Much confusion has often existed around where Kirra ends and Coolangatta begins, but Kirra locals will all tell you that their home suburb has a distinct vibe that makes it easily distinguishable from its larger, southern neighbour.
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Kirra is without a doubt the Gold Coast’s most popular natural playground. Its world-famous surf break – which is protected by the World Surfing Reserve – has drawn attention from global surfing superstars, and it’s rare to look out to the horizon and not see at least a couple of figures bobbing around waiting for the next break. Speaking of surf watching, the Kirra Hill Lookout is one of the best spots to take in the full expanse of the Gold Coast to the north or peak across the New South Wales border to the south – take some food up there for a sunset barbeque for the ultimate ‘dinner with a view’. For the adventurers, the only better way to see Kirra – and the rest of the Gold Coast – is from above, and it’s little surprise that Gold Coast Skydive chose this spot in particular to base their operation. The views are seriously unbeatable. Below sea level, explore Kirra Reef either by snorkelling or scuba diving, and discover what keeps not just tourists, but stingrays, wobbegongs and blind sharks coming back for more.
Eat
Kirra may be small, but its mighty menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings make it more than worth the trip. While pun and dessert lovers alike will be sorely missing Kirramisu – the café that served up delicious, family-friendly meals and a laidback surf culture from 2007 to 2021 – its sister cafe Haig St fills that gap deliciously. And speaking of upgrades on iconic Kirra venues, Siblings has become a hotspot for its aesthetically-pleasing fit out, unbeatable view and mouth-watering menu that takes you from breakfast through to dinner – you’ll find it where the world’s most scenic Pizza Hut used to be in the Kirra Pavilion. Their killer cocktail list will have you lingering long after the empty plates have been cleared, too. But if it’s a nostalgic Kirra dining experience you’re after, then you can’t go past the Kirra Surf Club. Since 1916, this establishment has kept surfers and swimmers safe at the world-famous surf break. The least you can do is support the cause with an ice-cold beer and classic surf club meal, right?
Shop
Considering its thriving surf culture, it’s no surprise that Kirra is home to some great surf shops. Whether you’re looking to add a new board to your arsenal or need one in a pinch to get out onto a particularly tempting surf break, Kirra Surf sells both surfboards and surf apparel for men and women. If you’re looking for beach-inspired homewares and apparel, Cotton Living specialises in large living for small spaces. Their collection of beautiful homewares will turn any room in your house into an immaculately decorated tropical villa, and their home fragrances to make it smell like one, too.