What to see this weekend in Queensland

At this time of the year, properties with a connection to the outdoors and easy entertaining spaces are at the top of everyone’s list…

11/93 Albatross Avenue, Mermaid Beach

Auction Sunday January 29, 11am, Gold Coast Event Centre, Bundall
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 car space
Open Saturday January 14, 2pm – 2.45pm
Agent: Glen Shillig, Ray White Surfers Paradise, 0414 991 512

Agent Glen Shillig swears this is the best part of the Gold Coast but he could be biased – he lives there himself. Still, he’s probably not wrong — there’s no arguing this is indeed a stunning part of the world — and this oceanfront penthouse certainly makes the most of it.

Spread over two levels in the boutique “Paloma” building with an ocean frontage of 37 metres, the sand is literally steps from the door.

With three massive balconies taking in views of the beach, ocean and surrounding hinterland, a light, airy interior warmed by smooth timber floors and a spacious floor plan which includes three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, it’s the ultimate in relaxed beachfront living, Shillig says.

“It’s an unbelievable lifestyle living around here and apartments of this size in this location are not easy to come by,” he said.

The body corporate has recently completed a major renovation to both the building and grounds and building facilities include a large swimming pool and a barbecue area.

The penthouse is located in the Nobby Beach area of Mermaid and is within walking distance of local cafes, restaurants and bars.

78 Annie Street, Auchenflower

Thoughtfully designed: 78 Annie Street, Auchenflower Photo: Place West Real Estate

By negotiation
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car spaces
Open Saturday January 14, 11am-11.30am
Agent: Sacha Hennessy, Place West, 0409 050 950

Thoughtfully designed and beautifully executed, this stylish inner city property gives families exactly what they want, agent Sacha Hennessey said.

“Most families want their kitchen and living areas to spill straight out onto the backyard and pool area with bedrooms upstairs,” she said.

“However, because of the lay of the land in these suburbs, that’s often very hard to find. Floor plans like this house are always extremely popular.”

And it’s not just families likely to be attracted to a property like this. A wonderful sense of connectedness to the outdoors thanks to banks of bi-fold doors, beautiful light interiors aided by a vaulted atrium and lashings of space throughout will be likely to appeal to many.

The house features five bedrooms plus a study, flat lawn and poolside entertainment pavilion.

It’s within walking distance of Rosalie Village, parks, bikeways and local schools and only five minutes drive from the CBD.

62 Main Avenue, Balmoral

Complete package: 62 Main Avenue, Balmoral Photo: Place Bulimba Real Estate

By negotiation
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 5 car spaces
Open Saturday January 14, 10am-10.30am
Agent: Brenton Faehrmann, Place Bulimba, 0414 892 990

Outdoor entertaining doesn’t always have to mean a deck overlooking the backyard and/or pool. This high-end executive home set on top of the hill at Balmoral instead offers a top level pool surrounded by a lavish entertaining area.

Described by agent Brenton Faehrmann as the “complete package”, the house is spread over a palatial 620 square-metres of under roof living space and makes the most of its elevated position.

Stunning scenic gateway views provide a beautiful backdrop for most of the rooms in the house, aided by full-height glass and retractable doors throughout. Contemporary and sophisticated in style, the house is clever in its design, offering good separation for family living as well as striking architectural qualities.

The Oxford Street precinct is close by, as well as CityCats, elite schools and local restaurants ad boutiques.

60 Island Parade, Banksia Beach

Canal frontage: 60 Island Parade, Banksia Beach Photo: @Realty

​$1.25 million
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car spaces
Open Saturday January 14, 10am-11am
Agent: Michelle Gillingham, @Realty, 0412 818 320

Bribie Island, situated 45 minutes north of Brisbane, has long been beloved by families for its gentle waterfront lifestyle, so it’s no surprise that its canal developments are highly sought-after. Properties like this brand new north-facing prestige home with a 36-metre canal frontage are getting harder and harder to find, agent Michelle Gillingham said.

“It’s got the perfect aspect and a wide frontage. Because there’s no more canal developments, these are getting rarer,” she said.

The house is set on 702 square metres of land and is positioned to enjoy sunsets off upper and lower balconies. It includes a theatre room, formal lounge, large study, two family rooms, as well as open plan kitchen and dining.

While the home has very recently been completed, the landscaping is still underway and will include a fire pit, timber rear deck overlooking the canal, secure gates and low maintenance gardens.