Surf, sustenance, sips and sights…the force is strong with this one.
Surf, sustenance, sips and sights…the force is strong with this one.
Nestled between Bilinga and Coolangatta, Kirra may be small but she is also mighty.
Best known for a pumping, world-renowned surf break and ever-present chill vibes, there’s so much more to Kirra than just waves and a pristine stretch of sand (although that’s motivation enough for us).
Here are 14 reasons Kirra locals ain’t budging for love nor money, and why the wider GC community can’t get enough of this thriving yet mellow footwear-optional ‘burb.
Billy Chow
When news spread that Kirra was scoring the new sister to Nobby Beach cult fave Ally Chow, involuntary salivation immediately ensued. One of the more recent additions to the eats scene of this beach-blessed suburb, Billy Chow is already beloved and absolutely no one is surprised by this development. Serving up share style all-day feasts, it’s one of those spots that’s got everything going for it – incredible pan-Asian eats, stellar sips, a swoon-worthy fit out and a ripper beachfront vantage. All of which make it an especially swell long (looong) lunch spot, if you ask us.
Where: 76 Musgrave Street, Kirra
Kirra Beach House
Making waves for all the right reasons – the hotly-anticipated arrival of Marine Parade’s sprawling new dining addition, Kirra Beach House, redefined the southern eats and sips game. The handiwork of local hospo gun, Dave Galvin, which speaks to the caliber in and of itself – but just wait till we get to the three seperate bars, insta-worthy interiors, cabana-studded wraparound terrace, and panoramic ocean views from all angles! We’d be remiss not to also mention the Mediterranean-style grazing and crafted cocktails. Perfect 10’s all round.
Where: Level 1, 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
MADE
No longer coasting by on the merits of its stellar beaches alone, Kirra’s really been stepping things up on the foodie front of late. Just one of the hip new haunts we can thank KTQ Group’s multi-million dollar beachfront transformation for, Made is the second endeavour for Tugun’s MADE Barber & Barista founders Josh Blair & Britt Westcott. A slick, industrial style space bringing gourmet toasties, cafe treats and tight trims to Kirra’s esplanade, beach trips just got a little more productive and whole lot tastier.
Where: Corner of Musgrave & Miles St, Kirra
Kirra Beach Hotel
Back and looking better than ever after a hefty zhuzh up, a fresh look for Marine Parade’s stalwart watering hole is yet another slam dunk we owe to the mammoth Kirra Point Project development. Still the same no-fuss favourite at heart, now nestled one level beneath the slightly posher Kirra Beach House. If you’re in the mood for casual chews and brews, this place will happily hook you up with a cheeky pint and parmi – and some pretty spectacular views, of course.
Where: 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Cotton Living
Who doesn’t love a luxurious homewares store that’s also a patisserie café, and the answer is a unanimous NOBODY. In its beautiful new location, Cotton Living showcases stunning handmade furniture and timeless accessories to make every room in your abode sing. Everything is Insta-worthy with a focus on natural colours and textures, plus you can grab a croissant with your cushion and #WhatsNotToLove. This luxurious space right by the beach is family-owned and the obvs choice for your next coffee date with the gals.
Where: 1 Lord Street, Coolangatta
Native State
A boutique gym and European-style bathhouse, Kirra’s self care prospects have never looked better since Native State swanned into town back in 2023. An all-in-one wellness destination, whether you’re craving an invigorating ice bath, or a sweat-sesh in the state-of-the-art studio or infrared sauna; you can choose your own adventure with casual sessions, classes and memberships available. No matter what your dream workout looks like, reward your efforts with a bliss out with soak in the bathhouse to finish… be warned though, you might never want to leave.
Where: 3/2 Creek Street, Coolangatta
Siblings
Another of Kirra’s panoramically blessed haunts (anybody sensing a theme here?) Siblings revived the heritage listed beachside Kirra Pavilion which was once but a humble Pizza Hut. And lbh, it’s hard to feel sad about farewelling our childhood icon when the replacement comes bearing gifts this good. Founded by local restaurateur royalty Jarrod Kyle and TJ Cianci, Siblings is a modern Australian brunch and dinner showstopper, dripping with 1950’s Miami beach vibes goodness. The menu is infused with fresh seafood and share-plates a-plenty and don’t even get us started on the cocktails, because this place takes their sips seriously! You haven’t lived till you’ve been.
