Flotsam Surf Film & Photography Festival
The Flotsam Surf Film & Photography Festival returns to the Gold Coast, celebrating surf culture through an inspiring program of film screenings, photography exhibitions, live music, and creative events.
Held across multiple coastal locations from Coolangatta to Burleigh Heads, the festival brings together talented filmmakers, photographers, surfers and artists from around Australia and around the world. Visitors can explore stunning surf imagery, attend engaging talks, and experience the stories and personalities that shape modern surf culture.
With Coolangatta at the heart of the festival, guests staying at The Garland Apartments — premium Coolangatta accommodation — are perfectly positioned to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, coastal exhibitions, and evening film screenings just moments from their doorstep.
Flotsam is an annual surf film and photography festival celebrating the creativity and culture of the ocean. The festival showcases world-class surf films, striking photography exhibitions, artist talks, and live events that highlight the deep connection between surfing, storytelling and coastal life. Visitors searching for Coolangatta accommodation during the festival can enjoy being close to the action while experiencing one of the Gold Coast’s most unique cultural events.
Events are held along the southern Gold Coast, stretching from Coolangatta through Kirra, Rainbow Bay and up to Burleigh Heads. Many exhibitions, film screenings and installations are within easy walking distance of The Garland Apartments, making it an ideal choice for visitors seeking Coolangatta accommodation close to the festival and the beachside lifestyle the area is famous for.
The Garland Apartments provide stylish Coolangatta accommodation just moments from the coastline and many of the festival venues. After a day exploring exhibitions or watching surf films under the stars, return to spacious luxury apartments with ocean views — the perfect base to experience the creativity, culture and coastal energy celebrated by the Flotsam Festival.
Flotsam Surf Film & Photography Festival
The Flotsam Surf Film & Photography Festival returns to the Gold Coast, celebrating surf culture through an inspiring program of film screenings, photography exhibitions, live music, and creative events.
Held across multiple coastal locations from Coolangatta to Burleigh Heads, the festival brings together talented filmmakers, photographers, surfers and artists from around Australia and around the world. Visitors can explore stunning surf imagery, attend engaging talks, and experience the stories and personalities that shape modern surf culture.
With Coolangatta at the heart of the festival, guests staying at The Garland Apartments — premium Coolangatta accommodation — are perfectly positioned to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, coastal exhibitions, and evening film screenings just moments from their doorstep.
Flotsam is an annual surf film and photography festival celebrating the creativity and culture of the ocean. The festival showcases world-class surf films, striking photography exhibitions, artist talks, and live events that highlight the deep connection between surfing, storytelling and coastal life. Visitors searching for Coolangatta accommodation during the festival can enjoy being close to the action while experiencing one of the Gold Coast’s most unique cultural events.
Events are held along the southern Gold Coast, stretching from Coolangatta through Kirra, Rainbow Bay and up to Burleigh Heads. Many exhibitions, film screenings and installations are within easy walking distance of The Garland Apartments, making it an ideal choice for visitors seeking Coolangatta accommodation close to the festival and the beachside lifestyle the area is famous for.
The Garland Apartments provide stylish Coolangatta accommodation just moments from the coastline and many of the festival venues. After a day exploring exhibitions or watching surf films under the stars, return to spacious luxury apartments with ocean views — the perfect base to experience the creativity, culture and coastal energy celebrated by the Flotsam Festival.
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Other Events
Stay up to date with the latest events happening in the Coolangatta area or check out some of the great restaurants at our doorstep
The Garland Apartments
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 9am to 4pm
Saturday: 9am to 2pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
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The Garland on the beachfront is north-facing to the world-famous Rainbow Bay Beach, offering unmatched Coolangatta and Gold Coast coastal accommodation.
- Just 10 minutes’ drive from Gold Coast International Airport
- Convenient airport transfers available with 13 Cabs 132 227 – select the Gold Coast area
- Prime location for Rainbow Bay beach getaways and short breaks
- Steps from world-class entertainment at Twin Towns Clubs & Resorts
- Easy stroll to Tweed Mall shopping centre and bustling Marine Parade Coolangatta
- Panoramic views of Surfers Paradise and local lookout points
- Direct access to the pristine Rainbow Bay beach and Snapper Rocks surf break
- Grocery shopping at Tweed Mall (Woolworths, Coles & Aldi) and The Strand Coolangatta (Woolworths)
- Enjoy local cafes, restaurants, and specialty shops all within walking distance to Coolangatta and Tweed Heads
- Visit the Coolangatta Beachside Markets held every 2nd Sunday of the month, plus the 4th Sunday if the month has five Sundays
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about The Garland, St Georges Defence Suites and more below.
Guests must be at least 21 years old to book a stay at The Garland Rainbow Bay’s luxury apartments in Rainbow Bay and Coolangatta. This ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests.
Yes, you can request changes to your Rainbow Bay apartment booking up to 28 days before arrival. While we will do our best to accommodate your request, changes are subject to availability.
Check-in is from 2:00 pm and check-out is by 10:00 am. For arrivals outside these hours at our Rainbow Bay apartments, please contact our office to arrange a late check-in or discuss early check-out options.
Guests checking in to our Rainbow Bay apartments must provide a valid photo ID and a security deposit to cover incidental charges. The cardholder must be the person registering the booking and staying at the accommodation.
The Garland Rainbow Bay has a strict no-party policy. Functions, weddings, and events are not allowed in our Rainbow Bay and Coolangatta apartments. Breaching this policy may result in eviction and additional charges.
Bikes and surfboards are not allowed inside apartments, foyers, or lifts. However, surfboards can be stored in the secure surfboard cage, and bikes must be stored in the allocated car space at our Rainbow Bay accommodation.
A 15% deposit is required at the time of booking your stay at The Garland Rainbow Bay’s premium accommodation. The remaining balance is due 28 days prior to your arrival to secure your beachfront apartment.
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted in any of our Rainbow Bay apartments to maintain a clean and comfortable environment for all guests.
No, The Garland is a strictly non-smoking accommodation. Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not permitted in apartments, on balconies, or in common areas. A cleaning fee applies for breaches.
Yes, a $1,000 security bond is required for the duration of your stay at The Garland Rainbow Bay apartments. This bond covers potential damages, with keys issued upon payment and completion of the registration form.
Yes, each apartment at The Garland Rainbow Bay includes two designated parking spaces.
For apartment bookings at The Garland Rainbow Bay, cancellations made up to 28 days prior will forfeit the 15% deposit. Cancellations within 28 days or no-shows will incur the full booking charge. We recommend travel insurance for all stays.
Still have questions?
Please reach out to our team, we are here to help!