Documenting Palm Beach, Gold Coast — in monochrome
As a Gold Coast photographer — and a local who has watched Palm Beach change over the years — I’ve been documenting the rise of high-rise apartments along the Gold Coast Highway through black and white photography.
The rezoning of Palm Beach was meant to work hand-in-hand with the proposed Stage 4 of the G:link light rail. The idea was simple: higher-density living supported by world-class public transport, less reliance on cars, and a better connection between Burleigh, the airport, and Coolangatta.
But with Stage 4 officially cancelled, what we’re left with is the growth without the backbone. Palm Beach now has construction cranes lining the horizon, new towers filling once-quiet streets, and more congestion on the Gold Coast Highway — but no tram to ease the pressure.
Through my lens, I’ve tried to capture both the ambition and the irony. In monochrome, the new developments stand stark and geometric against the sky, while traffic queues stretch below. The vibe of Palm Beach — once relaxed and beach-shack casual — feels heavier, its character shifting with each tower that rises.
These photographs are more than architecture; they are a record of a suburb in transition. As a local, I feel the tension between progress and preservation. As a photographer, I see the raw beauty in shadows, lines, and contrasts that tell the story of a community reshaped by decisions beyond its control.
Palm Beach will continue to grow. Whether it can hold on to its unique spirit depends on how we balance development, infrastructure, and the people who call this place home.
