Runaway Bay

QLD 4216 • Rest of QLD

9,308
Population (2021)
$37,804
Median Income
5.49 km²
Area
4m
Elevation
CoastalCanal LivingFamily-FriendlyRetiree-FriendlyWaterfront

About Runaway Bay

Runaway Bay is a popular coastal suburb in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, located approximately 71 km southeast of Brisbane and 7 km north of Southport. With a population of around 9,300 residents (2021 Census), the suburb is known for its extensive canal developments offering bridge-free access to the Gold Coast Broadwater. The community is predominantly owner-occupied at over 70%, attracting retirees and families who appreciate the relaxed waterside lifestyle and northern Gold Coast charm.

Residents enjoy direct access to the Broadwater for boating, fishing, and water sports, with marina facilities and boat ramps readily available. The suburb features the Runaway Bay Shopping Village, numerous alfresco dining options, and is close to the dining precincts of Paradise Point, Hope Island, and Sanctuary Cove. Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre is a major regional sporting facility hosting events and community activities. The suburb appeals to boating enthusiasts, retirees, and families seeking a quieter alternative to the busier southern Gold Coast.

Runaway Bay falls under postcode 4216 and is governed by Gold Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Broadwater electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4216
Urban Area
Gold Coast
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.91°, 153.40°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
5.49 km²
Elevation
4m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Helensvale Station
8.5 km
N/A (drive required)
Southport South G:link
7 km
N/A (drive required)
Southport G:link
7.5 km
N/A (drive required)

Bus Services

  • 704 — Southport to Paradise Point via Runaway Bay 15 min to Southport
  • 709 — Helensvale Station to Broadwater via Runaway Bay 20 min to Helensvale

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
71 km
By Train
~1 hr 30 min (bus to Helensvale, train to Brisbane)
By Bus
N/A direct
By Car (Peak)
~1 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
~55 min

🛣️ Most residents commute locally within Gold Coast. Southport CBD is 7 km away (~10 min drive).

Walkability Car-Dependent

Runaway Bay is moderately walkable near the shopping village and main roads but most errands require a car due to the spread-out canal estate layout.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Lae Street & Morala Drive Runaway Bay 4216 QLD
  • ALDI
    10 - 12 Lae Drive, Runaway Bay QLD 4216

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$435
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
54 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
9,068
Census 2021
9,308
2.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$34,164
Income 2021
$37,804
10.7% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 6,034
Born Overseas 2,798

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 648
  • 2. England 626
  • 3. China 125
  • 4. South Africa 117
  • 5. Philippines 90
  • 6. Scotland 78
  • 7. Japan 64
  • 8. Germany 63
  • 9. India 43
  • 10. Netherlands 42
  • 11. United States 39
  • 12. Thailand 36
  • 13. Canada 35
  • 14. Italy 32
  • 15. Vietnam 26

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 4,132
Australian 2,660
Irish 1,051
Scottish 1,023
German 467
Chinese 266
Italian 232
Dutch 164
New Zealander 154
Greek 131

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,392
Both parents born in Australia
3,291
Both parents born overseas
1,110
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
54.6%
No Religion
35.6%
Buddhism
1.5%
Islam
0.8%
Hinduism
0.5%
Judaism
0.3%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
294 (3.2%)
5-14 years
789 (8.5%)
15-19 years
426 (4.6%)
20-24 years
385 (4.1%)
25-34 years
656 (7.0%)
35-44 years
870 (9.3%)
45-54 years
1,320 (14.2%)
55-64 years
1,422 (15.3%)
65-74 years
1,541 (16.6%)
75-84 years
1,183 (12.7%)
85+ years
423 (4.5%)

Nearby Suburbs