The Ancient Origins of Coolangatta, Queensland

Prehuman History: Geological Formation

Coolangatta, like much of the Gold Coast region, has a deep geological history that traces back hundreds of millions of years. The area's landscape was largely shaped by volcanic activity, with the most significant influence being the Tweed Volcano, an ancient shield volcano that erupted around 23 million years ago. The volcano, which once stood over the present-day Tweed Valley, gradually eroded over millions of years, forming the fertile soils and rugged coastline that characterize the region today.

The remnants of this volcanic activity include the striking headlands and rocky outcrops seen around Coolangatta, Kirra, and Snapper Rocks. These formations have played a crucial role in shaping ocean currents, sand movement, and the development of some of the world’s most famous surf breaks.

Flora & Fauna Before Human Arrival

Before human settlement, Coolangatta and the surrounding Gold Coast region were dominated by dense subtropical rainforests, eucalypt woodlands, and coastal dunes. The area was home to a diverse range of fauna, including megafauna species that roamed Australia during the Pleistocene epoch (about 46,000 years ago). Some of these giant creatures included the Diprotodon (a massive wombat-like marsupial), the Megalania (a giant goanna), and Thylacoleo (the marsupial lion).

As the climate fluctuated over thousands of years, rising sea levels shaped the coastline into what we see today. The sand dunes, estuaries, and mangrove systems provided rich ecosystems supporting an abundance of birdlife, marine species, and land mammals.

First Human Arrivals: The Bundjalung People

The first humans arrived in the region at least 20,000 years ago, and possibly earlier. The area around Coolangatta is part of the traditional lands of the Bundjalung people, who are among the longest continuous inhabitants of the region. They thrived in the coastal and hinterland environments, relying on fishing, hunting, and foraging for bush foods. The Tweed and Gold Coast regions provided rich marine and land resources, allowing them to develop deep spiritual and cultural connections with the land.

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The Arrival of Europeans and Early Settlement (1770–1800s)

Captain Cook and the Naming of Point Danger (1770)

The first recorded European contact with the Coolangatta region came in 1770, when British explorer Lieutenant James Cook sailed up the east coast of Australia aboard the HMS Endeavour. As he passed by the coastline, he noted the treacherous rocky headland and named it Point Danger, warning future sailors of the navigational hazards. Cook also named Mount Warning, the prominent peak visible from the coast, which was a key landmark for Indigenous people and later European settlers.

Exploration and Logging (1823–1840s)

In 1823, explorer John Oxley charted parts of Moreton Bay and the surrounding coastal areas, paving the way for European interest in the region. By the mid-1800s, timber cutters arrived in search of valuable red cedar, known as "red gold" due to its high demand. The thick rainforests inland, including around the Tweed and Gold Coast hinterland, were extensively logged, dramatically altering the landscape.

During this time, Indigenous populations faced significant disruptions due to European encroachment, disease, and frontier conflicts. The Bundjalung people resisted European settlement, but by the late 19th century, much of their land had been taken for European use. The name "Coolangatta" is believed to be derived from an Aboriginal word, though its exact origin and meaning are subjects of debate. One interpretation suggests it comes from the Dharawal word "Cullunghutti," meaning "splendid view" or "beautiful place." This term was originally associated with Coolangatta Mountain in New South Wales. A Brigantine ship named after the area in New South Wales was commissioned with sailing to the Tweed River for exporting the resources from up the river.

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The Birth of Coolangatta (1860s–1900s)

The Wreck of the Coolangatta (1846) and the Town’s Naming

Coolangatta owes its name to a tragic shipwreck. In 1846, the brig Coolangatta ran aground during a storm while trying to shelter in the area. The ship was abandoned, and while no lives were lost, the event left a lasting impression on the region. When a township was later surveyed in the late 1880s, it was named Coolangatta after the ship. The 'Coolangatta' was trying to enter the Tweed River during a gale when it was driven ashore northward of the River. The captain and several of the crew were ashore at the time attempting to locate a water source (Sydney Morning Herald 31/08/1846:2). The 'Coolangatta' soon bilged and the crew members stripped the vessel of all removable gear. The crew then travelled overland to Amity Point where they were recovered by the steamer 'Tamar' and conveyed to Sydney (Sydney Morning Herald 31/08/1846:2). In December 1846 an attempt was made to refloat the vessel. According to Captain Freeman of the 'William', the vessel had been lifted out of the sand by rollers, but just as arrangements had been completed for the launch (including repairs and the discharging of the cargo) a gale forced the vessel into a worse position than before (Moreton Bay Courier 12/12/1846:2). In 1863-64 during their inter-colonial border survey, F.E. Roberts and Isaiah Rowland reported the remains of a wreck near the mouth of what is now known as Coolangatta Creek (Longhurst 1996:26:26). In the 1870s and 1880s visitors to the site were told that it was the wreck of the 'Coolangatta' and in 1883 surveyor Henry Schneider named the creek and the township after the wreck (Longhurst 1996). In May 1936 the remains of an old timber vessel were exposed on the ocean beach near Coolangatta after heavy seas had removed a considerable amount of sand between Bilinga and Currumbin. The wreck was believed to be that of the 'Coolangatta' or the 'Heroine' (Courier Mail 30 May 1936:14). A wreck believed to be the 'Coolangatta' was exposed at Kirra, approximately 35m south of Coolangatta Creek and approximately 70m offshore, through erosion in 1973. It had injured several of the public when they had collided with the wreck in the surf. As a result, in late December 1973, the exposed ribs of the wreck were demolished, leaving what was still below the sand in tact (Courier Mail 20/12/1973; Telegraph 19/12/1973). According to the Sunday Mail (24/03/1974) a portion of the wreck was washed ashore on North Kirra Beach in 1974, "more than 120 metres north-west from where the vessel went down". The identification of this wreck as the 'Coolangatta' has been disputed by historian Harry Lauder who considers that the beach on which the vessel was driven ashore was Duranbah Beach (Queensland Museum file 846/5). The vessel is entered into the British Register of Shipping (Sydney, 10/1844) as the 'Coolongatta' (and not the 'Coolangatta'). A fragment of the wreck of the 'Coolangatta' is located in Queen Elizabeth Park on the Coolangatta foreshore (-28.16688056, 153.5361167).

