Named after the Cutter HMS Mermaid, the coastal town of Mermaid Beach provides a laidback alternative to its glitzier neighbours Broadbeach and Miami.
It’s also a popular escape for swimmers and surfers who want some space and respite from the crowds at the more traditional Gold Coast hotspots.
With a population of 5,722 recorded in the 2011 census, residents have the benefit of a laid back lifestyle while still having easy access to nearby amenities. Mermaid Beach is just fifteen minutes by car from the M1 freeway which leads to Brisbane.
Property wise, there’s an eclectic mix of real estate in Mermaid Beach. While the majority of properties are rented units, you’ll also find caravan parks, newly developed apartment blocks and fibro beach shacks alongside the prestigious and lust-worthy properties on the iconic Millionaire’s Row, situated on the prime beachfront strip of Hedges Avenue.
Top things to do in Mermaid Beach
1. Mermaid Beach Putt Putt Golf
This is not putt putt as you know it. With three unique eighteen hole courses you can putt your way through the fun run course with motorised obstacles and a haunted house, go on a wildlife golfing adventure in the jungle trail or escape to an island paradise with waterfalls, tropical lagoons and unique marine life on the waterways course, which lights up to reveal a whole new world at night time.
2. The Social Markets: Mermaid Beach Bowls Club Night Market
Enjoy a night of completely free barefoot bowls at Mermaid Beach Bowls Club. If bowls aren’t quite your thing, there’s plenty more worth going along for including a food truck alley with the Gold Coast’s best food trucks and stalls, a bar, live music from local DJs and bands, art and craft stalls, health and beauty services, and kids’ activities including a jumping castle.
Quick stats
- Postcode– 4218
- Vacancy rate– 0.9 per cent in December 2016
- Median house value– $1,320,954
- Median unit value– $379,765
- Price growth – House prices in Mermaid Beach have risen by 22.35 per cent in the past three years while unit prices have increased by 13.87 per cent in the same period
- Rental returns– The average house in Mermaid Beach has a weekly median rent of $700 and average rental returns of 3.07 per cent, while units have a median weekly rent of $450 and average returns of 5.74 per cent
- Average listing duration– 98 days for houses; 95 days for units
- Average weekly income– $850
- Dwelling type– The majority of properties are units (45 per cent)
- Occupation– The majority of residents are professionals
- Ownership– The majority of properties are rented (56 per cent) while 20 per cent are fully owned
- Birthplace – 67 per cent of Mermaid Beach residents are Australian
- Age – The majority of residents are in the 20-29 age group (27 per cent)
Learn more about the facts and figures for Mermaid Beach.
Places to eat in Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach has an eclectic dining scene with an array of modern Australian and Asian eateries. You’ll find well-known names like Dominos, KFC, Baskin Robins, The Cheesecake Shop and Sizzler alongside local cafes and award winning restaurants.
For a more opulent dining experience and an a la carte menu head to Little Truffle Dining Room and Bar. This award winning venue with three different styles of dining rooms for you to experience specialises in modern Australian cuisine with flavour influences from Italy, Spain and France. Another must visit is Hellenika for a Greek and Mediterranean fix, as is the more relaxed, French style Le Café Gourmand. With all pastries baked freshly on site, it’s the perfect spot for brunch.
There are also a number of cafes, vegan and vegetarian options, a bakehouse, Korean, Indian, Mexican, burgers and Thai. There’s plenty of choice for the health conscious too – try The Shack Superfood Café or BSKT Café for organic food, coffee and a spot of yoga.
Transport in Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach is serviced by TransLink bus services. There are regular services to nearby Gold Coast suburbs on routes 700 and 777 with a pick up point at Mermaid Park.
Hospitals and healthcare in Mermaid Beach
While there is no hospital in Mermaid Beach there are a number of healthcare clinics and services including Mermaid Beach Medical Centre, Mermaid Central Medical Clinic, Miami Mermaid Bulk Billing Medical Centre, several physiotherapists and dentists, podiatry and optical services and a number pharmacies.
Robina Hospital and Gold Coast University Hospital are both nearby.
Education and childcare in Mermaid Beach
While there are no schools or childcare centres in Mermaid Beach there are several options in surrounding suburbs including Miami, Mermaid Waters and Broadbeach.
Shopping in Mermaid Beach
Within Mermaid Beach you will find an IGA X-press near Nobby Beach, a Chempro Chemist, an Australia Post store, an Asian grocer and a Liquorand. There are larger shopping centres nearby including the popular Pacific Fair in Broadbeach.
Sports and recreation in Mermaid Beach
Alongside several parks that can be used for recreational purposes – including Annette Kellerman Park, St John’s Park and Mermaid Park – there are plenty of ways to get active in Mermaid Beach. There’s a Jetts gym, putt putt golf, a community centre, Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club, a boxing studio, yoga and pilates studios, hot yoga and the Ashy Bines Transformation Centre. You could also give aerial yoga a go at the popular yoga studio Yogashedgc.
Entertainment in Mermaid Beach
As the sun goes down you needn’t head to one of Mermaid Beach’s busier neighbours for some entertainment; instead, take your pick of the number of unique bars found in the suburb.
Popular venues include Après Surf, The Cambus Wallace with its dark and alluring boat-themed interior, the more relaxed Glenelg Public House, Bine Bar and Dining or the Mermaid Beach Tavern where you can relax in one of three beer gardens.
Make sure you spend an evening at Bonita Bonita, widely considered the Gold Coast’s leading Mexican restaurant. Its eclectic interior features Frida Khalo murals, Mexican artefacts and plenty of Latino colour that will make you feel like you’ve left Mermaid Beach and stepped right into Mexico.
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