Carrara QLD 4211

Carrara is a central suburb on the Gold Coast in Queensland, well positioned on the southern side of the Nerang River and close to major centres such as Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Southport. It is known for providing a balance between relaxed suburban living and easy access to city conveniences. Residents enjoy leafy streets, established neighbourhoods and a mix of housing options ranging from family homes to newer lakeside properties.

Carrara is attractive to families, professionals and retirees alike because it offers a quiet residential setting that remains close to major beaches, shopping hubs, transport links and community facilities. Living in Carrara gives people the sense of being part of a cohesive community while still being only a short drive from popular Gold Coast destinations. 

The suburb also draws attention for its lifestyle attractions, including weekend markets that are among the largest in Australia, multiple golf courses, major sporting venues and easy motorway access, making it a practical and appealing choice for buyers and renters. 

Carrara is a well‑established suburb with a diverse residential profile. The population is more than 13,000 people, and the median age sits in the early 40s, reflecting a mix of family groups, couples and older residents choosing a stable suburban lifestyle. 

Household structures in Carrara include families with children, couple‑only households and single‑parent families, creating a varied community fabric. The average number of people per household is around 2.4, indicating a comfortable mix of family sizes. The suburb’s median weekly household income and rental figures reflect solid economic stability, supported by access to local employment centres and lifestyle amenities. 

Real estate in Carrara continues to attract consistent interest, with median house prices increasing in recent years, underscoring the suburb’s growing desirability among buyers and investors. Some of the more scenic properties are found around man‑made lake districts and established estates, while other pockets offer quiet, tree‑lined streets. 

Carrara is well served for education and healthcare services, making it a strong choice for families and long‑term residents.

Education

• Nearby Merrimac State School and Merrimac State High School provide additional public schooling options in the wider area. 
• Private schooling choices include Emmanuel College, All Saints Anglican School and St Michael’s College, providing comprehensive education options from prep to secondary levels. 

Emmanuel College is well regarded on the Gold Coast and is planning new senior school facilities, supporting its ongoing role in education in the area. 

Health Services

Health care is easily accessible with medical clinics, pharmacies and allied health providers located within Carrara and surrounding suburbs. For more extensive hospital care, major facilities such as Robina Hospital and Pindara Private Hospital are a short drive away, offering comprehensive services including emergency and specialist care. 

Local clinics and family health services contribute to a supportive environment for residents of all ages. 

Carrara has a growing selection of dining options and local cafes that support both casual and social eating without needing to travel far from home.

Examples of popular local spots include:

• Papa Rolly’s, authentic Italian focused on community, family, fun and friendly service.
• Emerald Lakes Village hosts a number of cafes and eateries where residents can enjoy coffee, breakfast and lunches in a convenient neighbourhood setting. 

In addition, Cafe Junie opened in Carrara with a unique outdoor seating area and specialty coffee, adding to the suburb’s café culture and giving locals more brunch and lunch choices. 

For a wider selection of dining experiences, residents can also visit nearby suburbs such as Robina and Broadbeach Waters where you will find bistros, international restaurants and contemporary dining options.

Carrara is well served with green spaces, recreational facilities and outdoor areas that support an active lifestyle and family outings.

Parks and Trails

• Emerald Lakes Park provides scenic lakeside walking paths, shaded sitting areas and picnic spots for families. 
• Mudgeeraba Conservation Area has open green space, gentle walking trails and spots for relaxation or play. 
• Pine Ridge Conservation Park, a short drive from Carrara, offers bushwalking trails and opportunities to explore local wildlife and scenic landscapes. 

Sport and Leisure

Carrara is famous for its sporting venues and recreational hubs that draw both locals and visitors:

• Metricon Stadium, also known as People’s First Stadium, hosts Australian Football League games, concerts and major community events, giving the suburb a lively calendar of activities throughout the year. 
• The Carrara Sports Complex provides sports fields for soccer, rugby and community events, supporting active lifestyles and team sports participation. 
• Golf enthusiasts benefit from access to multiple high‑quality courses including Emerald Lakes Golf Course, Palm Meadows Golf Course and Carrara Gardens Day and Night Golf Course. These courses deliver scenic views and challenging play options for golfers of all skill levels. 

Future sporting precinct developments, including plans for new training centres with public facilities, will further enhance recreational options in Carrara.

Carrara is well connected to the wider Gold Coast region, making commuting and travel convenient for residents.

• The Pacific Motorway provides fast and direct road access for travel north towards Brisbane and south along the Coast, which is a major drawcard for people who commute to work or travel frequently. 
• Public bus routes service the suburb, linking Carrara to nearby train stations, shopping centres and commercial precincts. 
• Nerang Train Station and Robina Train Station are both easily reached by car or bus, giving residents access to rail connections across the Gold Coast and towards Brisbane. 

These transport options mean Carrara residents can travel to employment hubs, educational institutions and lifestyle destinations with relative ease. 

Carrara sits within a network of well‑established Gold Coast suburbs that offer complementary amenities and lifestyle options:

• Nerang to the north, offering additional shopping, schools and transport connections. 
• Ashmore to the east, with residential and commercial services. 
• Benowa to the south‑east, providing parks, golf options and convenience. 
• Broadbeach Waters to the east and south‑east, popular with waterway living and close to beaches. 
• Merrimac to the south, with schools and additional shopping choices. 
• Worongary to the west, offering quieter residential and semi‑rural living. 
• Highland Park and Molendinar to the north‑west and east, providing further residential and lifestyle amenities. 

These surrounding suburbs help situate Carrara within a central Gold Coast hub that supports diverse lifestyles, from family life to recreation and convenience. 

Carrara, QLD is a vibrant and well‑positioned suburb on the Gold Coast that offers a mix of lifestyle options, transport access and community amenities. With strong schooling choices, diverse dining and café experiences, extensive parks and sporting facilities, and connections to major shopping and employment centres, Carrara appeals to families, professionals and long‑term residents who want a balanced suburban lifestyle close to all that the Gold Coast has to offer. Its central location, leafy streets and community atmosphere make it a desirable place to live, work and play.