. It's the gateway to the Superbank, an officially recognised World Surfing Reserve and home break of Stephanie Gilmore and Joel Parkinson. The point break is fast and technical, for experienced surfers only. Not your level? The SLSC upstairs deck looks straight out over the break.

Between May and September, humpback whales pass roughly 50 metres offshore. Point Danger is also where the 36km Gold Coast Oceanway starts if you're up for a walk.

Parking fills fast on weekends. Dogs aren't allowed here. Swim between the red and yellow flags, and know that rips can develop near the southern end when sandbars shift.