lifestyle
Gold Coast Coastal Path Expansions: What Has Changed Recently and Why Locals Love It Now
New sections of the shared pathway opened in mid-June and already draw steady daily use from residents in beachside suburbs.
How we reported this
The Gold Coast City Council completed the final 4.2-kilometre stretch of its coastal shared path on 15 June 2026. The addition joins Main Beach with Broadbeach and adds solar lighting plus wider sections for both cyclists and pedestrians.
July marks the start of cooler weather that pulls more locals outdoors before the peak summer season returns. The timing aligns with rising interest in short commutes and weekend exercise along the foreshore rather than driving the Gold Coast Highway.
Users now cross under the new underpass near Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise before reaching the landscaped edges of Broadwater Parklands in Southport. Both sites sit within the council’s active transport program that began construction in late 2024.
Recorded Uptake and Costs
City data logged a 35 percent increase in daily path users at the Surfers Paradise counter during the first three weeks of July compared with the same period in 2025. Average counts reached 4,200 people per day, and the full project carried a final price tag of $12 million funded through the council’s 2025-26 infrastructure budget.
Local riders report the new lighting has extended safe use past dusk, particularly on the section that runs past the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. Families cite the wider path as the reason they now choose bikes for school runs between Broadbeach and nearby neighbourhoods.
Next Steps for Residents
The council website lists updated maps and a July 20 community ride starting at 8 am from Broadwater Parklands. New users can also join the free monthly maintenance workshop held at the Surfers Paradise Community Centre on the last Saturday of each month.