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Kirra
Kirra Beach Pavilion
While driving around the headland, you may have noticed the cute little shelter overlooking the ocean. It’s a great place to hide from the scorching sun, and has certainly seen a lot over its lifetime – more than a century to be precise. Early photos of Kirra Beach show the shelter in place by around 1916 and we love ourselves some GC history. The Kirra Shelter Shed makes for a great viewing platform and is the perfect spot to watch whales frolic out in the big blue.
Kirra Surf
Speaking of institutions, Kirra Surf is a must-visit when cruising into this salt-kissed suburb. Whether you’re in the market for some new threads, a new board or you’re a total surfing rookie just looking to get started, these guys will hook you up. Their range of surfing apparel, products and know-how is unrivalled, the staff are super friendly, and there’s always at least (twenty)two things you’ll want to take home with you. 10/10 beach rats agree, this place is one of the best.
Where: 6/8 Creek Street, Kirra
Agave Rosa
A taqueria that does mexi eats, but not as you might expect, Agave Rosa is Kirra’s casa of modern Mexican fusion. The only thing more vibrant than the telltale hot pink interior is fresh and zesty eats this place is churning out on the reg. From the brilliant mind that brought us Project Tokyo, imagine a menu where your favourite Mexi flavours are melded with bold Japanese influences. The result is inventive and tantalising creations like Chipotle Hibachi Chicken Tacos and pico de gallo drizzled Tuna Tataki – just add in a round of Classic margaritas (because sometimes you can’t improve perfection) and you’ve got yourself a tastebud party.
Where: 74 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta
Kirra Beach Bakery
One of the best barometers of a town is its local bakery – and no visit is complete without a trip to Kirra Beach Bakery. Serving quintessential Aussie bakery fare at its finest – if it’s been a while between cheeky nostalgic treats (think Jam and cream donuts and Custard slice) this place will have you reevaluating your priorities. Whether you’re in need (need being the operative word, here) of a post-surf pie, sausage roll, quiche or pastie, a healthy salad sando or sweet treat (don’t judge) for the road, Kirra Beach Bakery is the place. Get down there early in the morning for fresh-out-of-the-oven bread and enjoy a slice or two with the local ‘gulls while watching the sunrise. Good stuff.
Where: 11/48 Musgrave St, Kirra
HiPoke
A dish originating in Hawaii, the poke bowl phenomenon is here to stay. Made of colourful salad and protein combinations artfully arranged in bowls almost too pretty to eat (almost). For our pick of the signature bowls, the Salmon Sashimi always slaps – as does the Karaage Chicken made with edamame, carrot, corn, sweet chilli mayo and lotus root chips. Satisfying and healthy, the entire menu is preservative free and all seafood is sustainably sourced. It’d be rude not to try them all.
Where: 18/48 Musgrave Street, Kirra
Kirra Surf Life Saving Club
We can always count on surf clubs to bring great vibes and an even better location, and this is one of the best (shh, don’t tell the others). Just footsteps from the sand, this old boy has been around longer than you (est. 1916) and is a firm fave amongst all Gold Coasters. It’s the perfect family-friendly spot for dinner with your brood, or a sundowner or two overlooking the ocean. Perch up on the deck and let that balmy sea breeze take you to your happiest place.
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Kirra
Kirra Hill Lookout
If by this stage you’re suitably fed and watered (read: bursting at the seams) the only thing left to do is drink in the world-famous Kirra beach in all its glory! Trek to the top of the headland and prepare to be wowed by views from Main Beach to Snapper Rocks and everywhere in between. If you wanna make a day of it, pack a picnic or fire up the barbie (you’ve earned it after that walk) – and thank your lucky stars you get to live in the best place on Earth. No bias, just #facts.
Where: It’s on the big hill, you won’t miss it!
Words by Bianca Trathen & Kellie Leader
Kirra is undeniably having *a moment* – no doubt something the swanky Kirra Point Project can take a hefty chunk of credit for. With every new stage, the multi-million dollar, KTQ Group development delivers a whole new layer for us to gleefully devour – with about as much gusto as a pass-the-parcel being shredded at a kid’s party.
First, it gifted us a fresh-faced Kirra Beach Hotel, then the slick Kirra Beach House hot on its heels, and now – a brand new location from local caffeine + crew cut outfit, Made Barber & Barista.
