
Rainbow Bay Lookout
A scenic clifftop lookout over Rainbow Bay at Coolangatta, rated 4.8 across more than 400 reviews.
Some links are affiliate links — if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our Spot Score or what we recommend.
Why it's worth checking out
Rainbow Bay Lookout sits on Marine Parade at Coolangatta, at the southern tip of the Gold Coast near the NSW border. A lovely clifftop lookout, it offers beautiful views over the protected waters of Rainbow Bay, the golden sand and the coastline — a scenic vantage point in one of the coast's most relaxed and beloved beach areas.
The appeal is that combination of a beautiful coastal outlook and an easy, accessible spot: sweeping views over Rainbow Bay and Snapper Rocks, the chance to watch the surfers and, in season, spot migrating whales offshore. It's a lovely, free spot to take in the southern Gold Coast coastline, especially at sunrise.
With a 4.8 rating from more than 400 reviews, it's a much-loved destination. The lookout is free and open, but it's exposed to the weather on the clifftop and the views depend on conditions, so it's worth checking before you go — and taking sun protection, while enjoying the lovely coastal views over Rainbow Bay that make it such a popular Coolangatta spot.
Reviewed by Iyan B.
Practical details
Opening hours
Closed- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- WednesdayToday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Closed
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 00:00 – 23:59
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 90
- Popularity
- 79
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Nearby venues

Switchfoot Cafe Coolangatta
Cafes in Coolangatta, Gold Coast.

Little Mali Tuckshop
Cafes in Coolangatta, Gold Coast.

PointBreak Cafe & Co
Cafes in Coolangatta, Gold Coast.

Eddie's Grub House
$$Bars in Coolangatta, Gold Coast.
More tourist attractions in Gold Coast

Jet Boat Extreme
High-speed jet boat tours departing from Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

Aquaduck Gold Coast
An amphibious vehicle tour operator on the Gold Coast offering sightseeing experiences from Surfers Paradise.

The Spit Gold Coast
Popular sandy beach at The Spit in Main Beach, known for dog walking, surfing, fishing and scenic Gold Coast views.

Twin Falls
A scenic walking circuit through native bushland at Springbrook, passing directly behind a pair of waterfalls surrounded by ferns and brush box trees.

