What are the best suburbs on the Gold Coast? We are so glad you asked.
There is a great variety of family-friendly Gold Coast suburbs to choose from. This range can leave you rather confused when it comes to selecting a neighbourhood that’s right for their family. Are some suburbs more ideal than others? Where are some of the cheaper, family friendly areas on the Gold Coast? Don’t worry, here’s a list of the best suburbs for families on the Gold Coast – let us know what you think.
Best Suburbs On The Gold Coast – Best Schools For Families
The proximity of a quality school can make all the difference when it comes to living on the Gold Coast. Not only can it prove to be very convenient and cost-effective (day to day), but having a school nearby offers outdoors amenities and flexibility. The best part? The Gold Coast is home to a collection of quality schools within many family friendly neighbourhoods.
Best suburbs on the Gold Coast – housing
An affordable house with access to everything your family will need is a winning combination when it comes to finding the best neighbourhood on the Gold Coast. People are often looking for a property that won’t bury them underneath an endless stream of repayments while simultaneously being close enough to necessary day to day resources. This includes schools, shopping centres, playgrounds etc. Not only it is convenient, but it also offers a sense of connection with society, which can encourage the kids to get out and explore while also combating any feelings of isolation.
Wondering what the cheapest housing prices are currently on the Gold Coast? Check out our list below.
Cheaper Family Friendly Suburbs On The Gold Coast
Burleigh Waters
Home of the Burleigh Heads National Park, the Village Markets, Miami Marketta, and more, there’s plenty to do in Burleigh Waters. The suburb is located 12 km south of Surfers Paradise and sits next to Varsity Lakes and Miami. As of the 2011 Australian Census, Burleigh Waters has a population of 18,868.
Pacific Pines
Pacific Pines is a northern suburb of the Gold Coast and is located approximately 17 km from Surfers Paradise. As of the 2016 Australian Census, the population of Pacific Pines was 16,884. The suburb is situated conveniently close to the Nerang State Forest.
Oxenford
Oxenford is a suburb of the Gold Coast, located about 20 km from Surfers Paradise. The suburb has a population of 11, 842 as of the 2016 Australian Census. Oxenford is also home of the Big Four Holiday Park, as well as Wet n Wild, MovieWorld, and TopGolf.
Coomera
Coomera is a suburb near Oxenford with a population of approximately 13, 305 since the 2016 Australian Census. Coomera is also home of attractions such as Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, and Tiger Island. Coomera is located approximately 30 km from Surfers Paradise.
Labrador
Labrador is a suburb located along the Gold Coast, approximately 8 km from Surfers Paradise. As of the 2006 Australian Census, Labrador has a population of 16, 402.
Pimpama
The suburb of Pimpama sits in the northern region of the Gold Coast and is located approximately 30 km from Surfers Paradise. The population of Pimpama is about 9,396 as of the 2016 Australian Census. Pimpama is the last rural town on the Pacific Motorway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Nerang
Nerang is located approximately 13 km west of Surfers Paradise and carries a population of 16,256 since the 2011 Australian Census. The area is known for the Nerang River, which proves to be a nice spot for activities such as picnics and fishing. Nerang offers plenty walking and biking trails and is home of the Nerang National Park And State Forest.
Beechmont
Beechmont is located along the Scenic Rim and lies approximately 40 km south-west of Surfers Paradise. The 2011 Australia Census recorded Beechmont’s population at 791. The country town sits between the Lamington Plateau and Tamborine Mountain and is a popular spot for hikers and hang gliders.
Merrimac
Merrimac is located next to Clear Island Waters and is about 10 km from Surfers Paradise. In the 2016 Australian Census, Merrimac recorded a population of about 7,000. Merrimac is also home of Merrimac State High School.
Jacobs Well
Jacobs Well lies approximately 40 km from Surfers Paradise, at the Southern base of Moreton Bay. As of the 2016 Australian Census, Jacobs Well has a population of 1,839. The suburb sits next to the Pimpama River, making it a popular spot for fishing and boating. The suburb is about halfway between Brisbane and The Gold Coast.
Ormeau
Located within the Gold Coast hinterlands, Ormeau is about 35 km from Surfers Paradise. In the 2011 Australian Census, Ormeau had a population of 12,439. The suburb lies south of Beenleigh and Yatala,
Mount Tamborine
Mount Tamborine is located upon Tamborine Mountain, approximately 40 km from Surfers Paradise. Many people visit Tamborine Mountain for the national park, TreeTop Challenge, glow worm caves, and rainforest skywalk. Coastal views can also be admired from the peak of Tamborine Mountain. The 2011 Australian Census established Mount Tamborine’s population at about 7,030.
Springbrook
Springbrook is located within Springbrook National Park and is home to a collection of beautiful bush trails, wildlife, waterfalls, and more. Many people visit the area for Spring Mountain, Purling Brook Falls, Twin Falls, and the Natural Bridge. Springbrook is located about 40 km from Surfers Paradise and has a population of about 659 people according to the 2016 Australian Census.
