Surfers Paradise Suburb Profile
Do you fancy buying some prime real estate in Surfers Paradise but feeling a bit unsure? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with an insider’s look into the Surfers Paradise suburb profile – the local lifestyle and neighbourhood. Check out the demographics and all the stats this glitzy suburb has to offer!
Savvy Fox is here to help you navigate the Surfers Paradise property market like a boss. With our comprehensive report, you’ll have all the info you need to make an informed decision about your next move as a homeowner or investor. Get ready to check out the high life in Surfers Paradise!
A Little Background on ‘Surfers’
Surfers Paradise was once called Elston and was renamed in the 1930s, after a hotel built in the 1920s called the Surfers Paradise Hotel. Prior to its development it was predominantly banana plantations and sugar cane fields but is now known as the glitzy capital of the famous Gold Coast.
Surfers Paradise began its transformation into the prime tourist destination it is today in the 1950s and 60s. In the post-war era, interest in travel and leisure was growing and Surfers Paradise was heavily promoted as the ideal destination for holidaymakers. Large scale development was in full swing with hotels and apartments popping up all over the suburb followed by an array of tourist attractions such as the theme parks, markets, beach enhancements and a myriad of other activities to make it a memorable holiday for its visitors.
Today, the Surfers paradise suburb profile features millions of visitors each year and is arguably in the top 10 tourist destinations for Aussies and overseas visitors.
Lifestyle in Surfers Paradise
As a tourist destination with millions of visitors each year, Surfers Paradise can be quite hectic and crowded, especially in the in the peak holiday periods. However, because of its popularity as a tourist hub, residents have access to the many tourist amenities and services that the quieter suburbs may not have.
It is a rather large suburb in terms of population (over 26k) due to the number of high-rise apartment buildings, and it caters to the younger age groups with its vivid nightlife scene with an abundance of bars and nightclubs.
Whether you are a resident or tourist, the suburb of Surfers Paradise offers a ton of things to enjoy daily or as the mood strikes.
Number one is the iconic beach and the foreshore. The beach with its famous arch is a midpoint for the 3km stretch of golden sand, for daily strolls and people watching. Or hire a bike and drift along the network of bike paths. Or have a game of volleyball on the beach. Or dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. Or build a sandcastle with the kids. Or take a surf lesson. Or simply sit on the sand and soak up the sun.
The Surfers Paradise Life Saving Club is one of the oldest in Australia. If you’re anywhere near the foreshore you’re bound to see one of the gold bikini-clad meter maids feeding the expired parking meters – an institution since 1964.
Cavill Avenue/Mall, named after one of the early developers, Jim Cavill, is the main shopping precinct and home to the giant chess board, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and a host of eateries, street performers, music and bustling excitement. And don’t forget The Wax Museum, just around the corner and get up close to your favourite celebrities. No one will ever know.
The Surfers Paradise Markets are held every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights and offer a range of unique crafts, fashion, and food.
A sunset cruise along the Gold Coast Waterways leaves from Surfers Paradise and is a great way to just relax and enjoy the scenery.
The annual events held in and around the suburb include the Gold Coast Marathon (since 1979), and The Surfers Paradise Festival
A visit to the Q1 Tower is a must. It’s the tallest residential building in Australia and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Gold Coast from the Observation Deck.
What else is there to do? How about a whale-watching tour (June–November); visit the Gold Coast Art Centre (HOTA); go on a scenic flight; have a beachside meal; enjoy a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. And if you’re still looking for something to do, there are heaps of day trips to some of the most magical national parks, all within an hour of Surfers Paradise.
Surfers Paradise Geolocation Factors
This quick overview of the geolocation factors of Surfers Paradise will help you determine whether it’s the right place for you.
Nearest Cities & Other Major Regions
Surfers Paradise is the beating heart of the Gold Coast, drawing visitors from Australia and abroad as a major holiday destination because of its unique offerings of natural beauty and man-made attractions alike. It situated on the Nerang River, on the east coast of Queensland, Australia with the Pacific Ocean on its doorstep, and many canals and waterways in the area.
The suburb is 80km (50 miles) south of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland.
Surfers Paradise suburb includes McIntosh Island, Isle of Capri and Chevron Island. It’s closest neighbouring suburbs are Main Beach to the north, Broadbeach to the south and Southport and Bundall to the west. Before development, it was a casual coastal region to the south of Brisbane, simply known as the South Coast.
Transport
Surfers has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year – higher humidity in the summer months, but beautiful mild winters. It is a popular destination for beach goers and tourists seeking thrilling activities and entertainment. It’s vibrancy is well suited to the younger age groups who enjoy activities well into the night and a more relaxed pace during the day.
Surfers Paradise is central to all transport hubs. The Gold Coast Airport (at Bilinga) is a 30-minute drive from Surfers but has an excellent bus service in/to the heart of Surfers. The Pacific Motorway (M1) makes easy access to Brisbane, and the Gold Coast Highway hugs the coastal towns to the NSW border. The Light Rail is a great way to get around to other areas such as Pacific Fair, The Spit and Helensvale. Bike hire is a favourite activity, and the entire Gold Coast has magnificent bike paths to explore or just get you from A to B.
The Gold Coast University Hospital is in nearby Southport. It is a teaching hospital and has an emergency department.