Time has flown since owners Josh Blair & Britt Westcott first brought the genius concept, a specialty espresso bar and barber combo, to the seaside village of Tugun some 3.5 years ago.
The ‘hair-brained’ endeavour, which has been keeping southern folk kempt and caffeinated since, has now expanded to Kirra’s shores – in excellent news for… well, anyone with a head on their shoulders.
For the Made founders – ex chippie turned barista Josh and barber Britt, getting in on the action of Kirra’s transformative new precinct was an opportunity too good to refuse.
Noting it was a great fit down to the shape of the space itself which ‘suited our concept perfectly’. For their second destination, the duo stuck with the tried and true, compact footprint of their first venture, which has since become a familiar fixture amongst Tugun’s Golden Four Drive… and hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it right?
Locals can now swing by either caffeination destinations to get their fresh fade or daily pick-me-up, courtesy of Byron’s Moonshine Roasters – a tasty blend the duo reckons their stans can’t get enough of. Though if you’re not in the mood for coffee (gasp) it’s definitely worth checking out the the Iced Matcha Lattes, a drink they share has also been on heavy rotation this summer.
Fronting the corner of Musgrave & Miles St, the cosy new 25-pax venue offers a mix of indoor and kerbside seating for Kirra’s peckish perambulators. Frequents whom the cafe gods are looking favourably down upon can either nab a table, or perch up at the bar and watch the world go by in front of the breezy bifold windows which span one wall.
Capitalising on the lofty ceilings of the corner tenancy Made in Kirra now calls home, the team has leaned in to a more industrial feel this time around, opting for steel and chrome accents throughout. With Josh donning the tool belt as the project’s builder, their vision was a ‘sleek, minimalist, and androgynous’ space, weaving in some timber finishes to soften the look, and yep, they’ve pulled that off and then some.
Though they’re flexing a sleek new look, there are still some familiar faces behind the bar – with Daisy, the Made team’s ‘beautiful OG barista’ keeping the espresso machine humming at Kirra, with cameos from Josh as he floats between the two locations.
Aside from tight trims, the new site will also be churning out the familiar coffee and cafe-style snack fix, with a selection of savoury and sweet options for Kirra’s sandy-footed folk to get around.
To compliment the (obligatory) batch or barista made brew, choose from freshly baked pastries beckoning from within the cabinet, or gourmet Toast and Toasties options – prepared on Burleigh Baker Sourdough, thankyouverymuch!
We don’t know about you guys – but chasing your salty sessions with an Iced latte and a piping hot Salami, pesto mayo, sun-dried tomato, rocket and cheese stuffed Sand St Toastie sounds like our idea of bliss. Which reminds us… hey babe, don’t you reckon your hair could really use a trim…
Yep, MADE brings to Kirra the slick kind of space that would make us extremely envious of all you short haired folk – if it weren’t for that espresso bar providing all the reason we need to darken their doorstep daily.
Where: Corner of Musgrave & Miles St, Kirra
When: Daily, 5.30am–1pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.
Gold Coasters have long known the magical properties of perching up to sink a sneaky beachside brewski or two, mesmerised both by the surf and ice-cold beers.
For parched-as southerners, the particularly painstaking wait between drinks at Kirra Beach Hotel is finally over, with the ‘ole faithful frothy spot officially open and sporting a very dapper new look.
Kirra Beach Hotel has remained a steadfast fixture along the locale’s seafront stretch since 1956, beckoning sandy-footed beachgoers from the swell beyond.
The surf-blessed suburb said a bittersweet ‘so long’ to its former iteration of the beachside icon back in 2021 – the familiar (albeit well-worn) site demolished to make way for the hotly anticipated Kirra Point Precinct project.
A spruced-up Kirra Beach Hotel is just the beginning of the ambitious beachfront transformation – with KTQ Group graciously delivering our first frolic op with the multi-stage Kirra Point project just in time for summer.
Publican Greg ‘Hodgy’ Hodge promises that in spite of the swanky new digs, the waterfront site remains loyal to its laidback watering hole roots – adding at its heart it is still a friendly, no-fuss favourite where anyone is welcome.
The halls of the expansive, sea breeze and sunshine-filled space are decked with nostalgic memorabilia nods that encompass Kirra’s surf heritage.
“We want people to be able to pop in after a surf with sandy feet and grab a bite to eat, perch up with a beer in hand, watch the waves roll in, and soak up the sun and magic of Kirra.”
Oh alright, if we must, Hodgy.
