Labrador, QLD 4215

Labrador is a homely beach side suburb. Its proximity to the Broadwater attracts active people who enjoy cycling, walking, or running along the beach side pathways. Children enjoy the enclosed swimming area and playground next to the famous Charis Seafood market. There's many Gold Coasters I've met who recall spending their childhood summers swimming at the Broadwater. The Broadwater may lack the energy of rolling waves but certainly makes for a safer dip in the ocean for children.

For the most part Labrador is a quiet suburb with plenty of parking in comparison to newer estates in other suburbs where narrow streets make one feel they are in a rabbit warren. Most streets in Labrador are wide and tree lined - plenty of room to park extra vehicles or welcome guests with cars. Some main roads in Labrador experience heavy traffic such as Government Road and Frank Street however most of the inner suburb streets are quiet and only frequented by the locals. Traffic is greatly reduced on the weekends BUT in Summer the main roads do increase as people tend to flock to the Broadwater on hot days. Generally, the lack of traffic makes Labrador a great place for children to play with their friends.

The homes are a collection of quaint cottages, renovated beach styles, and modern townhouses. Labrador is not the flashest suburb in terms of home styles but there's a certain charm and eccentricity. There is still opportunity to pick up a bargain renovator to take advantage of Labrador's increasing popularity - especially with the opening of the new Hospital next to Griffith University. That's another bonus. Labrador is walking distance from the University, great medical facilities, and several schools.

Local shopping centres include an Aldi and Coles. Smaller speciality shops are also located at the Coles centre. Chirn Park offers great boutique shopping, cafes, and hair and beauty services. Harbour Town is only a short drive and offers discount shopping and a great Cinema.

There are not a lot of restaurants in Labrador though there are several that are well known by the locals. This includes a wonderful Thai restaurant, a quirky cafe, and a great beach-side restaurant in the Grand Hotel complex (near Charis Seafood Market).

I go running early morning or late at night. Being female and alone I have always felt safe when out exercising in the dark. Labrador has had its fair share of bad publicity and picked up the unfortunate tag of "Lock your door Labrador". To date our home, and those of our neighbours (some of whom were born in the homes they live in) have not been at the mercy of opportunistic rogues. That said, as in any suburb, its always best to have good security practices such as locking doors and windows when away from your home.

There are two to three primary schools, depending on where you are in Labrador, that can be accessed. It is walking distance to the Southport High School. Some excellent private schools are all within 10 minutes drive from Labrador. There are at least five daycare centres that I know of that are all within walking distance from my home in Labrador. One particular centre has a great reputation and has retained the same employees for many years.

The existing bus services offer reasonable timetables to get to key locations such as the Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Australia Fair, and Helensvale Train Station (there are many other destinations I've just highlighted the most popular). The pending light rail system will provide even more opportunity for locals to leave their cars at home.

High density accommodation does exist in Labrador. Some of these complexes are reasonably priced for those on lower incomes. At the time of writing the balance of such residences with single dwellings appears to compliment the amenities available in Labrador though I wouldn't like to see more high density accommodation built.

Labrador is in a good position to reach the Gold Coast Highway to travel South, and is in close proximity to Smith St Motorway for Northern travel. Labrador is close to Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach which makes for an easily accessible night out. Southport Sharks and the local Musgrave Bowls Club offer great family entertainment, and reasonably priced meals. There's also a great gym located at Sharks.

Overall, Labrador is a great beachside suburb to raise a family and enjoy the benefits of living beachside.

Beautiful leafy suburb, so much for families to do in such close proximity to the Broadwater, beaches, hinterland trendy welcoming cafes walkability is amazing.

Im astonished with how high this ranks it is a unsafe crime haven at best. Look else where ....

Lots of perks to Labrador- close to Southport, quite a few eateries and takeaways, very close to the hospital and easy to get to the main hubs like Surfers Paradise. I suspect the reputation Labrador once had is dissipating as it is too expensive for particular social demographics to live in. That being said, like most of the Gold Coast I wouldn’t wander around at night. But the Broadwater is very beautiful and there are a lot of nice parks and playgrounds. A lot of trees as well, so in spring there are a lot of butterflies. Unfortunately (or fortunately if you like them) there are a lot of bats but I’ve seen owls in the area, possums and lots of lovely birds. People are generally friendly, most will say hello on passing. Some undesirables hang out near the Aldi and carry on at night but as I said, I think it may be too expensive for them now .

Nice place to live! It was the first area, where I've bought my first place on Gold Coast and I am still not dissapointed. Walking distance to the sea. Driving distance of no more than 10 minutes to everything - SeaWorld, Main beach, major shopping malls, local markets, medical centres and schools, university is just across the corner. It might look a bit not so modern, but I love it as it is. Plenty of sporting facilities to play or to walk my dog, not so over-crowded, as Surfers Paradise, so I can still find parking spot for my car nearly everywhere and nearly every time - not including sunny weekend near the beach or on Marine Parade. I have enjoyed living here for more than 5 years and have no plans to move somewhere else.

Druggies and feral children are seen roaming the streets often. Cheap rental but there's a reason for that.

Labrador is an up and coming area of the coast. Represents amazing value for money and surrounded by beautiful waterways.

Significant investment has gone into urban planning, community facilities, school improvements.

This is the coast's best kept secret for now. In 20 years time this will be the part of the GC everyone is fighting over.

Me and my partner have been living here now for one year and love the place. Close to broad water, take a walk down marine parade, close to southport CDB, plenty local parks around the area for the kids. Grand hotel great place to eat. Charis seafood best on the coast. If your looking for a convenient area close to everything quiet peaceful come and visit labrador.

Once regarded as the best kept secrets on the Gold Coast, Labrador’s first class water facilities and beautiful shore-lined parks have now brought the area very much into the limelight.Centrally located, Labrador provides a beachfront lifestyle with close proximity to Griffith University and Surfers Paradise. The Broadwater has excellent access areas to the water for windsurfing, sailing, para-flying, jet-skiing, boating, fishing and swimming – making this once sleepy suburb a popular retreat for holidaymakers.

Although there is no absolute beachfront property in Labrador, apartments and houses along Marine Parade offer beautiful views over the Broadwater. New developments are slowly moving in providing some excellent quality accommodation apartments for investors and rentals.

Just minutes from Helensvale train station and the Pacific Motorway, Labrador is also serviced by Surfside Buslines.
No vacant land remains in Labrador, with older homes now being replaced with newer developments. This is providing a significant facelift for the area which continues to grow in popularity.

Within the suburb are several small ‘villages’ such as Chirn Park and Heydon Heights. Too small to be called suburbs in their own right, these areas are becoming popular real estate ‘buys’ due to the appeal of lifestyle cafes, shops and amenities just nearby.

I like all the streets close to the broadwater in Labrador, Best are the ones running off Frank st. We are looking at buying in one of those Avenues as they are close to the water, cafe's,restaurants,transport and the CBD where there is everything and it is within walking distance of the front part of Labrador. It is far enough away from the nightlife scene to not bother you , But close enough to go there if you so please.
The streets are clean and green, And evryone in our street seems to be friendly. We bought here a cpl of years ago and are really happy with our buy. Rents are (as expected being close to everything) higher than surrounding suburbs. $350>$450 for a 2 bed 2 bath 2 lock up garage unit. And purchase prices are on the rise as it is fast becoming a highly desired area to live because of all the convienience and links to the coast/brisbane but still being in an original and established gold coast suburb. Good area, No problems (that we have seen) and good investment if you choose to buy. We actually live there in our property and couldnt be happier with the suburb.