Rainbow Bay sits at the southern end of the Gold Coast, tucked between Snapper Rocks and Point Danger near Coolangatta. As one of the region's only north-facing beaches, its calm, sheltered waters make it a favourite for family swimming and casual snorkelling. The bay is patrolled year-round and offers a gentle sandy entry with rocky headlands at either end that attract small reef fish. Its protected location means minimal wave action, creating clear, quiet conditions ideal for beginners exploring the shallows.
Rainbow Bay
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.6 mSwell Period 6.9 sWind Speed 10 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© John Robert McPhersonThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Stinger season (marine stingers)
Box jellyfish and other stingers may be present in warm summer months along the Gold Coast.
Low risk: Rip currents at southern end
Rip currents can form near Snapper Rocks during larger swell events, posing a risk to swimmers and snorkellers.
Low risk: Marine stingers
Box jellyfish and bluebottles may be present in warmer months, particularly November to April.
Low risk: Surf break spill-over
The famous Snapper Rocks point break can produce strong wave action that spills into the bay during south-easterly swells.
Low risk: Swell surges around Snapper Rocks
During larger southerly swells, waves can wrap around Snapper Rocks creating surge conditions near the eastern end of the bay.
Low risk: Rip currents near the groyne
A rip current can form alongside the rock groyne at the western end, particularly on an outgoing tide.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
5 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Rainbow Bay is located at the southern end of the Gold Coast, just south of Coolangatta. From the M1, take the Tweed Heads exit and follow Golden Four Drive past Coolangatta Beach. The bay sits between Snapper Rocks and Point Danger.
Parking & facilities
Limited street parking along Marine Parade and adjacent streets. A public carpark is available near the Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club, with additional parking at Snapper Rocks. Fills quickly on weekends and holidays.
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Free entry. No snorkelling equipment rental on-site.
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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