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COOLANGATTA
Introduction
Coolangatta is
Queensland's most southerly coastal town, the gateway to the Gold Coast
and Northern New South Wales. Located on the border near its twin town of
Tweed Heads 100kms south of Brisbane and 900kms north of Sydney,
Coolangatta is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing holiday tempered with
the excitement of the Gold Coast just minutes away.
Captain Cook sailed past Coolangatta and the Gold Coast in 1770 at which
time he named both Point Danger and Mount Warning. Their names reflected
the apparent danger the area presented to ships navigating off the Gold
Coast. A light house was later erected at Point Danger to warn ships of
the potential hazards and it became the first lighthouse in the world to
attempt to use laser technology to aid in navigation. Their efforts were
unsuccessful and the advanced technology was replaced with the tried and
proven conventional navigation aids involving the use of high powered
lamps.
Despite Cook's efforts, in 1846 a ship named the "Coolangatta"
was wrecked off the coast and the town was named in its honour. Thanks to
the Surveyor General of the day, many of the place names on the Gold Coast
have been derived form Aboriginal words and the word "Coolangatta"
is said to mean "beautiful place".
Attractions
Attractions in
this truly scenic part of the Gold Coast include:
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Tropical Fruit World
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Pioneer Plantation
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Melaleuca
Station
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Tweed Endeavour Cruises
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Tweed Regional Art Gallery at Murwillumbah.
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The streets of Murwillumbah are alive with festivities during the Tweed
Valley Banana Festival while annual cultural pursuits include the Festival
of Performing Arts.
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Few visitors realise this area is home to the magnificent Mt Warning
National Park. Formed millions of years ago by volcanic action causing a
5000 square kilometre lava flow, the Mt Warning Shield Volcano is the
largest caldera in the southern hemisphere.
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Lamington National Park is Australia's largest preserved natural stand of
subtropical rainforest, situated on the crest of the McPherson Ranges
which mark the Queensland-New South Wales border. Pack sturdy shoes and
stride along some of the 160km of graded walking tracks in this World
Heritage-listed wilderness.
Activities
Being only a
short drive away from some of Australia's most famous theme parks,
shopping centres and world heritage listed rainforests, visitors to
Coolangatta have got plenty of things to do.
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Dreamworld - Australia's favourite family theme park on Queensland's Gold
Coast. Guests can catch the wildest rides of their lives, travel back
through time, cuddle a koala or watch Bengal tigers play and swim with
their handlers.
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Movieworld - Experience the extreme, accept the adventure and marvel at
the magic and mystery of Warner Bros. Movie World - where fantasy is
reality!
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Seaworld - Come and discover the captivating world of marine life as well
as fun-filled rides and the action of the International Ski Spectacular at
Australia's number one marine park.
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If you prefer an easier pace, take in the sights from a hot-air balloon
basket
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Grab a picnic basket and head for a scenic lookout in one of
many nearby national parks.
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Between the Twin Towns are the
Twin Towns Services Club, Club Banora, Seagulls Rugby League Club, the
Aquatic Club, Tweed Bowls Club and the Tweed Heads-Coolangatta
Golf Club.
These include some of the largest sporting and entertainment venues in
Australia, featuring live entertainment, gaming machines, restaurants and
world-class sporting facilities.
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