Old-school charm: 48 hours in Kirra Beach

Itinerary

By Tiana Templeman

Kirra Beach might have less razzle dazzle than its glamorous northern Gold Coast neighbours such as Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. However, this laid-back holiday destination between Coolangatta and Bilinga in Queensland’s southern Gold Coast offers something more meaningful than a hundred social media posts. Kirra celebrates the uncomplicated joys of holidays past, when a trip away was an opportunity to unwind and truly embrace a destination.

Back then, holidays meant uncovering a neighbourhood’s hidden secrets, finding your own adventures and chatting with the locals at your new favourite café. Heading to the Gold Coast created precious memories that were shared (and often laughed about) for years to come. If you’re after a relaxing beach getaway minus the glitz but with all the trimmings, you’ll find all that you’re seeking and more at Kirra.

Friday

5pm: Check in and check it out

Photo by @kidsgoplace

Treat yourself to an early mark so you’re checked in and ready to enjoy the sunset from the aptly named Iconic Kirra Beach Resort, one of Kirra’s most upmarket places to stay. Sip a glass of something chilled on the balcony and watch the surfers strut their stuff at Kirra Beach while you soak up sweeping ocean views.

If your budget won’t stretch to fancy digs, why not channel the charms of holidays past? In the 1930s, campers were already setting up their tents behind the shelter of Kirra’s long sand dunes. These days Kirra Beach Tourist Park is the top spot for a classic Kirra camping holiday. Pitch a tent or book one of the cabins. Dogs and kids welcome, shoes optional.

Dinner is eats by the beach at the Kirra Beach Surf Club which has been around for more than 100 years and still dishes up some of the Gold Coast’s best steaks, fish and chips, and burgers at retro prices.

Saturday

8am: Jump to it

Kick start your day with a tandem skydive high above the beach. A Gold Coast skydive isn’t just about the jump. On your way up to 10,000 feet, you get to experience a bonus scenic flight as well. After the thrill of leaving the plane, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the sweeping views which stretch from one end of the coast to the other as you gently float down to earth and land on the sparkling sands of Kirra Beach.

12pm: Lunch with the locals

Photo by @kirramisucafe

Bustling Kirramisu Restaurant and Café might look like the newest kid on the block but this local favourite has been here since 2007 - and the word is out. If you were too excited to eat breakfast this morning, the all-day breakfast menu has got you covered. Top choices for lunch include a colourful Moroccan spiced chicken stack, crispy salt and pepper calamari, or the Works Burger (thankfully minus the old-school tinned beetroot). Kick back with a Mango Magic frappe or a craft beer from nearby Burleigh Heads and watch the passing parade of beach goers.

2pm: Surf culture shopping

Kirra is home to one of the Gold Coast’s most famous breaks so it’s no surprise you’ll find the Gold Coast’s largest surf shop here as well. Whether you’re after a cute sundress or the perfect pair of boardshorts, you’ll find it at Kirra Surf along with surfboards, boogie boards, and expert advice on choosing the right gear. Keep an eye out for local surf legends browsing the racks alongside you.

4pm: Two-for-one cocktails

Photo by @baskk_italian

Kick off your evening with two-for-one cocktails at Baskk Italian at Kirra Point where the vibe is as chilled as the drinks. With beachy décor, ocean views, and Italian favourites served with panache, you should definitely stay for dinner. Choose from two fixed price share menus or order classic dishes like pappardelle ragu or calamari fritti from the a la carte menu. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Kirrawaiin gives pizza a Queensland twist with chunks of pineapple. Desserts are traditional crowd pleasers like gelato and tiramisu.

Sunday

7am: Breakfast in the pavilion

The cute little wooden pavilion perched over the sand along the headland boardwalk has been sheltering holiday makers from the sun since 1916. Grab a takeaway coffee and a sweet treat from Kirra Beach Bakery and take a trip back in time with a cheap and cheerful breakfast overlooking the rolling waves at Kirra Point.

9am: Hit the beach

Photo by @sosarina

It wouldn’t be a classic beach holiday without a swim or a surf. Kirra Beach forms part of the 20 kilometre stretch of surf breaks that have been designated a World Surfing Reserve but you don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy the many charms of this pristine stretch of sand. The waves are usually gentle and if the conditions are right, you’ll find shallow kid-friendly paddling pools on the beach when the tide goes out.

12pm: Meet the eagle

While it’s possible to drive to the top of the Kirra Hill Lookout at Kirra Point, there’s really no need unless you’re packing a huge bag of barbeque supplies for lunch. Along with a huge iron sculpture of an eagle, you’ll find free community barbeques and shady picnic tables with a view. If you don’t feel like cooking something for lunch, a colourful poke bowl from HiPoke tastes as good as it looks, and is light and easy to carry as you walk up the hill.

2pm: Afternoon gelato

Photo by @_mygelato_

The Italian accents at My Gelato provide a hint of what’s to come: authentic handmade gelato that’s as good as any you’ll find in Italy (if not better, as you don’t have to pay in euros). Classic flavours like biscotto and pistachio are complemented by original creations like OMG, a rich chocolate gelato with lashings of Nutella. You’ll be licking it off your fingers and already craving another scoop on the drive home.

Not ready to leave this cruisy part of the coast? Head just round the corner for 48 hours in Coolangatta.

Feature image: @visualcollectiveau

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