The Cooly Classic Ocean Swim Festival
The Cooly Classic Ocean Swim is one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic ocean swimming events, attracting thousands of competitors and spectators to the stunning coastline of Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay each year. With a range of swim distances catering to beginners through to elite athletes, the event transforms the beachfront into a vibrant celebration of surf, fitness and community spirit.
Participants take on the beautiful yet challenging open-water course, swimming along some of the most picturesque stretches of coastline in Australia. Spectators line the beaches and headlands, creating a lively atmosphere that makes the Cooly Classic more than just a race — it’s a true coastal festival.
For visitors travelling to the event, staying close to the start and finish areas makes the experience even better. Choosing Coolangatta Accommodation places you within easy reach of the action while allowing you to enjoy the relaxed beachside lifestyle the Southern Gold Coast is famous for.
The Cooly Classic Ocean Swim is a highlight on the Australian ocean swimming calendar. The event features multiple race distances, typically ranging from short introductory swims to longer endurance challenges, attracting everyone from first-time swimmers to seasoned competitors. With courses that showcase the beauty of Coolangatta’s pristine beaches and clear waters, the event celebrates the region’s strong surf and ocean culture.
Held along the iconic Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay coastline, the Cooly Classic offers a unique chance to experience the Southern Gold Coast at its best. The event brings together athletes, supporters and beach lovers for a weekend filled with energy, competition and community spirit. Spectators can enjoy the action from the sand, nearby parks and headlands, making it one of the most exciting ocean swimming events on the coast.
With thousands of visitors attending each year, the Cooly Classic is a great time to experience the best of the Southern Gold Coast. Choosing Coolangatta Accommodation close to the event means you can easily walk to the beach, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the event without worrying about travel or parking. Staying locally allows you to make the most of the weekend while enjoying everything the Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay area has to offer.
The Cooly Classic Ocean Swim Festival
The Cooly Classic Ocean Swim is one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic ocean swimming events, attracting thousands of competitors and spectators to the stunning coastline of Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay each year. With a range of swim distances catering to beginners through to elite athletes, the event transforms the beachfront into a vibrant celebration of surf, fitness and community spirit.
Participants take on the beautiful yet challenging open-water course, swimming along some of the most picturesque stretches of coastline in Australia. Spectators line the beaches and headlands, creating a lively atmosphere that makes the Cooly Classic more than just a race — it’s a true coastal festival.
For visitors travelling to the event, staying close to the start and finish areas makes the experience even better. Choosing Coolangatta Accommodation places you within easy reach of the action while allowing you to enjoy the relaxed beachside lifestyle the Southern Gold Coast is famous for.
The Cooly Classic Ocean Swim is a highlight on the Australian ocean swimming calendar. The event features multiple race distances, typically ranging from short introductory swims to longer endurance challenges, attracting everyone from first-time swimmers to seasoned competitors. With courses that showcase the beauty of Coolangatta’s pristine beaches and clear waters, the event celebrates the region’s strong surf and ocean culture.
Held along the iconic Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay coastline, the Cooly Classic offers a unique chance to experience the Southern Gold Coast at its best. The event brings together athletes, supporters and beach lovers for a weekend filled with energy, competition and community spirit. Spectators can enjoy the action from the sand, nearby parks and headlands, making it one of the most exciting ocean swimming events on the coast.
With thousands of visitors attending each year, the Cooly Classic is a great time to experience the best of the Southern Gold Coast. Choosing Coolangatta Accommodation close to the event means you can easily walk to the beach, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the event without worrying about travel or parking. Staying locally allows you to make the most of the weekend while enjoying everything the Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay area has to offer.
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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
Phone
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!