Nerang
Nerang is a suburb of Australia's Gold Coast, that lies upon the Nerang River approximately due west of Surfers Paradise and is one of the original settlements of the Gold Coast.
History
Nerang has primarily focused on the river crossing which allowed early settlers to cross the Nerang River and continue south. Land was first sold in Nerang in 1871 and daily Cobb & Co coach services direct from Brisbane began that very same year. River transport to the settlement became more regular and with an abundant supply of red cedar amongst other tree species, the first industry to flourish in the district was timber cutting.
Sugar and maize were grown by farmers along the upper reaches of the river. The arrival of the railway in 1887 gave added impetus to the town.
In the early years, Nerang was an administrative centre for the region, with a courthouse, police station, and meeting place for local councillors. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Gold Coast’s population grew very rapidly and many people made their homes in the new estates which had expanded into the hinterland. Considerable commercial, service and light industrial development has grown around the town of Nerang.
In recent years with expansion of the Gold Coast along the coastal strip, Nerang has flourished as an administrative centre for the growing Gold Coast.
All the early writers suggest that the river was named by Europeans after the local dialect word ‘ neerang’ meaning either ‘ little’ or ‘shovel-nosed shark’
In recent years, Nerang has proved increasingly popular. Its access to the Motorway and Brisbane, short drive to major beaches, business and retail shopping on the Gold Coast and proximity to the Hinterland have been a major influence on the suburb's increasing favour with buyers.
The suburb of Highland Park was formerly an estate of Nerang but as the population grew was subsequently formed into a suburb in its own right.
Transport
The centre of 9 districts, Nerang has become a bustling CBD. Centrally located with easy access to anywhere from the M1 & railway, Nerang is located only 14km to Surfers Paradise, 73km to Brisbane, 30km from Coolangatta airport, and only 20 from all of the theme parks on the Gold Coast. In fact, no other suburb offers such quick and easy access to all parts of the Gold Coast.
The construction of the 'new' Pacific Highway on the old railway reserve has helped to focus development in the town in a manner which has extended and indeed largely swamped the early township. Its character is however still dependent upon the river and the early subdivision and commercial centre survives.
Nerang is a regional and transportation hub, containing several shopping centres and Nerang Station.
It should be noted that the current Gold Coast rail line is not the original one. The original railway was built in the 19th century, but was torn up in the 1960s due to state politics. It ran roughly where the Pacific Motorway does now and ran all the way to Tweed Heads/Coolangatta. It featured a Nerang station roughly where Station Street is now (hence the name). The line was rebuilt in the 1990s, but only as far as Robina.
Popular Nerang Residential Estates
Clearview and Clearwater Estates
Clearview (incorporating Clearwater), an estate of Nerang, enjoys a family orientated atmosphere with established trees and parks providing plenty of room for children to play. Located further back from the M1, Clearview provides a safe, quiet location for families to grow. The estate centres around a huge central park featuring numerous sports grounds and recreational areas.
Surfers Country Estate
A pretty enclave of prestige homes within Nerang, Surfers Country consists primarily of lifestyle acreage properties. Still located close to the M1, Surfers Country offers a quiet lifestyle in town.
Billabirra Park Estate
Located in a quiet area of Nerang, Billabirra Park offers modern residential lifestyle acreage estate. The beautiful leafy surrounds add to the tranquillity of the area. Located in Nerang, Billabirra Park residents can enjoy having quick access to all of the Gold Coast, whilst being able to enjoy the tranquillity of an acreage lifestyle.
Riverlea Waters Estate
Riverlea is one of the first gated communities in Nerang and residents have access to communal pool & tennis courts. The dwellings tend to be freestanding homes, some with lovely river frontage.
River Springs Country Club
River Springs is a country club style residential development with pools, tennis courts, theatre, function room, volley ball courts & children’s playground. Dwellings here are freestanding homes, townhouse & duplex-style.
Riverside Estate
Riverside is a relatively new development that features palatial freestanding home that are high-set along the Nerang River. Central location only minutes from Ashmore & Nerang.
