scout about: Kingscliff

Welcome to scout about, our series exploring the small (but mighty) regional towns around the Gold Coast. This time, we’re heading just south of the border to Kingscliff – a beach town that’s kept its head down while its neighbours got famous. No boutique hotels lining the esplanade, no influencer pilgrimage. Just a proper swimming beach, a lazy river and a food scene that’s becoming one of the best-kept secrets this side of the Tweed.

Why visit Kingscliff?

Close enough for a day trip, laid-back enough that you’ll want to stay longer than planned, Kingscliff is one of those perfect day trip destinations. It’s got the beach-town basics down: patrolled swimming, a river that winds through the middle of town, and a walking track that takes you from north to south without needing a car. Add in Salt Village’s newer wave of cafes and restaurants, and you’ve got a town that rewards a slow wander rather than a checklist.

Where to eat in Kingscliff

Start the day at Mockingbird for coffee and a proper sit-down breakfast, or duck into Salt Mill (yep, the same acai bowls you love in Currumbin) if you’re after something quicker. Lulu’s Coffee is worth a stop too – operating out of a vintage caravan at the Blue Water Motel, it’s easily the cutest spot in town for a coffee-in-hand photo.

Come lunch, George’s Deli and Bread Winner Sandwiches both do casual eats exceptionally well – indulgent yet easy, they’re perfect if you’re eating on the move. For something with a bit more kick, Nude Amigos (another name Gold Coasters will already be familiar with) is the local go-to.

For a drink, the Pot and Pint is the natural starting point, before moving on to the Kingscliff Beach Hotel – there’s almost always live music happening, so it’s worth timing your visit around a set.

If you’re after a proper sit-down dinner, Taverna or La Barrita in Salt Village are our picks – both bring a bit more polish without losing that easy beach-town feel. For something more relaxed, fish and chips from Tweed River Seafoods, eaten by the river, is about as good as a casual dinner gets.

If you’re leaving town before lunchtime, grab a roadie on your way out. Cubby Bakehouse – sister to GC favourites Custard Canteen and Bam Bam Bakehouse – serves up some of the best baguettes and baked goods we’ve tried.

Things to do in Kingscliff

Cudgen Creek is the spot for a swim if you want calmer water than the surf beach. Bring your fishing rod or a floatie depending on what you’re after, or park up on the shore with a good book.

For something a little different, the Kingscliff Bowls Club is worth a visit – a lawn bowls afternoon is an easy way to spend a few hours, soaking up the salt air with a drink in hand.

If you’re up for moving, the shared path between North Kingscliff and Cabarita Beach makes for a great walk (or ride) with water views most of the way. And to get a real feel for the town, the Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club is where the locals gather – good for a coffee, a classic pub feed, or just watching the swell roll in.

scout magazine

Here at scout, we know the best parts of a trip are the unexpected joys – that sunrise yoga session you dropped in on, the new wine bar that sparked one of the best nights of your visit, the indie market where you discovered a favourite label and a treat to take home. scout magazine offers a uniquely Gold Coast perspective, celebrating the people and the places that make this city so special. We’re your number one source for the very best of the Gold Coast.