How Main Beach is the sweet spot for the Gold Coast's prestige homebuyers

What is it about Main Beach that continues to lure some of the country’s – and the world’s – most influential business people, alongside a slew of celebrities?

Ray White Prestige Gold Coast agent Robert Graham says it comes down to limited stock along one of Queensland’s most tightly held beachfront strips, awesome weather and an impressive marina.

Bob East, former chief executive of the Mantra Group, says connectivity to two core business centres, Brisbane and Sydney, is another important ingredient.

Flying high

After 12 years on the Gold Coast, East knows a thing or two about flying in and out. The chairman of Tourism Australia and deputy chairman of the Gold Coast Suns Football Club says for anyone whose job keeps them on the move, it’s a fabulous transit hub with the lifestyle advantages of the Gold Coast.

“We’ve got the Gold Coast airport and Brisbane airport is up the road. For any one of us living a life somewhere on the road, it’s fantastically serviced,” he says.

East believes the city is a terrific option for business folk needing access to corporate Australia but looking for the balance provided by the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches.

“It’s a community that has a reasonably broad array of opportunities in business, particularly in IT and start-ups and more entrepreneurial endeavours,” he says.

Despite a population of more than 550,000, the Gold Coast still has a community feel and a palpable civic pride, says East.

“There’s a fair amount of goodwill directed at the Gold Coast from those who live here. I love all the other idyllic places up and down the coast, but it’s very hard for connectivity and very hard to get the benefits of arts and culture.”

Wining, dining and shopping

East says the city has improved in recent years with better bars and more sophisticated restaurants.

Along Tedder Avenue, surfers knock elbows with socialites at the bars and boutiques, and the cafes and restaurants spill onto the street. On Main Beach Parade, palatial homes sit with luxury apartments that are home to the Gold Coast’s business elite.

“Main Beach has got terrific proximity up to The Spit, Broadwater and the beach, so it covers each aspect of the Gold Coast,” says East.

“The bike paths and running paths are really second to none, [and] you’ve got the Broadwater parklands. It’s the hub that offers something for everyone: the still water, the beach, the marina, the yacht club and now the light rail.”

Top home to try

A double-height living space, swathes of glass and views over Broadwater combine to impressive effect at this architecturally-designed residence.

There’s lift access to all three levels, an island kitchen with a butler’s pantry, a mezzanine library, a cellar and parking for up to 10 vehicles.

Ray White Prestige Gold Coast agent Jackson Paradise is preparing for a forthcoming auction.