Runaway Bay is immensely popular with locals who don't want to be part of the hurly burly of tourist activities in closer to Surfers Paradise. It's only 10 minutes drive on the occasion when you do want to go in, but a world away for the bulk of the time.

Not only is the Runaway Bay area purely residential, it is also characterised by the proliferation of water ways. For both the boating fraternity and those just seeking the relaxed lifestyle of waterfront living in houses, units and townhouses, the draw card of easy access to the sparkling protected Southport Broadwater is irresistible. Parts of Runaway Bay waterfront areas are one of the few waterfronts that are bridge free and can accommodate the high masted yachts at your own backdoor. Waterfront access not only to the fabulous Broadwater but also the Pacific ocean is only minutes away.

The area is very well serviced with large and village style shopping centres, state and private schooling, Griffith University, restaurants, taverns and sporting clubs - including the state of the art running track and sports stadium developed by Ron Clarke. Yet a furthur bonus is the access out to the Pacific Motorway and into Brisbane. Add it all up and you'll start to see why the locals are happy for it to remain a secret.