RUNAWAY BAY
RUNAWAY BAY, QUEENSLAND – A GOLD COAST BUYERS AGENT COMPREHENSIVE SUBURB REPORT
Nestled along the stunning Gold Coast, Runaway Bay is one of Queensland’s best, and most sought-after waterfront suburbs.


Geography
Runaway Bay is bordered by Poinsettia Avenue to the north, Oxley Drive and Pine Ridge Road to the west, Coombabah Road and Biggera Creek to the south. To the east, it extends into the Gold Coast Broadwater, making it an attractive location for those relocating and buying property on the Gold Coast.
This predominantly residential area is ideal for those moving to Queensland, featuring the Pine Ridge Conservation Park in its north-western corner, which extends north into Hollywell, offering natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Within the suburb’s marine area, notable features include:
- Crab Island, an undeveloped low-lying mangrove area, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
- Carters Bank, a sandbank located beyond the mouth of Biggera Creek, adding to the suburb’s scenic value.
A bridge in the south-east of the locality spans the mouth of Biggera Creek, connecting to the Lands End headland in Biggera Waters to the south, facilitating easy access for those inspecting property and moving to the Gold Coast.
If you’re considering buying on the Gold Coast, this suburb offers a blend of residential living and natural attractions. For assistance with your property search, contact a local Gold Coast buyers agent or buyers advocate. Understanding what a buyers agent fee entails and finding a buyers agent near you can streamline the process of relocating and securing your dream home. For first-time home buyers, consulting a real estate agent experienced in helping first-time buyers can be invaluable.
Predominantly residential, the suburb features the Pine Ridge Conservation Park in its north-western corner, which extends north into Hollywell.
Within the suburb’s marine area, notable features include:
- Crab Island, an undeveloped low-lying mangrove area
- Carters Bank, a sandbank located beyond the mouth of Biggera Creek.
A bridge in the south-east of the locality spans the mouth of Biggera Creek, connecting to the Lands End headland in Biggera Waters to the south.
History
In 1939, Robert George Oates, through the Anglers Paradise Development Company, purchased 350 acres (140 ha) of land along Biggera Creek (around Ocean Street) and the Broadwater (around Bayview Street). By the mid-1950s, the area had a town water supply and about 50 homes, including both permanent residences and holiday homes. The construction of the bridge across the mouth of Biggera Creek to Lands End (then in Labrador) in 1960 spurred further development in the area.
In 1967, Lae Enterprises acquired 182 hectares (450 acres) of land north of Anglers Paradise along the western shore of the Broadwater. Development began in 1972 to transform the area into a residential and boating community. The name “Runaway Bay” was coined to market the area as a tranquil retreat. Initially, the name was rejected as an official suburb name, but it was adopted for the local post office, leading to its official recognition as a suburb.
St. Francis Xavier’s Catholic School opened on 28 January 1975. From that time until 1980, Catholic church services were held at the school by priests from the Southport parish. On 5 October 1980, a separate parish was formed with Father Basil Nolan as the first priest. The Holy Family Catholic Church opened in 1983.
The Runaway Bay Library opened in 1992 and underwent a major refurbishment in 2011.
The Sports Super Centre was established in 2000 by runner Ron Clarke. In 2010, it expanded to include an education program for schools. The Queensland Government purchased it in 2011.
In the 2016 census, Runaway Bay had a population of 9,068 people.
For those relocating and looking to buy property in Runaway Bay, this suburb offers a blend of history and modern amenities. Working with a local Gold Coast buyers agent or buyers advocate can help you navigate the real estate market. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking to relocate, understanding what a buyers agent fee entails and finding a buyers agent near you can make the process smoother. If you’re moving to Queensland, consider the benefits of buying on the Gold Coast and explore the opportunities in Runaway Bay.
Schools & Education
St. Francis Xavier School is a Catholic primary school (Prep-6) for boys and girls located at 160 Bayview Street. In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 627 students with 36 teachers (31 full-time equivalent) and 34 non-teaching staff (24 full-time equivalent).
The Runaway Bay Sport and Leadership Excellence Centre is a government sports education centre situated at the corner of Sports Drive and Morala Avenue.
There are no regular government schools within Runaway Bay. The nearest government primary schools are Biggera Waters State School in the neighbouring suburb of Biggera Waters to the south, and Coombabah State School in neighbouring Coombabah to the north-west. The nearest government secondary school is Coombabah State High School in neighbouring Coombabah to the south-west.
Runaway Bay Kindyland Kids offers an educational, safe and nurturing environment in a convenient and popular location. Our Centre caters for new-born babies through to 12 years of age (before and after school care) with a Government Approved Kindergarten program. Our rooms are age-specific and play areas are designed to enhance your child’s creativity, imagination and learning.
