The size of Carrara is approximately 14 square kilometres. It has 21 parks covering nearly 27% of total area. The population of Carrara in 2001 was 10,785 people. By 2006 the population was 10,688 showing a stable population in the area during that time. The predominant age group in Carrara is 40-49 years.
Households in Carrara are primarily couples with children and are likely to be repaying between $800 – $1000 per month on mortgage repayments. In general, people in Carrara work in a non-specific occupation. In 2001, 62.9% of the homes in Carrara were owner-occupied compared with 66.4% in 2006. Currently the median sales price of houses in the area is $395,000.
Carrara, located on the southern bank of the Nerang River, is a central suburb of the Gold Coast located only eight kilometres from Surfers Paradise. The suburb’s central location as well as the proximity to the M1 Motorway and Gold Coast attractions has made it popular among home buyers and demand in the area has increased accordingly. The area is a golfer’s paradise with a number of golf courses in the suburb as well as many others in easy reach.
Residential
Carrara is made up of a range of dwellings including houses, units and other developments however most people live in separate dwellings. Land is still available in Aqua Vista, a leafy area of Carrara characterised by good size blocks of land offering city skyline views. There is also the new Emerald Lakes precinct, a vibrant lakeside community situated in the centre of the Gold Coast. The unique residences and commercial heart add a new dimension to community living in Australia.
Shopping
Carrara Markets, located on Nerang-Broadbeach Road, is a Gold Coast institution and attracts crowds of up to 25,000 every weekend. The markets are the largest on the Gold Coast and offer a mix of stalls where anything from fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts, jewellery, clothing and tools can be found. Carrara Markets run a subsidised bus service on Saturday and Sunday that runs from the top of Surfers Paradise, via Pacific Fair Shopping Centre to the markets, and back again for the low fee of $1. Pacific Fair, the Gold Coast’s largest shopping centre is also within easy reach of Carrara and is home to large department stores such as Myer, Target and K-Mart as well as a number of specialty stores. Robina Town Centre is also only a short drive away.
Schools
Primary Schools: Merrimac Primary School. High Schools: Merrimac High School. Private: All Saints Anglican School (preparatory-year 12), Emmanuel College (preparatory-year12), St Michael’s College (years 8-12).
Retirement
Earle Haven Retirement Village is located nearby in Nerang.
Medical
Carrara Medical Practice: Coco’s Food Fair, Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara.
Transport
Both Robina and Nerang train stations are approximately a 10 minute drive from Carrara. Surfside Buslines run services through Carrara to Nerang station and Pacific Fair. Check timetables for more details.
Recreation
Carrara is a golfer’s paradise with major golf courses in the area as well as many others within easy reach. The area is home to Emerald Lakes, a residential, commercial and recreational centre that offers one of the Gold Coast’s premier golf courses. Across the road is the Metricon Stadium, home of the Gold Coast Suns. Metricon Stadium is a multipurpose facility that currently seats 25,000 spectators and will be capable of being extended to 40,000 seats in the future. The stadium features an AFL oval that will also be capable of holding ICC cricket matches, concerts, festivals, IAAF athletics events and FIFA World Cup soccer matches.
Emerald Lakes Golf Club, Palm Meadows Golf Course, Lakelands, Carrara Gardens Golf Club and Royal Pines Golf Course are all in the area.