Mermaid Beach, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mermaid BeachGold Coast, Queensland |
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Mermaid Beach, looking North
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 Mermaid Beach
Location in Gold Coast, Australia
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| Population | 7,329 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 4,890/km2 (12,700/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4218 | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 7 m (23 ft) | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 1.5 km2 (0.6 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
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| LGA(s) | City of Gold Coast | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Mermaid Beach | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Moncrieff | ||||||||||||||
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Mermaid Beach is a sunny coastal suburb in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It sits right next to the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean and is famous for its soft sand. A cosy southern neighbourhood in the suburb is called Nobby Beach. Mermaid Beach is a wonderful seaside spot where thousands of people live, surf, and play outdoors all year round.
Contents
- Where to Find Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast
- How an Explorer's Ship Named the Suburb
- Early Land Sales and the Los Angeles Mystery
- Magic Mountain and Fun Attractions in Nobby Beach
- Walking Paths and Great Outdoor Activities
- Beach Safety and Local Surf Clubs
- How the Local Population Has Grown
- Going to School Around Mermaid Beach
Where to Find Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast
Mermaid Beach has the rolling waves of the Coral Sea along its eastern edge. Man-made water canals in Mermaid Waters border the suburb to the west. To the north lies Broadbeach, while the friendly suburb of Miami sits directly south. The busy Gold Coast Highway cuts through the area, helping travellers reach famous spots like Surfers Paradise and Southport.
How an Explorer's Ship Named the Suburb
Mermaid Beach did not get its name from mythical sea creatures. Instead, it was named after a wooden sailing vessel called HMS Mermaid. In 1823, a famous British explorer named John Oxley sailed this ship along the coast. During his voyage, he explored the Tweed and discovered the wide Brisbane River. People named the golden coastline after his trusty exploration cutter.
Early Land Sales and the Los Angeles Mystery
Around 1920, builders created real estate plans like the Gem of the Pacific Estate. By 1924, an auctioneer named R. G. Oates sold 70 building blocks called the Mermaid Beach Estate. He also designed a walkway called the Los Angelos Esplanade, known today as Hedges Avenue.
Magic Mountain and Fun Attractions in Nobby Beach
Fun attractions have welcomed families to the coast for generations. In 1962, a famous hilltop amusement park named Magic Mountain, Nobby Beach opened to excited visitors. It offered magic shows and castle-themed fun beside the beach. Another big event happened on 24 August 1975. The very first McDonald's burger shop in all of Queensland opened right here along the main road!
Walking Paths and Great Outdoor Activities
Mermaid Beach is a paradise for walking, running, and bike riding. The Gold Coast Oceanway is a scenic coastal path running right beside the water along Hedges Avenue. People love strolling down the trail to watch dolphins, spot migrating whales, or look out across the rolling waves. The warm Queensland time zone gives families bright, sunny afternoons to enjoy fresh sea breezes.
Beach Safety and Local Surf Clubs
Volunteers work hard every single weekend to keep swimmers safe between the red and yellow flags. The suburb has two active volunteer stations:
- Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club
- Nobby Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Community groups also meet in the area. The famous Queensland Country Women's Association gathers at the QCWA Hall on Ventura Road to bake, craft, and support locals.
How the Local Population Has Grown
Mermaid Beach has grown steadily as more families move to the warm sunny coast:
- In 2011, the census counted 5,722 residents.
- By 2016, the total number grew to 6,533 people.
- In the 2021 census census, the community reached 7,329 residents.
Mermaid Beach is represented in government by the state Mermaid Beach electorate and the national Division of Moncrieff.
Going to School Around Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach does not have any schools inside its own borders, but several great campuses are located nearby. Primary students can travel just outside the suburb to attend:
- Broadbeach State School in Broadbeach to the north.
- Miami State School in nearby Mermaid Waters to the south-west.
Older students attend high school at Merrimac State High School or Miami State High School just down the highway.
