Point Danger marks the headland where the Gold Coast meets the Tweed Coast, a volcanic rocky outcrop capped by the iconic Captain Cook Memorial Lighthouse. The sheltered southern side offers protected snorkelling over shallow rocky reefs and sandy patches amongst the headland's boulders. Paddling out from the lee of the point reveals healthy sponge gardens, juvenile fish life, and rocky gutters to explore. The dramatic headland creates a natural boundary between the Gold Coast's surf beaches and the calmer waters of Rainbow Bay, making this a unique spot for a quick snorkel when conditions are flat.
Point Danger
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Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 6.9 sWind Speed 5.2 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Jack BainThe spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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Moderate risk: Strong Swells
Point Danger receives direct southerly swells that can create dangerous surge over the rocks on the exposed side.
Low risk: Rocks and Boulder Fields
The reef is made up of submerged boulders and sharp volcanic rock. Snorkellers should wear reef shoes and watch for surge pushing them onto the rocks.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
The area near the Tweed River entrance can have boat traffic, particularly around the headland.
Low risk: Limited Shore Entry
Entry is best via Rainbow Bay beach on the NSW side — the rocky shoreline itself has no easy entry and requires a short swim from the sand.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Point Danger is the prominent headland at the border between NSW and Queensland, immediately south of Coolangatta. The best access is via Rainbow Bay carpark on the NSW side (Marine Parade, Tweed Heads NSW). Walk across the beach to the southern side of the headland and swim around the rocky point in calm conditions. Alternatively, access from the Coolangatta QLD side via the Point Danger carpark at the end of Boundary Street.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available at the Point Danger carpark (Boundary Street, Coolangatta) and at Rainbow Bay (Marine Parade, Tweed Heads). Both fill quickly on fine weekends and holidays.
toiletsparking
Paid parking applies in both QLD and NSW sides (metered/ticketed). No entry fee.
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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