About Snapper Rocks
Snapper Rocks is a rocky headland and world-renowned surf break at the southern end of the Gold Coast at Coolangatta, Queensland, on the Queensland-New South Wales border near Point Danger. It forms the northern end of the Superbank, a long sand-bottom point break extending toward Kirra. Famous for consistent waves, it hosts international surfing competitions and offers coastal views, adjacent sandy beaches and a paved foreshore promenade.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a rocky point with a paved coastal promenade and lookouts overlooking the ocean and the Superbank surf break. The area includes Snapper Rocks Beach and adjacent Rainbow Bay, with sandy shoreline, clear water, and views to Point Danger and Duranbah. Visitors can watch surfers, walk the foreshore, photograph the coastline, swim at the nearby patrolled Rainbow Bay, and access cafes and parklands along Marine Parade.
Key highlights
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Northern end of the Superbank, one of Australia's most famous surf breaks
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World-class surfing venue and former home of the World Surf League Championship Tour event
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Point Danger lookout with panoramic views over the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales coastline
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Adjacent Rainbow Bay, a sheltered patrolled swimming beach
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Coastal promenade and Rainbow Bay foreshore parklands for walking and sightseeing
History of Snapper Rocks
Named in July 1822 by W.L. Edwardson after his cutter HMS Snapper. The rocky point was later modified by a groyne and the Tweed River sand bypass system, which transports sand northward and formed the sandy Superbank that created the long point break now famous for surfing.
Culture & Context
Iconic centre of Australian surf culture and internationally significant surf break. Long-time venue for elite professional surfing competitions including the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast on the World Surf League Championship Tour, attracting surfers and spectators from around the world.
Route
| By air |
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