Suburb Details
Colloquially known as “Surfers”, Surfers Paradise is an ever-changing testament to the appeals for high-rise, beachfront living. With its sparkling blue waters, golden sands and amazing attractions, it is no wonder Surfers Paradise is the tourist centre of the Gold Coast and is one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations. Each year it attracts more than 4 million visitors who want to join the party.
The nightlife and entertainment capital of the Coast is now a far cry from the quiet beachfront strip of land it once was. Back in 1917, Brisbane real estate agent Arthur Blackwood coined the name “Surfers Paradise Estate” in a bid sell subdivided blocks of land at an auction. The auction was not a great success but the name stuck and over time the area’s name changed from Elston to Surfers Paradise.
At the heart of the suburb lies Cavill Avenue, which was named after pioneering hotel owner Jim Cavill. Cavill Mall, which stretch along the beach end of Cavill Avenue, is now one of the busiest shopping strips in Australia and the centre of the night life industry. Every day thousands of locals, day trippers and tourists pour into the area to savour the delights, soak up the sun at the beach and to dance the night away.
The suburb of Surfers Paradise is broken into several distinct precincts including exceptionally popular residential areas including Budds Beach, Chevron Island, Paradise Waters and Isle of Capri. Each of these precincts have their own little villages and strong sense of community.
There is a real mix of real estate available in the area ranging from newly developed elite residential towers and waterfront mansions through to affordable units and pockets of family houses. The median price for houses in Surfers Paradise climbed to $2.8 million in January 2023, up from $1.362 million in January 2018. Meanwhile the median price for apartments rose in the same period from $390,000 to $560,000.
That was terrific news for the 25,000 residents who call Surfers Paradise home. With its reputation as a nightlife hot spot, it is no surprise to discover the suburb is very popular with people aged between 25 and 34 while fewer young families call the suburb home. What is surprising for some is the number of people aged 60 and older who live in Surfers Paradise. Seniors, empty nesters and retirees make up more than 32 per cent of the population.
In terms of the lifestyle opportunities available in Surfers Paradise, the suburb is crammed full with things to do including shopping, attractions, restaurants and cafes, hotels and nightclubs. But for most it is the beach that is the star attraction of the area. The beach provides a beautiful location for early morning or evenings strolls, catching up with friends for a chat or simply lazing in the sun and having a quick dip. Generally early mornings are very peaceful on the sand but the beach grows busier and busier as the day rolls on.
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