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Mermaid Beach, Queensland facts for kids

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"Mermaid Beach" redirects here. For the Queensland electoral division, see Electoral district of Mermaid Beach.
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Mermaid Beach
Gold Coast, Queensland
Mermaid Beach, Queensland looking North.jpg
Mermaid Beach, looking North
Mermaid Beach is located in Gold Coast, Australia
Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach
Location in Gold Coast, Australia
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)
Location
LGA(s) City of Gold Coast
State electorate(s) Mermaid Beach
Federal Division(s) Moncrieff
Suburbs around Mermaid Beach:
Broadbeach Waters Broadbeach Coral Sea
Mermaid Waters Mermaid Beach Coral Sea
Mermaid Waters Miami Coral Sea

Mermaid Beach is a cool coastal area, also called a suburb, located in the Gold Coast city in Queensland, Australia. It's known for its beautiful beach and relaxed vibe. In 2021, about 7,329 people lived there.

You'll find a part of Mermaid Beach called Nobby Beach towards the south.

Where is Mermaid Beach?

Real estate map of Gem of the Pacific Estate, North Burleigh, ca. 1920 (26397908965)
A map of the area from around 1920

Mermaid Beach is bordered by man-made canals on its west side. These canals are part of the nearby area called Mermaid Waters. To the east, you'll find the huge Pacific Ocean.

North of Mermaid Beach is the suburb of Broadbeach. To the south is Miami. The main road, called the Gold Coast Highway, goes right through Mermaid Beach. You can also walk or bike along the Gold Coast Oceanway path, which runs along Hedges Avenue.

A Look Back: History of Mermaid Beach

Real estate map of Ocean View Estate, Southport, ca. 1920 (26397908645)
An old map of Ocean View Estate, now Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach got its name from a ship called the HMS Mermaid. An explorer named John Oxley sailed on this ship in 1823. During his trip, he discovered the nearby Tweed and Brisbane rivers.

During World War II, American soldiers used Mermaid Beach. They even called it Los Angeles Beach sometimes. The area to the south was called Miami Beach.

Around 1924, some land was sold in an area called "Mermaid Beach Estate." This land was split into two by a "New Coastal Road" that ran through the Gold Coast.

A fun park called Magic Mountain opened in Nobby Beach in 1962. It was a popular spot for families.

On August 24, 1975, the very first McDonald's restaurant in Queensland opened right here in Mermaid Beach!

Who Lives in Mermaid Beach?

The number of people living in Mermaid Beach has grown over the years.

  • In 2011, there were 5,722 people.
  • By 2016, the population grew to 6,533 people.
  • In 2021, the population reached 7,329 people.

Schools Near Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach itself doesn't have any schools. However, there are primary schools very close by in Broadbeach and Mermaid Waters. There's also a high school in Mermaid Waters, so kids have good options for learning nearby.

Fun Things to Do and Places to Go

Mermaid Beach has some great community groups and places to visit:

  • The Mermaid Beach branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association (QCWA) meets at their hall on Ventura Road. This group helps women in the community.
  • If you love the beach, you can join the Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
  • There's also the Nobby Beach Surf Life Saving Club, which helps keep swimmers safe.
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