List of Gold Coast suburbs facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Suburbs in the City of Gold Coast
Location	City of Gold Coast
Number	81 suburbs
Populations	0 (Southern Moreton Bay Islands) – 31,908 (Southport)
Areas	0.6 square kilometres (0.23 sq mi) (Steiglitz) – 100.6 square kilometres (38.8 sq mi) (Numinbah Valley)
Subdivisions	Neighbourhoods

The City of Gold Coast is a large area in Queensland, Australia. It's a "local government area," which means it's a region managed by its own council, like a big city or county. Inside this area, there are eighty-one different suburbs and localities.

Over the years, the Gold Coast's boundaries have changed a few times. For example, in 1994, it joined with the Shire of Albert, making it much bigger. Later, in 2008, a part of it near Beenleigh became part of Logan City.

Out of these 81 areas, 52 are officially called "suburbs," and 29 are called "localities." Many of these places were built on land that was once underwater, like marshy areas or tidal flats. Some even have lots of canals, like little waterways running through them! The Gold Coast is also home to many shopping centres.

Exploring Gold Coast Suburbs and Localities

The Gold Coast is made up of many different communities, each with its own character. Some are busy city areas, while others are quieter, more rural spots.

What's the Difference: Suburbs vs. Localities?

You might wonder what the difference is between a "suburb" and a "locality."

• A suburb is usually a more developed, populated area, often part of a larger town or city.
• A locality is often a less developed or more rural area. It might have fewer people or more open spaces.

Interesting Facts About Some Gold Coast Places

Let's look at a few examples from the Gold Coast and learn something cool about them:

Advancetown

This locality got its name from a sawmiller named Ernest Belliss. He changed the name of a local hotel to "Advancetown Hotel" and even gave land for a school. It was called Latimer for a short time before going back to Advancetown.

Alberton

This locality is named after the Albert River. The river itself was named after Prince Albert, who was Queen Victoria's husband.

Arundel

This suburb was named after a property on Brisbane Road. That property belonged to a person named Dr Wallace Arthur Arundel Mackey, which is where the name "Arundel" comes from.

Carrara

The name "Carrara" comes from an Aboriginal word, Karara, which means "long flat." This gives us a clue about what the land might have looked like a long time ago.

Elanora

This suburb has a beautiful name with a special meaning. "Elanora" is an Aboriginal word that means "home by the sea." This makes perfect sense for a place on the Gold Coast!

Helensvale

This suburb's name comes from a sugar plantation that was set up around 1870. The plantation was named "Helena" after the youngest sister of one of its owners, Ernest White.

Mudgeeraba

The origin of the name "Mudgeeraba" is debated. Some believe it's an Aboriginal word Mudgeriba, meaning "place of infant's excrement." Others suggest it means "tell lies," or that it comes from the Yugambeh words Mu'dherri and ba, meaning "place of sticky soil."

Southport

This is the largest suburb by population on the Gold Coast, with over 31,900 people! It's a very busy and important part of the city.

Numinbah Valley

This locality is the largest by area, covering over 100 square kilometers. It's a much more spread-out and natural area compared to the busy coastal suburbs.

Steiglitz

On the other hand, Steiglitz is the smallest locality by area, covering only 0.6 square kilometers. It's a tiny but important part of the Gold Coast.

Places That Are No Longer Suburbs

Sometimes, the names and boundaries of suburbs change. Here are a few places that used to be official suburbs but aren't anymore:

• Andrews and Stephens: These used to be suburbs, but in 2002, their land was combined and became part of Varsity Lakes and Burleigh Heads.
• Kerrydale: This suburb was absorbed into Robina in 1995.
• Moondewara: This area was on South Stradbroke Island. Sadly, it was lost to the sea as the Nerang River's mouth moved over time.