Located on the south end of Currumbin Beach is the renowned Elephant Rock – a popular spot with great beach views of Surfers Paradise and The Gold Coast. Climbing the stairs up to the platform on the top of Elephant Rock is a must when in Currumbin to enjoy sweeping 180 degree panoramas.
Where Is Elephant Rock Located On The Gold Coast?
Elephant Rock is located at 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin, Gold Coast in Queensland. You can find the Google maps location of Elephant Rock here.
Currumbin is located a 50 minute drive north of Byron Bay and just over an hours drive south from Brisbane.
There are lots of free parking spots in the SLSC car park next to Elephant Rock, as well as several parking spots along Pacific Parade.
How To Get Up Elephant Rock
The stairs up to Elephant Rock are located just behind the Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club (which is also a really good place to get food!). Go up the external stairs to the Surf Life Saving Club and you’ll see the narrow staircase a bit further along on your right that will take you up to the Elephant Rock viewing platform.
Note that there is no access to the top of Elephant Rock for those with mobility issues. Access is only via a steep narrow staircase (around 30 steps) – make sure to hold onto the handrail as you go up and down. As the staircase is very narrow, you may have to wait for other people to come up or go down the stairs as it’s not really wide enough for 2 people.
The views both north and south from the viewing deck are really lovely. If you’re visiting between the months of April to October, keep an eye out for any humpback whales!
Is It Free To Climb Up Elephant Rock?
Yes it is absolutely free to climb up Elephant Rock – you just walk up the stairs, there are no barriers so it is always open.
Why Is Elephant Rock Famous?
Elephant Rock is a significant and important site for the annual Anzac Day Dawn Service. The service is covered by Australian TV networks and news broadcasts. The Anzac Day Dawn Service starts at 5am, with the march commencing prior to this at 4.35am.
At the western base of Elephant Rock you can find a war memorial plaque to commemorate all those who have lost their lives in conflicts and wars.
Elephant Rock History
Elephant Rock is a rock formation which is the remains of ancient volcanic activity. Before being called Elephant Rock, it was named Green Rock by early European visitors and settlers as it was covered in green vines.
Why Is It Called Elephant Rock Currumbin?
The name Green Rock was gradually replaced with the name Elephant Rock as it resembled an elephant sat on the beach looking out to sea. The shape has changed somewhat since.
What Else Is There To Do In Currumbin?
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
A visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is really fun and you should definitely visit when in the area. If you don’t want to pay for the entrance fee, you can still go inside the entrance to witness the lorikeet feeding free at 8am and 4pm every day.
Currumbin Alley
Head north up Currumbin Beach to see the Currumbin Rocks and Currumbin Alley. Currumbin Alley is perfect for swimming and paddle boarding as it is sheltered from the big waves of the ocean.
More Australia East Coast Spots To Visit:
The East Coast of Australia is full of beautiful scenery, from stunning waterfalls to beaches, swimming holes and beautiful coastal walks. If you’re set on doing an East Coast road trip, check out these other travel guides to help you plan your trip!
Fraser Island: Fraser Island Day Trip From Hervey Bay
Pelican Banks: Unknown Tropical Paradise Island In Australia!
Fingal Head: The Giants Causeway in Australia!
Byron Bay: Snorkelling with leopard sharks at Julian Rocks in Byron Bay!
Nimbin: Things To Do In Nimbin
Yamba: What To Do In Yamba
Port Macquarie: 7 Best Port Macquarie Beach You Have To Visit!
Seal Rocks: Top Things To Do At Seal Rocks
Forster: Booti Booti National Park Walks
Great Lakes: Cellitos Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in NSW!
Port Stephens: Camel Rides & Stockton Sand Dunes
Newcastle: The Bogey Hole – Secret Ocean Pool!
Lake Macquarie: Caves Beach – NSW Best Sea Caves!
Central Coast: Bouddi National Park Walk
Broken Bay: Pearl Beach To Patonga
Sydney: The Best Beaches Near Bondi Beach!
Southern Highlands: Fitzroy Falls Walk
Northern Illawarra: Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout
Southern Illawarra: 14 Best Things To Do In Kiama!