Surfers Paradise 4217 – *Real Estate Statistics
Most homes in Surfers Paradise are apartments (60.1%) with 26.7% of dwellings being separate houses. Houses are predominantly located on Chevron Island, Isle of Capri and McIntosh Island, while high rise apartments are located mostly on the east side of the highway.
The following statistics are from the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 Census and Property Values.
Houses
- The median sale price for a house in Surfers Paradise is $1.9m.
- The median price change (1 year) in Surfers Paradise is 10.29%
- The median weekly rent for a house is Surfers Paradise is $813pw.
- The median gross yield in Surfers Paradise is 2.2%.
Units/ Apartments
- The median sale price for a unit in Surfers Paradise is $550k.
- The median price change (1 year) in Surfers Paradise is 17.52%
- The median weekly rent for a unit is Surfers Paradise is $533pw.
- The median gross yield in Surfers Paradise is 5%.
*Data Disclaimer: At Savvy Fox we update the data found on these posts regularly, however we understand the real estate industry is dynamic. Therefore, it’s subject to change. Use these figures as a general guide only. We will happily discuss the latest changes to the local property market on your FREE 30-minute strategy call.
Demographics Of The Area
The suburb of Surfers Paradise is approximately 6.3km2, with 50 parks covering approximately 7.4% of the area.
The population of Surfers Paradise as at the 2021 census was 26,412 compared with 23,689 in 2016 – a growth of approximately 12%. In terms of cultural diversity, the majority of residents have UK or Australian ancestry, followed by a significant population of people with Chinese, Indian, Korean and Japanese ancestry as it has a large number of international students and visitors.
The predominant age group is 20–29 years, primarily couples with no children. Generally, residents have a professional occupation. The unemployment rate in Surfers Paradise is 9.6%, which is higher than the Gold Coast average of 3.4%.
As at the 2021 census approximately 46% of homes are owned outright (26.8%) or with a mortgage (18.2%) with 51.1% of homes rented. The average mortgage repayment is between $1,800–$2,399pm.
The demographics of Surfers Paradise are constantly changing due to the influx of tourists, students and a transient population and therefore may not fully represent the diversity of the population.
Weather In Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise has a subtropical climate, which means that it has mild to warm weather year-round with distinct seasons. The average temperature in Surfers Paradise ranges from about 21°C (70°F) in winter to 28°C (82°F) in summer. Here’s an overview of the seasonal temperatures in Surfers Paradise:
Summer (December to February): The average temperature during summer is around 28°C (82°F), with occasional heat waves pushing temperatures up into the mid-30s (95-100°F). Humidity can be high, and there is a higher chance of rainfall and thunderstorms.
Autumn (March to May): The average temperature during autumn is around 25°C (77°F), with cooler evenings and occasional showers. The water temperature gradually cools down from around 25°C (77°F) in March to around 22°C (72°F) in May.
Winter (June to August): The average temperature during winter is around 21°C (70°F), with cool evenings and occasional sunny days. The water temperature drops to around 19°C (66°F).
Spring (September to November): The average temperature during spring is around 24°C (75°F), with mild weather and occasional showers. The water temperature gradually warms up from around 20°C (68°F) in September to around 24°C (75°F) in November.
The water temperature in Surfers Paradise is influenced by the ocean currents and can vary throughout the year. It is warmest during summer, when it can reach up to 25°C (77°F), and coolest during winter, when it can drop to around 19°C (66°F). Overall, the water temperature is comfortable for swimming year-round, especially during the warmer months.
Schools In Surfers Paradise
There are only two schools located within the suburb of Surfers Paradise itself, but there are several educational institutions located nearby that cater to students of all ages and easily accessible by car or public transport.
Surfers Paradise:
Surfers Paradise State School: A co-educational primary school that serves students from Prep to Year 6.
Gold Coast Learning Centre: A private college that offers courses in English language, business, and hospitality.
Neighbouring Schools:
The Southport School: An independent Anglican boys’ school that provides education from Pre-Prep to Year 12.
St. Hilda’s School – Prep–Year 12. This is an Anglican day and boarding school for girls, located in nearby Southport, which is about 3km from Surfers Paradise.
Griffith University – This is a public research university located in nearby Southport, which is about 3km from Surfers Paradise. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a range of disciplines.
Bond University – This is a private university located in nearby Robina, which is about 10km from Surfers Paradise. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a range of disciplines.
Gold Coast Institute of TAFE: A public vocational education and training institution that offers courses in a range of fields, including hospitality, tourism, and trades. The closest campus to Surfers Paradise is located in Southport.
More Info on Schools
For a wider range of schools in neighbouring suburbs, see our articles of interest ‘Best Primary Schools On The Gold Coast’ and ‘Best High Schools On The Gold Coast’
Other Suburbs to Consider . . .
Buyer's Advocate In Surfers Paradise
Let’s be honest – when you think of the Gold Coast, your first thought is Surfers Paradise, right? Well, while it is just one suburb of the grater Gold Coast region, it is the glitzy and glamorous area where there is certainly a lot happening all the time. In a word, you could say “HIP”.
The lifestyle is casual and locals get to enjoy the relaxed beach environs by day with a sparkling vibe by night.
With this comprehensive property market overview, you can make smart decisions about your home investments.
If you’re ready to plunge into life in Surfers Paradise, contact Savvy Fox today. With over two decades of buyers and property experience, we’ve got the know-how to find you the best home and the best deal.