For the final KO to our flagging willpower levels – the crowning jewel of the new venue is the expansive beer garden, strategically positioned for sun-drenched sips leveraging those knockout surf views.
Hodgy lays out one last (literal) thirst trap for the lot of us, saying the new alfresco addition is “unlike anything else that exists on the Coast.”
Just quietly, the breezy parking situation also ranks pretty highly – with the new location boasting a plentiful 130 space underground carpark – along with all the classic pub creature comforts: kids area, big-screen bedecked sports bar and a boutique bottle shop stocked with all the local faves.
Long-standing fans of the watering hole will welcome the return of old favourites such as schnitzels and fish and chips on the food menu, alongside new additions that like fresh bug rolls with tempura battered bug tails in a toasted brioche roll with crisp lettuce, lemon aioli and fresh chives, and a KBH seafood platter with 1kg of fresh prawns, half a kilo of fresh bugs, flash fried calamari, crumbed barramundi and hot chips.
Hot on the heels of the new look pub – will be another addition to the mammoth Kirra Point project set to be unveiled soon, Kirra Beach House. A brand new concept for the suburb, and one we surmise will be akin to a glam big sis upstairs.
It’s safe to say folks, Kirra has officially entered its chic era.
Where: 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: Daily, 10am till late
Words by Kellie Leader.
Kirra is keeping up the pace in delivering the (delicious) goods and we can’t get enough of the new food and flavours OR this seriously ‘gramabble new space.
The beachside spot had been a little quiet on the foodie front until now and boy are the newcomers upping the ante. First Kirra Beach Hotel, then Kirra Beach House and now Kirra’s newest flavour of the week – Billy Chow.
The name might have a sense of familiarity and that’s because you’ve no doubt chowed down at Billy Chow’s sister restaurant, Ally Chow – it’s pretty much a Nobby Beach institution and for good reason.
Now, Southern Gold Coasters are getting their own taste of the pan-Asian goodness with Billy Chow officially taking up residence on the Kirra Beachfront – thank you to the food gods.
The brains behind Ally Chow – Trent and Leisha Scarr – have come together to celebrate the birth of Ally’s little brother, Billy Chow and it’s absolutely going to be one of your favourite new arrivals.
The decision to open Billy Chow in Kirra was one of nostalgia for Trent who was a surf grom from way back, spending his summer days surfing the break.
“I just love it. Kirra has a special place in my heart and I’m about sharing the love of what we do with locals and visitors – the ocean views are also a big plus”.
Owner and Executive Chef, Trent, has teamed up with Head Chef Tony Katipa – a celebrated chef with experience working in hatted restaurants across Australia and New Zealand – to bring a new flair and flavour to Billy Chow.
An aesthetic dream with peach hues all round, the light filled space celebrates its ocean frontage with a beautiful bright fit out making it the ultimate spot to settle in for a long lunch that becomes a cheeky evening cocktail – we all know the one.
The all-day dining menu is made for sharing and hero’s the Asian influenced elements you know and love, think handmade bao and dumplings, flavour full sharing dishes and Asian inspired cocktails to pair.
We don’t know a-bao-t you but we couldn’t go past the Tempura Moreton Bay Bug Bao with XO Kewpie, Cauliflower Leaf Kimchi and Dill, it was giving bug roll with a twist and we’re not mad about it.
If you’re a fan of the flavours of Karaage Chicken then the Malaysian Spiced Fried Chicken is a must try – it’s a fresh spin on an old classic and we couldn’t get enough.
We don’t normally like to pick favourite dishes (it’s like picking a favourite child) but the Ocean Trout Crumpets with XO Butter, Puffed Rice and Ice Plant bring big flavour to bite sized, so add it to the list of must-trys.
Also, we don’t want to cause alarm but pretty sure we’ve found the drink of the summer and it’s the Umeshu Bubble Tea and of course the classic Coconut Chill Margarita, because is there anything else to sip on when you’re a stones throw from the beach?
If you’re anything like us and want to sit back while the team feed you oodles of noodles then they’ve got three incredible banquet options so you can try a little bit of everything to get the full experience.
Beach views, bites and booze – the guys at Billy Chow have delivered the goods once again, you’ll want to run not wok to this one.
Where: 76 Musgrave Street, Kirra
When: 7 days for dinner. Lunch Thursday through Sunday
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Images by Pandanus Lane.