Stapylton
Stapylton is located next to the Albert River and has a total population of about 445 as of the 2011 Australian Census. People visiting Stapylton are often drawn to the Beenleigh Historical Village, Eagleby Wetlands, and Mount Stapylton. Stapylton is located about 45 km from Surfers Paradise.
Runaway Bay
Previously known as Angler’s Paradise, Runaway Bay is best known for its abundance of fishing opportunities. People mainly visit to fish snapper, pearl perch, mackerel, and more. Others head over to the Runaway Bay Shopping Centre or the nearby aquatic and sports centres. Runaway Bay is located 11 km from Surfers Paradise and has a population of 8,912 since the 2011 Australian Census.
Palm Beach
Located between Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Creek, Palm Beach offers a variety of family-friendly activities to enjoy. People are often drawn to Burleigh Heads National Park, the Village Markets, and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Palm Beach is located about 17 km from Surfers Paradise and has a population of 13,494 as of the 2006 Australia Census.
More expensive family friendly suburbs on the Gold Coast
Tallai
Talli is a smaller suburb located on the outskirts of the Gold Coast, within the hinterlands. People visiting Tallai often find themselves exploring the various landscapes and attractions of the Gold Coast Hinterlands. As of the 2011 Australian Census, Tallai has a population of 3,765. The suburb is located about 17 km from Surfers Paradise.
Clear Island Waters
Clear Island Waters is located approximately 7.1 km north of Surfers Paradise. The suburb lies next to Mermaid Waters and Merrimac and has a population of 3,986 since the 2011 Australian Census. The neighbourhood surrounds artificial canals of Clear Island Lake and Boobegan Creek.
Main Beach
The beach-side suburb of Main Beach is located only 7 km from Surfers Paradise and has a population of 3,883 as of the 2016 Australian Census. People visiting Main Beach often visit SeaWorld and the Southport Broadwater Parklands, home to open spaces and play areas for children. The park is ideal for picnics and BBQs.
Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach is a suburb of the Gold Coast, located between Miami and Broadbeach. The area is located only 8 km from Surfers Paradise and has a population of 5,722 since the 2011 Australian Census. Mermaid Beach often draws in locals and tourists for its putt putt golf course.
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is the seaside hub of the Gold Coast, offering evening markets, shops, cafes, lookouts, activities, and so much more. The suburb is known as more of a resort to tourists, initially founded in 1933. Surfers Paradise has a population of 19,668 as of the 2011 Australian Census and is located about 78 km from Brisbane. Surfers Paradise sits between Broadbeach and Southport.
Broadbeach
Although Broadbeach is arguably located within the heart of the Gold Coast, it’s reasonably quiet compared to Surfers Paradise. The suburb is home to a collection of attractions and shopping centres, including the massive Pacific Fair – Queensland’s largest shopping centre until 2006. Broadbeach sits next to Surfers Paradise and is located only 5.4km south. Broadbeach has a population of 5, 514 as of the 2016 Australian Census.
Southport
Southport lies on the other side of Surfers Paradise and has a population of 31,908, making it one of the largest communities of the city. The suburb is the central business district of the Gold Coast and houses a variety of attractions for kids to enjoy, including the Rockpools Waterpark and the Southport Broadwater Parklands. Southport is located approximately 4.5 km from Surfers Paradise.
Coolangatta
The southernmost suburb of the Gold Coast is Coolangatta, with a population of 5,948 since the 2016 Australian Census. The suburb has plenty of attractions to enjoy, including Point Danger and Snapper Rocks. Coolangatta was initially named after the schooner that was wrecked there in 1846. The suburb is located about 30 km from Surfers Paradise.
Robina
Located between Merrimac and Varsity Lake, Robina is one of the first master-planned residential communities in Australia. The suburb is located approximately 11 km from Surfers Paradise and has a population of 23,106 people since the 2016 Australian Census. There’s plenty of things to do in Robina, including a visit to Robina Town Centre – the second largest shopping centre on the Gold Coast (right behind Pacific Fair).
Best Family Suburbs On The Gold Coast – Resources
The type of resources a suburb has access to is a very important factor to consider before settling on a neighbourhood. Are there any shops located nearby? How about parks? Any playgrounds for the kids? What are the crime statistics of the area? Do your research before committing to a suburb. Ask yourself, does the region reflect your family’s values and needs?
Best Family Suburbs On The Gold Coast – The ‘IT’ Factor
At the end of the day, some of the most iconic Gold Coast suburbs are so popular because they have the ‘it’ factor. This can come in the form of a unique activity or attraction that other suburbs simply don’t have. For example, the neighbourhood of Tamborine Mountain offers quick access to lush landscapes and sweeping coastal views whereas suburbs such as Broadbeach provides an endless stream of nearby stores and restaurants. What’s your suburb of interest have that other suburbs don’t?
Best Family Suburbs On The Gold Coast – What’s Your Call?
Did we miss any Gold Coast suburbs? Are there any items on this list that don’t belong? Let us know in the comments why you think your neighbourhood should be included!
