Kirra: The Gold Coast's Hidden Gem

With a casual ambience, pristine beaches and some of the best surfing in the world, the Gold Coast suburb of Kirra is an outdoor lover's paradise.

Located on the Queensland/New South Wales border, and only minutes from Tweed Heads and Coolangatta, the Gold Coast's suburb of Kirra is famous for its long surf beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Surfers from across the globe recognise Kirra's surf breaks as some of the best in the world, and it is considered a training ground for many of Australia’s surf greats.

Kirra Point and Duranbah offer excellent waves for both experienced surfers and beginners. They are also a great place to simply kick back and watch the world's top surfers ride the big waves. If you're new to surfing, hiring a longboard for the day is a great way to experience the fun of surfing, without the need for all the advanced technical skills.

Due to its proximity to Gold Coast Airport, Kirra is a popular weekend getaway for residents of both NSW and QLD. Once a sleepy seaside community, its growing popularity has resulted in the opening of increasing high-end cafés and restaurants to cater for the rising tourism trade.

Australia's Gold Coast a Winter Wonderland

Defined by its ability to provide wholesome family fun for all ages, Australia's Gold Coast remains an oasis of entertainment for people planning to take holidays this winter.

A welcome respite from the cooler weather is guaranteed and just one of the many advantages of booking your next Gold Coast getaway.

Rest and relaxation, wining and dining, hinterland escapes, active pursuits and an ever evolving events calendar confirm the Gold Coast as a year long party destination. Make no mistake paradise is waiting and can be fully experienced in fun-filled ways this winter. Even a quick surf or swim at one of the City’s enticing beaches isn’t out of the question as this sun-soaked sanctuary welcomes one and all. You too can warm to the delights of a true winter wonderland and gain an appreciation of all there is to see and do.

For the more adventurous it’s worth noting the waters along the Gold Coast are commonly referred to as Australia’s Hump Back Highway, with more than 25,000 whale viewing opportunities available last year during the annual migration up and down the east coast. The Gold Coast whale watching season is the longest in the country running from June through to November and provides a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the largest living mammals on Earth.

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Few things capture the essence of Darling Harbour in 2009 like the fact that a crocodile was tranquillised and flown in for its opening ceremony.

In the 21 years since that day, Sydney's largest public venue has become a plastic fantastic home to the world's largest movie screen, one of the largest casinos in the Southern Hemisphere, and played host to everyone from David Beckham to Queen Elizabeth.

But for some, that tranquillised croc symbolises the excess and artifice that saturate this place.

Over 300 million visitors have passed through Darling Harbour in the past 21 years, but have any of these visitors actually gazed at her harbour and felt love? Will she ever make anyone feel the kind of inspiration and nostalgia others have for Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens or the Opera House?