Welcome to the Miami Neighbourhood Guide!
Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, Miami is a vibrant beachside suburb known for its laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere and family friendly neighbourhood vibe. Nestled between the more bustling Burleigh Heads and the relaxed Mermaid Beach, Miami offers the perfect blend of lively local culture, beachside living and excellent lifestyle facilities including Pizzey Park and the Burleigh Golf Club (yes, it’s located in Miami!). Whether you’re a young professional, family, or retiree, Miami’s mix of natural beauty and lifestyle amenities makes it one of the Gold Coast’s most appealing neighbourhoods.
Miami: Demographics and Dwellings Snapshot
According to the 2021 ABS Census:
- The population of Miami was 7,445
- The median Age – 37 years old
- Total Homes – 1,628
- Total Units/Apartments – 2,355
- Owner occupied rate – 57%
As Miami sprawls from the ocean front to well past the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, there is a mix of residential property types. Compared to it’s northern neighbour Mermaid Beach and southern neighbour Burleigh Beach, Miami has fewer units/apartment buildings. Those that do exist are mainly on the eastern (beach) side of the Gold Coast Highway, with stand-alone homes, duplexes and townhouses on the western side of the highway.
On the eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway most housing lots are approximately 405sqm in size with some larger lots and prestige homes on Miami Hill (colloquially more commonly known as North Burleigh Hill). On the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, the suburb transitions from low-density homes into medium-density duplexes closer to the highway and ocean.
What Miami is Known For
Miami a popular spot for locals who love the beach and an early morning surf without the heavy tourist traffic found in some neighbouring areas. The suburb is also known for its food and arts scene, with a mix of trendy cafes, micro-breweries, and quirky shops that give Miami it’s unique character. In 2021 Miami became home to the Miami Street Art Festival SURFACE, further cementing it’s reputation as a leader in the Gold Coast art scene.
Landmarks & Highlights
Miami is home to several notable landmarks including the Miami Hill Lookout which offers one of the best vantage points on the Gold Coast, providing panoramic views of the coastline from Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads. And who can miss those rainbow coloured stairs for a leg burning workout! This is one of the few places you can go to ‘run/walk some hills’ in the local area which is otherwise incredibly flat.
The Miami High School ‘Miami High’ sign is also a well-known Gold Coast landmark inspired by the famous Hollowood sign.
Miami Marketta is a night festival favourite frequented by people from across the coast. Offering an array of international street food, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts locals and visitors alike. It’s a true cultural hub, showcasing local artists and musicians and providing a unique community space.
The Pizzey Park Sports Complex is another highlight, featuring a range of sporting facilities, including a large aquatic centre, tennis courts, skate park, and dog park. It’s a great spot for active families and those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Getting Around
Miami is well-connected and easy to navigate. The suburb is primarily flat, making it ideal for cycling and walking. The Gold Coast Highway runs through Miami, providing easy access to both the northern and southern ends of the coast.
Public transport options include regular bus services that run along the highway, connecting Miami to nearby hubs like Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads. While there is no direct light rail station in Miami (yet! The line through to Burleigh Beach is under construction and will be complete by the end of 2025), the nearest station is currently just a short bus or bike ride away in Broadbeach, making it easy to connect to the broader Gold Coast area.
Eating/Drinking Out
Some of our favourite restaurants and bars in Miami include:
- Roji Cat: When you’re located in the brewery capital of the Gold Coast, your brewery needs to stand out and that’s exactly what this Japanese inspired brewery does.
- Bine Craft Beer Bar: A casual spot featuring a rotating selection of craft beers and a menu of mouth-watering burgers and pub fare.
- The Henchman: A trendy, all-day hangout with a relaxed vibe, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or an evening drink in their beer garden.
- The Miami Tavern: Just across the road from North Burleigh Beach, the tavern was renovated a few years back and is now a great spot for a relaxed Sunday session or a pub meal.
- Grandad Jacks: if you love gin, you can’t go past Grandad Jacks distillery in Miami where you can also book in for gin tours and make your own gin nights.
- Little Itoshin: not to be confused with Itoshin in Mermaid, Little Itoshin serves up some the best Japanses south of Nobbys and north of Burleigh (the GC has A LOT of great Japansese!
Best Cafes
When it comes to coffee, Miami has you covered:
- Mr Handsome: a true locals hangout for great coffee, brekkie and burgers.
- Miami Hot Bread: love Bahn Mi and Vietnamese noodle salads? Head straight to Miami Hot bread for some of the best Vietnamese on the gold coast.
- Paddock Bakery: Housed in a charming weatherboard cottage, Paddock Bakery is a local favourite for its artisanal breads, pastries, and hearty brunches.
- Piccolo Espresso: A popular spot right across from the beach, known for its excellent coffee and fresh, healthy breakfast options. Grab a coffee once you’ve finished running the stairs on Miami Hill!
Shops and Supermarkets
For groceries, the Miami One Shopping Centre houses a Coles supermarket and several specialty stores. For those seeking organic or specialty items, the Flannerys Organic & Wholefood Market have just moved locations into a brand new store in Miami and stock absolutely everything organic you could hope for.
In need of retail therapy, the nearby Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Broadbeach is a short drive, bike or bus ride away and offers a range of retail options, from high-end fashion to everyday essentials. The area also boasts several boutique stores offering unique homewares, clothing, and gifts.
Schools & Parks
Miami is home to several highly regarded schools, making it a great choice for families:
- Miami State School: A well-established primary school known for its supportive community and strong academic program.
- Miami State High School: Offering a range of academic and extracurricular programs, Miami State High has a solid reputation on the Gold Coast.
- Caningeraba State School: Located nearby in Burleigh Waters, this school is another popular choice for local families.
For private schooling options, Marymount College in Burleigh Waters and St. Andrews Lutheran College in Tallebudgera are within a short drive and are both highly regarded.
Miami is also home to lots of amazing green spaces. In addition to the amazing Pizzey Park facilities including the most incredible skate park, Mick Schamburg Park and Ed Hardy Park are also perfect for family picnics, weekend barbecues, and letting the kids (or dogs) run wild. The parks offer playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and beautiful views of the coast.
Why choose Miami?
Miami’s blend of beachside charm, artsy but family vibe, and convenience make it one of the most desirable suburbs on the Gold Coast. The Miami lifestyle is pretty hard to beat. Whether you’re looking for a bustling social scene from a huge selection of local breweries/distilleries or a peaceful family-orientated community near the beach, Miami has something for everyone.
Want to know more about the Miami neighbourhood or the Miami property market? Get in touch with local Gold Coast Buyer’s Agent Matt Koch today.