Kirra Beach is a patrolled beach on the southern Gold Coast, known as the spiritual home of surfing on the Gold Coast. Kirra Point, the rocky headland at its southern end, is one of the world’s best-known surf breaks.
You do not have to surf to enjoy it. There is a patrolled swimming area, parkland with barbecues and showers, and a path along the sand for walking and watching the waves.
Surfing at Kirra Point
Kirra Point separates Kirra Beach from Coolangatta Beach and is part of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve. When a big swell runs, it makes a long, hollow, barrelling wave that draws experienced board riders.
When the swell is smaller, the break further north along the beach suits intermediate board riders. The council advises surfers to assess conditions every time and not to paddle out if in doubt.
If you are not a surfer, the foreshore is a good place to watch. Three-time world champion Mick Fanning is the marquee star of the Kirra Surfriders Club.
Swimming at Kirra Beach
Lifeguards patrol from Tower 4 on Marine Parade, near Kirra Surf Life Saving Club, from 8 am to 5 pm every day of the year. Swim between the red and yellow flags. Patrols can close when swimming conditions are dangerous, the beach is unsafe or there are maintenance works, so check the City of Gold Coast Kirra page before you go.
Kirra is a surf beach. On days with a big swell the water is better for watching than swimming, and outside patrol hours there are no lifeguards.
Parkland and the Oceanway
The parkland behind the beach has public toilets, barbecues, tables, shade structures and beach showers, so you can stay most of the day. The council’s interactive beach map shows the facilities, including accessibility features.
The Oceanway runs next to the beach for walkers, riders and skateboarders. It is a handy way to check the surf, get some exercise or take in the views.
Staying safe at Kirra
The patrolled area is the stretch between the red and yellow flags near Tower 4. Set up your towels close to the flags so the lifeguards can see you, and keep young children within arm’s reach in the water.
Conditions change from day to day. If the patrol is closed or the surf looks rough, stay on the sand, and ask a lifeguard if you are unsure where to swim. Outside 8 am to 5 pm there are no lifeguards, so save swims for patrol hours.
Kirra Point separates the beach from Coolangatta Beach to the south. Coolangatta Beach has its own patrol tower, so check which flags you are in front of before you swim. Browse more beaches if you want somewhere different.
Is Kirra Beach dog friendly?
Dogs are prohibited within 200 metres of flagged swimming areas. The council allows off-leash exercise only in designated areas, and its dog exercise area map shows where they are on the Gold Coast.
A simple day at Kirra
- Morning: Park at Roughton Park, walk the Oceanway and check the surf from the foreshore.
- Midday: Swim between the flags at Tower 4, then eat at the barbecues or tables in the parkland.
- Afternoon: Sit in the shade structures and watch the surfers before patrols finish at 5 pm.
- Before you leave: Check the parking signs and line markings again.
Planning your visit
- Best time: Patrol hours, 8 am to 5 pm, are the time to swim. Surf watchers should go when a swell is running.
- What to bring: Sunscreen, a hat, water and anything for a barbecue. Check parking signs before you leave the car.
- Dogs: Not allowed within 200 metres of the flagged swimming area.
- Accessibility: Roughton Park has accessible parking spaces. The council’s interactive beach map shows accessibility details for facilities.
Getting there and parking
Kirra is about 80 minutes by car from Brisbane CBD.
There are car parks at Kirra Surf Life Saving Club and North Kirra Surf Club, and on-street parking in the surrounding streets. Check the signs and line markings for time limits. The Roughton Park car park is free, open 24 hours a day and has accessible spaces.
Translink buses run along the Gold Coast Highway and Marine Parade at Kirra. Check Translink for current routes and times.
Nearby
- Burleigh Heads Beach – another patrolled Gold Coast surf beach to the north.
- All beaches – more beach days around South East Queensland.
- Gold Coast – more places to visit on the Gold Coast.
Quick answers
Is Kirra Beach patrolled?
Yes. Lifeguards patrol from Tower 4 on Marine Parade from 8 am to 5 pm every day of the year. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
Is parking free at Kirra Beach?
The Roughton Park car park is free and open 24 hours. There are also car parks at the Kirra and North Kirra surf clubs and on-street parking, so check the signs for limits.
Can you take dogs to Kirra Beach?
Not near the swimming area. Dogs are prohibited within 200 metres of flagged swimming areas.
Are there toilets and showers at Kirra Beach?
Yes. The parkland has public toilets and beach showers, plus barbecues, tables and shade structures.
Is Kirra good for surfing?
Kirra Point is a world-famous break that suits experienced board riders in a big swell. In smaller swell the break further north suits intermediate board riders.
How far is Kirra from Brisbane?
About 80 minutes by car from Brisbane CBD.
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