I’m going to start this post by writing about some accommodation I didn’t stay in. Normally I wouldn’t feature a place I haven’t stayed in, but this one is too good not to. We did a site inspection so at least we’ve seen it with our own eyes, even if we weren’t able to check in for the night.
It takes a load of money to stay at Rise, the extraordinary penthouse that sits above Kirra Point Holiday Apartments on Queensland’s Gold Coast. When I say a load, I mean a very big load. Nightly rates start from $4700.
With 760 square metres of internal and external living space (about five times the size of our house!), Rise has 5 king-sized bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, an additional 2 bathrooms, a formal dining room seating 12, an office, media room, children’s playroom, private lift, heated plunge pool and spacious entertainment terrace … the list goes on.
The kitchen is a chef’s dream with Gaggenau appliances, scullery and wine room. There is even a private locked two-car garage in the basement.
Rise is a thoughtful blend of residential and resort ambience that would appeal to multi-generational families, groups, VIP guests, corporate retreats, and fabulously wealthy people. Elevated high above Kirra Beach, it has sweeping views of the entire Gold Coast as far as Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.
Our Kirra Point Holiday Apartment on level 13 might not boast as many amenities as Rise but nevertheless it is high-end luxury with similarly magnificent views. Both Rise and Kirra Point Holiday Apartments are owned and operated by KTQ Group, the same developer behind the award-winning Elements of Byron, hence the similar design cues.
Ocean View apartment
With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, our Deluxe Ocean View apartment measures a more than respectable 160 square metres, still bigger than many freestanding homes. The ensuite bathroom leading off the main bedroom is a luxurious affair with twin basins, separate shower and toilet, and free-standing bathtub.
The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, a multi-purpose room that can be used as a second TV room or 4th bedroom, and a living/dining area leading onto a spacious balcony with sweeping views. There’s even a bar with wine fridges for those who are planning to entertain or indulge. The kitchen has a zip tap with boiling and chilled water, Nespresso coffee machine and full-sized fridge.
The recreation deck on level 3 has a fully equipped gym, barbecue area and 25-metre heated pool with spectacular ocean views.
The Apartments straddle the Kirra Beach Hotel which has a beer garden, sports bar and boutique bottle shop. Also part of the complex is the Mediterranean-inspired Kirra Beach House, a laidback place to enjoy food and sunset cocktails with ocean views. It’s famous for its tempura bug roll and other enticing offerings.
Kirra Beach restaurants
For night-time dining, there are plenty of choices in the ‘hood. We were very happy with our decision to dine at Billy Chow just up the road in Musgrave Street. Initially it looked like we weren’t going to be allowed in, even though it was not yet 8pm – gotta love Queensland’s early closing times – but the staff quickly consulted with the kitchen and we were allocated a table. What a delight this restaurant is with its coastal vibe and creative pan-Asian menu, just the sort of food I like to eat in a Queensland beachside setting.
If you’re in need of a caffeine fix, Made Café just around the corner from reception on the ground floor does excellent coffee and breakfast essentials like toasties, chia bowls, and avocado on toast. There are plenty of other cafés nearby.
Kirra is one of the Gold Coast’s up and coming neighbourhoods. While it still has a laidback village atmosphere, it also has a buzz that tells you changes are afoot. The development of Miles Residences Kirra Point expresses the neighbourhood’s growing sophistication.
Whether you check into the Residences’ Rise penthouse or Kirra Point Holiday Apartments, you’ll find plenty to do in the area (although once in the penthouse you might not want to leave!) Coolangatta Beach is a 15-minute walk, Greenmount Beach 20 minutes, Rainbow Bay Beach 25 minutes, and Snapper Rocks 30 minutes. Currumbin Creek is a 25-minute drive.
Kirra surf schools
Bicycle rentals are available through reception, and you can feel the wind in your hair as you ride along 12 kilometres of uninterrupted path beside the ocean all the way from Currumbin to Coolangatta. Reception can also organize a beach trolley service. There are a couple of surf schools in the area for those who want to catch a wave.
Tech heads will love that by downloading an app, you can open the door of the apartment with your phone (a swipe is available if you don’t want to use the app). And there’s secure basement parking, along with electric charging stations.
If flying in, Gold Coast Airport is 5 minutes from Kirra. Five minutes and you’ll be in a different world. Rates start from $425 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Rise + Kirra Point Holiday Apartments
4 Miles Street, Kirra Qld
Australia
Tel: +61 (07) 5690 5000
Book here for Rise Kirra Point.
Book here for Kirra Point Holiday Apartments.
With thanks to Kirra Point Holiday Apartments for hosting us for a short but sweet one-night stay. We stayed in Apartment 1308. All photos except the bedroom image were supplied by Kirra Point Holiday Apartments and used with permission.
