Surrender to the siren call of the coast at this swish five-bedroom stay in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Kirra.
The sun is setting. The barbecue is sizzling. Mirror-smooth waters stretch endlessly across the horizon beyond a sprawling rooftop complex. It’s the kind of holiday scene you wish you could bottle – and one that is written into a stay at the Gold Coast’s latest luxury address.
Suspended above the up-and-coming beachside neighbourhood of Kirra – less than five minutes’ drive from the Gold Coast airport and home to a brewing wave of trendy venues, RISE Kirra Point is an all-new penthouse stay at Miles Residences Kirra Point. The five-suite abode feels lifted from the Mediterranean, its contemporary architecture embraced by panoramic sea views across Kirra’s world-class surf break and the Point Danger headland.
RISE Kirra Point was made for golden-hour moments. (Credit: Aaron Chapman)
Offering more than 760 square metres of internal and external living space designed for connection, the penthouse is primed for groups and families seeking a sophisticated coastal hideaway. It offers a warm residential feel, along with chic high-end furnishings that make it one of the most elevated Gold Coast accommodations.
Kick back in the plunge pool and outdoor lounge. (Credit: Aaron Chapman)
Store your favourite drops in the wine cellar. (Credit: Aaron Chapman)
Step outside and you’ll be met with a private north-facing terrace, where we guarantee you’ll be spending the majority of your time. An outdoor dining area is complemented by a wood-fired pizza oven and lounge seating embellished with retro-tiled coffee tables. The cherry on top? A stunning heated plunge pool for afternoon spritzes and leisurely conversation.
Inside, all five of RISE Kirra Point’s suites are king-sized and come with their own ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. The design is pared-back coastal chic with subtle accents of warm brown and peach tones.
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The master ensuite boasts a breathtaking bath. (Credit: Aaron Chapman)
The bedrooms are chic and understated. (Credit: Aaron Chapman)
Each suite has its own ensuite. (Credit: Aaron Chapman)
The grand kitchen and outward-looking living area are finished with timber surfaces, curved edges and sheer curtains – letting the dreamy coastal scenes beyond shine. The formal dining space is made for hosting, seating up to 10 guests. And if you’re not in the mood to make dinner yourself? Staff are on hand to recommend local gem restaurants – or you can make use of the house’s fully equipped chef’s scullery, ideal for caterers and events.
Enjoy your own media room. (Credit: Aaron Chapman)
The entertainment continues with a media room and adjoining children’s playroom, plus an upstairs lounge with a pool table. For those who don’t have the luxury of switching off completely, the house even has a private office.
With Kirra emerging as a trendy Gold Coast pocket, the arrival of RISE Kirra Point feels impeccably timed. It joins a fresh wave of contemporary hospitality – from new diners to a revitalised beachfront precinct – bringing a little more buzz to the chilled-out seaside neighbourhood.
Relax in the recreation room. (Credit: Aaron Chapman)
The house has its own office. (Credit: Aaron Chapman)
The details
Best for: groups of up to 10, families and multi-generational travellers seeking a chic coastal stay with a residential feel Number of rooms: five king-sized suites, each with an ensuite Location: Miles Residences Kirra Point, 4 Miles St, Coolangatta, Qld 4225 Price: from $4700 per night
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.
Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.
Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.
And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.
Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.
Day 1: An eventful day
Morning
Explore The Strand.
Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.
Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.
Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.
Afternoon
Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.
For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.
Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.
Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.
Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.
The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.
Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.
End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.
However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.
Day 3: Natural delights
Morning
Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)
Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.
A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.
Afternoon
Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.
Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.
Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.
