Did Gold Coast Go Too Far Banning Vehicles?

🚧 Surfers Paradise has changed forever — at least for now.

Gold Coast City Council has shut down part of the iconic Surfers Paradise Esplanade to traffic, turning it into a family-friendly pedestrian zone known as The People’s Esplanade Pop-Up.

In this video, I walk through the new Esplanade just a few days before completion. I even speak with a 👨‍🚒 firefighter whose crew were practicing maneuvering a massive Fire Truck / Ladder Appliance around the roundabout!

Here’s what you’ll see:
🌴 Why the road was closed
👨‍👩‍👧 How families are using the new space
🤔 The big question — should this become permanent?

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🏗️ What’s Happening on the Esplanade

This trial runs until November 2025, and the decision could shape the Gold Coast’s future.

From Hanlan Street to the Soul roundabout, The Esplanade is now closed to traffic.

A new 250m pedestrian zone and 5,000m² of extra public space now connect the beach directly to Cavill Mall.

Zones include:
🏠 Beach House – social interactions
⚡ Action Hub – play + be active
🎉 Joytopia – gather with your mates
🌿 Chill Cove – relax in the green
🤝 Locals Yard – connect with the community

🌟 Why It Matters

Part of the $100 million Surfers Paradise Revitalisation Plan.

71% of locals supported the pedestrianisation in April 2025 consultation.

🚶‍♂️ No car parks removed.

🚴 Oceanway stays open for walkers, cyclists, and mobility devices.

🎪 Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets continue as normal.

💡 Local businesses are being included in activations and events.

👉 What do you think?
Should Surfers Paradise keep its Esplanade car-free forever, or bring the cars back? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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#SurfersParadise #GoldCoast #EsplanadeClosure #PedestrianZone #FamilyFriendly #Firetruck #QueenslandFire #AerialAppliance #EmergencyResponse #GoldCoastLife #LocalStories #CityChanges #GCCC #GoldCoastCityCouncil #tourism

Music from #Uppbeat:
Songs on this video:

Uptown Swag, performed by RA
https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/uptown-swag
License code: HTWONXBUZPFBR3GZ

Do Your Thing, performed by Pecan Pie
https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/do-you...
License code: ECJBSHM8RVD3L0CJ

Just Now, performed by Pecan Pie
https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/just-now
License code: VEZDDWH21T3IFEL6

The Breeze, performed by Pecan Pie
https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/the-br...
License code: GKDLBVBT9NSK7VFF

Summertime Strut, performed by Hartzmann
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/summer...
License code: HAS9LE6I0RTJGHK

Paradise, performed by All Good Folks
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/p...
License code: CNCOSWD8MGXURLNK