On the gateway to the Gold Coast is Nerang, a residential suburb in the west surrounded by trees and divided by the Nerang River. The picturesque suburb, popular for its lakeside parks, bike facilities and horse trails, is dotted with cafes and boasts historic river relics.
LJ Hooker Nerang sales agent Jane Doogan describes the area as having an eclectic mix of residents.
“It’s one of the Gold Coast’s most diverse suburbs of people,” Jane says.
“There are young families, retirees and singles and it has a real country feel about it but it is still incredibly central.”
The Nerang National Park will be an important part of the Commonwealth Games.
“They will have bike trails in the national park for the cyclists competing in the Commonwealth Games,” Jane says. “I’m always seeing kids on bikes, and the BMX circuit is packed over the weekend.’’
Secretary of Nerang Country Paradise Association Martin Collis says the suburb is a residential paradise on the riverbank.
The suburb is divided by the Nerang river. Picture: Mike Batterham.
“It is a growing suburb and it is very community-orientated,” he says.
“It has had a bad reputation over the years but Nerang is growing into a family-orientated residence with a mix of million-dollar homes and young families.”
The suburb features community events in the active community. Picture Mike Batterham
Jane has been selling property in Nerang for the past 28 years and says there is still availability, with new estates opening offering residential blocks.
Nerang is a growing family-orientated suburb. Picture: Mike Batterham
“It will certainly change the face of Nerang,” she says.
“The suburb has changed a lot, it had a reputation but it has become a hot spot and I think one of the biggest appeals is the M1.”
Proposed development in Nerang includes Burchill Park on the Nerang River which has been earmarked for a 12-storey development featuring two buildings along with an application lodged by developer Nifsan to build one of the largest single developments on the Gold Coast at the Villa golf course site.
Nernag is a growing family-orientated suburb. .Picture Mike Batterham
The 2.55ha Burchill property, approved last year for four apartment buildings, is under unconditional contract.
Suburb profile of Nerang for the real estate magazine. Picture Mike Batterham
Martin says Nerang has an active community.
According to Martin, the Nerang Country Paradise Parklands was previously a theme park.
“The council bought the land and now it is now run by community groups with over 300 members,” Martin, 55, says.
He says the suburb has retained much of its history, including the 140-year-old Nerang courthouse and river steamboat Maid of Sker.
“The suburb was actually the original settlement of the Gold Coast before Southport,” he says.
The paddle steamer, which sailed between Brisbane and Nerang for nearly 90 years and is thought to be the last of its kind, now sits in a Nerang park.
Martin says the central location of the suburb is its biggest appeal.
“On the weekend I was in Broadbeach one day and Mt Tamborine the next,” he says. “It is very central and I still have a country lifestyle.”
Original article published at www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au by Hannah Sbeghen, News Corp Australia Network 02/7/16