Snapper Rocks is a rocky outcrop with a small, sandy beach that sits between
Point Danger Lookout and
Rainbow Bay. It is easily reached from either direction as it forms part of the coastal walking trail and boardwalks that run along the back of the Gold Coast's beaches.
Beautiful Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast
Snapper Rocks is famous for being the point break at the beginning of the man-made superbank that extends from Snapper Rocks Point, through Rainbow Bay, Greenmount Point, Coolangatta Beach, and Kirra to create waves that continue for up to 2km. The superbank that results from the consistency of this break has made Snapper Rocks home to the annual
World Surf Leagues' Quiksilver and Roxy Pros.
Snapper Rocks is the point break that forms the first part of a man-made, 2km, superbank
There is also an abundance of marine wildlife to be seen at Snapper Rocks. Dolphins, turtles, and white-bellied sea eagles can be seen all year round, and humpback whales can be seen passing during their annual migration from Antarctica to Hervey Bay between June and October. I once watched surfers needing to back up on their boards here as a mother whale brought her calf in for a look at them.
A dolphin passing Snapper Rocks at sunrise
Snapper Rocks is renowned for its good fishing, especially the gutters along the rock walls, although these fishermen almost got more than they bargained for!
The catch that wouldn't have needed any exagerration!
In between the rocky outcrops are rock pools that are often cut off from the ocean, making them ideal paddling areas for families.
Pools form between the rocks that are ideal for paddling and shallow snorkeling in
However, children should be kept under close supervision as the nearest patrolled swimming area is around the corner at Rainbow Bay.
Tide times for Snapper Rocks can be checked here before you go.
Shallow pools often form between the rocks depending upon the tide
Depending on the amount of sand present, these pools are often filled with a stunning variety of small, very colourful fish. Small corals can also be found growing on the rock walls.
There is a surprising array of beautiful fish in these pools
Towards the Point Danger end of Snapper Rocks is a small surf beach that ends at a cliff face. Just who painted "Froggy" on one of the rocks more than 20 years ago is mystery, but he is well looked after and gets repainted periodically. Froggy now enjoys one of the best sunrise views along the Gold Coast.
Froggy has the best sunrise views over his own little beach
Snapper Rocks is a small area between Point Danger and Rainbow Bay, and therefore shares some of their facilities such as public toilets and parking, and the restaurant at Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club. There is a beach shower with a water fountain, however, and picnic tables and benches that overlook the rocky outcrop.
Faciliites include iconic Gold Coast surf board benches and picnic tables overlooking Snapper Rocks
Between the surf, views, marine wildlife, and closeness of facilities, Snapper Rocks is an ideal location for families to base themselves at for a day out on the Gold Coast.
Beautiful Snapper Rocks - the perfect base for a Gold Coast day trip