Early Settlement and Industry (1860s–1900s)

Following the decline of the timber industry, agriculture became the main economic driver in the area. The region supported sugarcane farms, banana plantations, and dairy farms, with settlers relying on the fertile volcanic soil left behind by the ancient Tweed Volcano.

Coolangatta’s early growth was closely linked to Tweed Heads, its twin town just across the New South Wales border. The two towns developed together, benefiting from fishing, agriculture, and later, tourism.

The Rise of Tourism and Federation (1900s–1950s)

Railway and Tourism Boom (1903–1930s)

In 1903, the South Coast railway line reached Coolangatta, connecting it to Brisbane and making it a popular holiday destination. The railway allowed visitors from Brisbane to escape the city and enjoy Coolangatta’s pristine beaches, attracting surfers, sunbathers, and holidaymakers.

During this era, Coolangatta became Queensland’s first real beach resort, with luxury hotels, guesthouses, and entertainment venues popping up along the foreshore.

Border Complications (1914–1930s)

Coolangatta and Tweed Heads sat on opposite sides of the Queensland-New South Wales border, leading to decades of administrative confusion. Each state had different laws, including different time zones, alcohol restrictions, and taxation rules. The "Tweed-Coolangatta time divide" meant that people could celebrate New Year’s Eve twice by simply crossing the street!

During the 1930s, Coolangatta’s tourism industry thrived, but the Great Depression slowed growth for a time. However, the region quickly rebounded in the post-war years.

The Surfing Revolution and Development (1950s–1990s)

Birth of the Surf Culture (1950s–1970s)

By the 1950s, Coolangatta had become a global hotspot for surfing, thanks to its world-class breaks at Snapper Rocks, Kirra, and Greenmount. The arrival of lightweight fiberglass surfboards revolutionized the sport, and Coolangatta produced some of Australia’s greatest surfing champions, including Michael Peterson, Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew, and Joel Parkinson.

With the rise of surf culture, more hotels, motels, and beachside businesses sprang up, catering to the growing influx of tourists.

The End of the Railway and Rise of the Motor Age (1961–1980s)

The South Coast railway line closed in 1961, marking a shift in travel patterns. Instead of trains, people began arriving in Coolangatta via the Pacific Highway and, later, the Gold Coast Airport, which opened in 1939 and expanded significantly in the 1980s.

Expansion and Urban Development (1980s–1990s)

By the late 20th century, Coolangatta underwent major changes. High-rise apartments and resorts replaced many of the original guesthouses, and the town evolved from a seasonal holiday spot into a year-round tourism and lifestyle hub. However, compared to the high-density development of Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta retained a more relaxed, small-town feel.

Modern Coolangatta (2000s–Present Day)

Tourism, Surfing, and Festivals

Today, Coolangatta remains a key part of the Gold Coast, known for its surfing culture, natural beauty, and laid-back atmosphere. It continues to host major surfing competitions, including the WSL (World Surf League) Championship Tour at Snapper Rocks.

The town also celebrates its history through events like Cooly Rocks On, an annual festival featuring classic cars, rock ‘n’ roll music, and 1950s nostalgia.

Border Closures During COVID-19 (2020–2022)

One of the biggest disruptions in recent history came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when strict border closures between Queensland and New South Wales created chaos for residents and businesses. People living in Coolangatta and Tweed Heads, who often commute across the border daily, found themselves locked out of work, school, and even their own homes due to shifting border restrictions.

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The Birth of Coolangattan Gin (2022–Present)

Inspired by the stunning coastal beauty and vibrant energy of Coolangatta, Coolangattan Gin was founded in 2022 with a bold vision: to create Australia’s finest gin, featuring a delicious, refreshing mandarin citrus profile. The founders embarked on an intensive two-year journey of planning and development, meticulously refining the recipe to achieve the perfect balance of botanicals.

Drawing on premium Australian ingredients, Coolangattan Gin blends bright, zesty mandarin notes with a smooth, sophisticated finish, making it a standout in the growing Australian craft gin industry. The brand captures the essence of Coolangatta’s coastal lifestyle, offering a gin that is both refined and refreshingly modern.

With a dedication to excellence, Coolangattan Gin is not just another spirit—it’s a celebration of Australian craftsmanship, the Gold Coast’s unique character, and the pursuit of the ultimate gin experience.

 

​Coolangattan Gin captures the essence of Australia’s iconic Coolangatta Beach. With its crystal-clear waters and sun-kissed shores as inspiration, Coolangattan Gin brings you a refreshing, premium spirit that’s perfect for creating a variety of exciting cocktails.

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As Australia's Only Cool Gin, we’ve crafted a gin that’s as vibrant and refreshing as the coastline it’s named after. Whether you're mixing up a classic gin and tonic or trying your hand at an innovative cocktail, Coolangattan Gin promises a smooth, crisp flavor that elevates any drink. Cooly gin not only tastes incredible but also pairs beautifully with mixers for cocktails that are as good for your taste buds as they are for your well-being.​