For families relocating and buying property on the Gold Coast, understanding the local education options is crucial. A Gold Coast buyers agent or buyers advocate can provide valuable insights into the best schools and educational facilities in the area. Whether you’re moving to the Gold Coast or buying on the Gold Coast for the first time, a real estate buyers agent can assist you in finding a home near top-rated schools. If you’re a first-time home buyer, seeking advice from real estate agents experienced with first-time buyers can make the process easier. Moving to Queensland offers excellent opportunities for education and lifestyle, and a relocation agent can help you navigate these options seamlessly.
Local Facilities
Runaway Bay Police Station is located at 190 Morala Avenue, ensuring the safety and security of the community.
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The Runaway Bay Ambulance Station is situated at 2 Sports Drive, providing essential medical emergency services to residents.
Runaway Bay also hosts a State Emergency Service facility off Sports Drive, supporting community safety and disaster response.
For those relocating and buying property on the Gold Coast, the presence of these essential facilities adds to the appeal of living in Runaway Bay. Working with a local Gold Coast buyers agent or buyers advocate can help you find properties in proximity to these vital services. Whether you’re moving to the Gold Coast or buying on the Gold Coast for the first time, understanding the availability of emergency services is crucial. If you’re a first-time home buyer, consulting a real estate agent experienced with first-time buyers can be beneficial. Moving to Queensland and Runaway Bay offers peace of mind with excellent facilities and services readily available.
Amenities and Services
Runaway Bay Shopping Centre, located on Lae Drive, is a major retail hub for the suburb. Within the water front centre, you’ll find the Runaway Bay Post Office, Target, Big W, Best & Less, Woolworths, Coles and Aldi as well as over 120 specialty stores.
providing essential postal services to the community.
A cluster of fast food restaurants is conveniently situated on the corner of Lae Drive and Oxley Drive, offering a variety of dining options.
The Gold Coast City Council operates a public library on Lae Drive next to the community centre, providing residents with access to a range of resources and services.
Holy Family Catholic Church, located on Simbai Street adjacent to the Catholic school, serves as a spiritual and community centre.
Natural amenities in Runaway Bay include the Pine Ridge Conservation Park and numerous other parks, perfect for families and those relocating to the Gold Coast:
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Below are the local Runaway Bay Parks.
- Anchorage Way roadside park provides public access to the canal on the corner of Anchorage Way and Grand Canal Way.
- Anglers Park is a long park on the Broadwater foreshore along Anglers Esplanade.
- Biggera Park, a neighbourhood park accessed from Coombabah Road.
- Broadview Park is a long park on the Broadwater foreshore along Constance Esplanade.
- Joseph Schneider Park, a small park on the Broadwater foreshore on Joseph Street.
- Kogler Avenue Reserve provides beach access to the Broadwater from Poinsettia Avenue.
- Len And Muriel Godlonton Reserve is undeveloped bushland on Limetree Parade.
- Limetree Junction Parklands, undeveloped bushland on Oxley Drive.
- Marina Crescent Reserve, parkland on Marina Crescent.
- Marina Park is parkland beside the marina at the end of Marina Crescent.
- Morala Reserve provides canal access from Morala Drive.
- O’Connell Park, a large park on Ocean Street with playground, barbeques, and picnic facilities.
- Oxley Drive Park is green space beside Oxley Drive.
- Pacific Park, a long park on the Broadwater foreshore along Oatland Esplanade.
- Poinsettia Park, parkland beside the marina on Marina Crescent.
- Rollo Meyers Park, parkland on Poinsettia Avenue.
- Ryder Park, a park with a boat ramp into Biggera Creek on Ray Street.
- Shearwater Park is a large park on the Broadwater foreshore along Shearwater Esplanade.
- Stradbroke North Park, a small park beside Biggera Creek on Stradbroke Street.
- Thyme Court Reserve, green space beside Oxley Drive.
Runaway Bay also features two boat ramps, both managed by the Gold Coast City Council:
- On the north bank of Biggera Creek on Ray Street
- On the Broadwater at Howard Street
For those relocating and buying property on the Gold Coast, Runaway Bay offers a wealth of amenities and natural beauty. Working with a local Gold Coast buyers agent or buyers advocate can help you find the perfect property near these facilities. Whether you’re moving to the Gold Coast or buying on the Gold Coast for the first time, understanding the local amenities is crucial. If you’re a first-time home buyer, consulting a real estate agent experienced with first-time buyers can be beneficial. Moving to Queensland and Runaway Bay ensures access to excellent amenities and a vibrant community.
Transport
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Gold Coast Property Buyers favourite Restaurants & Cafes
Local Medical Services
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