Tugun, Gold Coast

Photo Gallery

Tugun is a suburb that offers a more relaxing and laidback atmosphere compared to the rest of the suburbs of Gold Coast. It is situated on the southern part of the city, between the suburbs of Currumbin and Bilinga. The place-name was indigenous in origin, and said to mean ``breaking waves.'' Not surprisingly, since this suburb is blessed with one of the best surf beaches in the city, and possibly in the country. Most visitors come to Tugun to relax and unwind from the hectic pace of other metropolitan cities. Because of its proximity to New South Wales, traffic congestion is one of its major problems. With the ongoing construction of the Tugun Bypass, the city council hopes to relieve this problem in the near future.

Fondly called Tugz by the locals, Tugun retained its ambience of being a close-knit community. One prominent landmark in the suburb would be Flat Rock, an area along the beach that is beside a park. This is a popular destination for families and friends seeking to enjoy both the beach and expansive, open grounds for picnics and outdoor recreation. The beach is also a good place to go swimming, sailing, fishing, or snorkeling. Locals and visitors also love to stroll up and down Tugun's sandy white beaches, where several foreshore establishments like restaurants, diners, and clubs offer a variety of food, drinks, and entertainment options.

Conveniently located near the Gold Coast airport, Tugun offers some of the best accommodations found in the area. On its scenic Golden Four Drive, there are several hotels and resorts tourists can choose from. There's the Bays Water Tugun in Wyberba Street, the Golden Riviera Beach Resort Gold Coast and the Tugun Tavern in Toolona Street. Apartment-style accommodations can be had at San Simeon, where visitors can spend all day on the beach, if they wish.

Visitors at Tugun can have the choice of patronizing local retail establishments and restaurants, or they can go to nearby shopping centers like the Kentsleigh at Coolangatta and one at Pacific Fair. Another great family destination is found right in the suburb, at the Tugun Surf Club, where dining and entertainment venues abound. The restaurants found here and on the rest of the suburb offer varied international as well as local cuisine and dishes.

After sampling the local fare, visitors can take the time to explore all the attractions in surrounding areas and suburbs. A must-see destination would be the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where a large collection of flora and fauna can be seen and explored. One famous attraction would be the saltwater and freshwater crocodiles that call this sanctuary home. Families also frequent the Currumbin Lagoon, where picnicking and swimming are just few of the activities enjoyed.

South of Tugun is the suburb of Coolangatta which also has a pristine stretch of beaches and several popular attractions, and one of the more famous would be the Captain Cook lighthouse and memorial.

Anybody who does decide to come and visit Tugun shouldn't worry about its seemingly plain and laidback lifestyle. Looking deeper, they'll discover a lively community which enjoys the best that nature has to offer, from beautiful white sand beaches to protected forested areas nearby.

Find out More...