Cruisin’ Into the Weekend: A Saturday at Cooly Rocks On, Coolangatta

This past Saturday, we hit the road early, chasing the golden glow of dawn down the M1. With clear skies and the promise of a vibrant day ahead, our first destination was Kirra Beach, a favourite spot of ours for a quiet sunrise. As we arrived, we weren’t disappointed—Mother Nature lit up the sky in stunning reds, oranges, and yellows, casting a warm welcome over the coastline. The salty air, crashing waves, and that dreamy pre-festival buzz set the tone for what would become a perfect Gold Coast Saturday.

Breakfast at Haig St Café & Restaurant, Kirra

After soaking in the sunrise, we wandered across the road to Haig St Café & Restaurant, located just steps from the beach at 64 Haig Street, Kirra. This charming eatery offers a relaxed, dog-friendly vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for beachgoers and brunch lovers alike.

The menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients with a modern Aussie twist. I tucked into Free-Range Eggs on Toast with crispy bacon, while Kim chose the nourishing Goodness Bowl, a colourful mix of quinoa, avo, greens, and poached eggs—topped off with a side of bacon. Our pup Shari even got to join in with a puppuccino and a side of bacon, which was devoured with great enthusiasm. With friendly, efficient service and a vibrant café atmosphere, Haig St Café was the perfect start to our day—we’re already planning a return visit.

Cooly Rocks On – Stepping into Nostalgia

With full bellies and happy hearts, we strolled from Kirra into Coolangatta to immerse ourselves in the annual Cooly Rocks On festival. Held throughout the Coolangatta beachfront and streets, this free event is a celebration of vintage culture, bringing together the best of the 50s, 60s, and 70s with a touch of 80s flair.

This year’s festival felt even bigger than the last, with over 900 incredible classic cars lined up across the streets. From pre-1979 cruisers and hot rods to muscle cars and retro rides, we were in automotive heaven. Some showstoppers included a 1950 Chevrolet COE hauler, a beautifully restored 1929 Ford Model A hot rod, a striking 1959 Chevy Brookwood, and a head-turning 1957 Chevy 3100. The 80s Zone also added a fun twist, featuring rare finds from 1980 to 1985.

Aside from the cars, the atmosphere was electric with live swing, rockabilly, and rock 'n' roll music, a Pin-up Pageant, and a bustling array of vintage markets and retro fashion boutiques. The entire precinct buzzed with energy, colour, and personality. Shari stole the show more than once, soaking up pats and cuddles from festival-goers—clearly enjoying the spotlight!

Wrapping Up

After hours of exploring the vibrant streets and retro charm of Cooly Rocks On, we ended the morning browsing some eclectic stalls and picking up a couple of vintage finds. There’s something timeless about this festival—it’s more than just cars and music, it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the love of all things classic.

We’ll definitely be back next year—and until then, we’ve got the memories (and photos) to relive this perfect Saturday.

Key Tips for Attending Cooly Rocks On:

Arrive Early – Beat the crowds and catch a stunning sunrise at nearby Kirra Beach before the festival starts buzzing.

Plan Parking Ahead – Parking fills quickly. Consider arriving early, using public transport, or parking further out and walking in.

Dress the Part – Embrace the retro spirit! Rockabilly, pin-up, or vintage styles help you feel part of the festival vibe.

Stay Sun-Smart – Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water—Coolangatta can get hot, especially when you're walking among 900+ classic cars.

Explore the Zones – Don’t miss the 80s Zone, Pin-up Pageant, retro markets, and live music stages. Each zone offers unique experiences.

Bring Your Pup – Cooly Rocks On is dog-friendly. Many cafes nearby (like Haig St Café) welcome pups and even offer puppuccinos!

Pack Light, Shop Smart – With vintage stalls and boutique finds, it’s easy to pick up something special—carry a tote or backpack.

Check the Event Schedule – Events change daily, so check the official site or program for live acts, car parades, and contests.

Stay Nearby if Possible – Make a weekend of it. Booking local accommodation lets you enjoy both early mornings and late-night shows.

Soak in the Atmosphere – Beyond the cars and music, it’s the friendly, nostalgic vibe that makes Cooly Rocks On unforgettable.

Check Out Our Instagram Reel

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Tony and Kim + Shari Outdoor Adventures

Tony And Kim are Travelers, Adventurers, and Bloggers from Brisbane. Tony & Kim + Shari Outdoor Adventures has something for everyone to enjoy including what adventures you can have in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and Overseas. One thing’s for sure: once you start browsing our blog, you’ll be booking annual leave before you can say “bucket and spade”. While we don’t identify ourselves as writers, We've always been travelers. From a young age, we both were given the opportunity to travel and spend countless hours on family road trips & vacations to what seemed, at the time, distant places.We got our first taste of traveling as a couple in Palm Cove, Queensland on our Honeymoon and learned about each others same passion.We are not writers, so why blog? It’s a commitment to ourselves that holds us accountable. It’s the home for our Adventure Stories. We want this blog to inspire you, to inform you and to add fuel to your Wanderlust. We hope you’ll join us on this adventure!