5 reasons to call Rainbow Bay home
A favourite among holiday makers and surfers, Rainbow Bay is the perfect vacation spot. However, this laidback Gold Coast haven is fast becoming a premium place to call home.
Nestled at the southern end of Coolangatta, Rainbow Bay boasts pristine beaches and enviable surf breaks.
Yet the area has largely avoided massive crowds and large-scale development in recent years, helping preserve its reputation as an idyllic summery coastal destination.
“It’s right on the coast and it’s a popular surfing spot, but it’s still very relaxed,” says Cameron Kusher, executive manager of economic research at REA Group.
“But it’s very tightly held. It’s the kind of spot that people buy a property in and hold on to for a long period of time.”
Although homebuyers face stiff competition to get in, the rarity of the real estate isn’t impacting Rainbow Bay’s popularity with buyers.
The median price at Rainbow Bay has increased by 23% over the last 12 months, realestate.com.au data shows. Picture: Unsplash
If you’re looking for your own slice of paradise, here are five reasons Rainbow Bay is worth checking out.
1. North facing
A north-facing aspect is often considered the holy grail of real estate, says award-winning Brisbane architect and developer Joe Adsett. With Rainbow Bay pointing due north, it has the benefit of all-day sun.
“In architecture we’re always chasing north in our designs and the way in which we orientate our living spaces,” Adsett says.
“The way you see the water facing north, you get this light that sparkles and dances off of the water all day, so the general ambience of the spaces is much improved.”
2. The coastal village vibe
Tucked away on the headland, Rainbow Bay has managed to maintain the small-town coastal vibes that once defined the whole region.
“(Rainbow Bay) is not as busy as the northern end of the Gold Coast, such as Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach,” says Kusher.
“It’s a bit more like what those areas were like 20 or 30 years ago.”
Adsett snapped up a rare beachside plot for his latest three-and-four bedroom, high-end apartment project, Rockpool Rainbow Bay. Picture: Joe Adsett Architects
The laidback atmosphere and gorgeous natural beauty of the area is what attracted the attention of Adsett.
“It’s a relaxed coastal lifestyle, which makes it ideal for anyone who wants to escape their busy life,” he says.
3. Something for everyone
With world-class breaks on the doorstep, including the famous Snapper Rocks, Duranbah Beach, Kirra and Greenmount, the surf is a major drawcard.
But it’s also the perfect spot for relaxing, with protected bays offering safe swimming areas and long stretches of sand.
“There are gentle pools to swim in on the foreshore, so it’s great for families with children, or grandparents with little ones,” Adsett says.
The local rock pools are also an iconic attraction that people love to explore.
The nearby Snapper Rocks is a world-famous surfing destination. Picture: Unsplash
4. Well connected
From Rainbow Bay, paved footways along the coast make it a breeze to cycle or walk to surrounding bays, beaches and towns.
When living in paradise there are a few reasons to leave, but if residents want to venture further out they have options.
“Someone might want to have their home in Melbourne, Brisbane, or Sydney and have that holiday property they go away to with their family,” Kusher says.
“They can jump on the plane and go if they need to because they live so close.”
The Pacific Motorway is also easy to access for drivers heading to Brisbane, or on a road trip down the New South Wales coast.
5. A beach home in the sky
With homes in the area tightly held, Rockpool Rainbow Bay presents a rare opportunity for buyers to snap up an apartment that embodies the classic beach house.
“The natural beauty is the reason why people will come, but it’s also the rarity of the real estate,” says Adsett. “Why not have a home that is in the sky and has views of the ocean?”
All homes at Rockpool Rainbow Bay have a private courtyard and customised kitchen. Picture: Joe Adsett Architects
Adsett says all of the homes are designed specifically for families, with living areas separated from the bedrooms.
They feature a subtropical modern design with indoor and outdoor living top of mind and are finished with natural materials including timber, stone and marble.
“You get everything that the quintessential beach house offers, such as a multitude of bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces, albeit with that lock up and leave lifestyle,” Adsett says.
“We have designed the homes to be flexible so people can use it as a beach house, but also have the ability to permanently reside there now they’ve got that space.
“We’re going to see many families invest in this as an alternative to the traditional beach house.”