Spotlight on Coolangatta

Greenmount Beach, Coolangatta. Photo / Supplied

Each week a New Zealand expat based in Queensland gives the inside word on their region. This week we hear from service station owner Paula Nash.

Originally from Hamilton, I moved to Australia 30 years ago. Home is Coolangatta on the Gold Coast. The region offers amazing weather, a relaxed lifestyle, a sense of fun and an energetic vibe.

The spectacular coastal and rural landscape is the backdrop for so many things to do and places to visit. Renowned for its beaches, theme parks, shopping and national parks, it is no wonder that the GC lifestyle is envied.

So much fun can be had at the Air Factory Trampoline Park in Burleigh.

After you've had a big day out, one of my favourite places to eat is Cafe Dbah at the southern end of Gold Coast in Rainbow Bay, overlooking the surfing location of Duranbah - or as the locals call it, "D'bah". There's a contemporary art gallery with unique works and wares here, too.

If you are looking to blow away the cobwebs, walk along Kirra Beach to Pt Danger, the headland at Coolangatta, which has a Captain Cook memorial and lighthouse with beautiful views from Surfers to Byron Bay.

Some of my favourite coffee places include Marine Parade, Coolangatta, with beautiful coastal views. This is a local favourite and has great food from breakfast to dinner.

For dinner, Fish House Seafood Restaurant (Burleigh) is a little more expensive, though well worth it. The view over Burleigh Beach to Surfers Paradise is lovely and the sunset is magic.
The best-kept secret is Currumbin rock pools, a 20-minute trip from Currumbin beach.
And when you've tired yourself out, head to Q1 Spa, which uses Dreamtime ancient therapies and unique rituals.

This series is part of a content partnership with Tourism Australia.