Kirra Point, where Kirra Beach meets Coolangatta Beach on the southern Gold Coast, is best known for its world-class surf break, but the offshore Kirra Reef — a shallow rocky outcrop about 400 metres from shore — offers fantastic snorkelling for those willing to paddle out past the waves. The reef is covered with soft corals, seagrass, ascidians and sponges, and is home to octopus, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, flatworms, and occasional turtles and small sharks. Best conditions are at low tide on calm, clear days when the reef's vibrant ecosystem is visible from the surface.
Kirra Point / Kirra Beach
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.9 sWind Speed 8.7 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Surf break waves
Kirra Point is a famous surf break; moderate to large waves can create hazardous swimming conditions for snorkellers crossing the impact zone to reach the reef.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Rip currents and lateral sweeps along the point can carry swimmers away from the reef. Snorkellers should be strong swimmers.
Low risk: Boat traffic
The area is used by local dive boats and recreational vessels, especially around Kirra Reef.
Low risk: Tide-dependent access
Best snorkelling visibility occurs at low tide when the reef is shallower, but exposed rocks can be a hazard.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Kirra Point is located at the southern end of Marine Parade, Coolangatta, Queensland. From the M1 Pacific Motorway, exit at Coolangatta and follow Marine Parade south. Park near the Kirra Beach carpark or along Marine Parade.
Parking & facilities
Metered parking available along Marine Parade and in the Kirra Beach carpark. Free parking in some side streets but check signage for time limits.
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No fee for snorkelling. Parking meters apply in peak times.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports