Nerang was a thriving commercial centre long before Southport was settled. Nerang was a major staging point for Cobb & Co., and the terminus of the river shipping fleet.

In January 1870, there was not one person living on the Nerang Creek. However in just 2½ years the residents numbered more than 70; and of that, there were 27 children under the age of 15. The school was built in 1875 and had a total of 47 students. Thus the Nerang Community was established.

The extension of Cobb & Co's thrice-weekly coach service over ’the seven hills‘ between Coombabah and Nerang in late 1873 would prove to be the catalyst for the towns future development.

Amongst the businesses located on Price street, safe from rising flood waters, were a saddler, a butcher, a baker, a bootmaker, and Cockerill's Hotel.

In 1885 tenders were being called for a rail line to Southport & Nerang. September 15 1886 was the 2nd Nerang Agricultural Show. By this time a new exhibition shed was built on the showgrounds, a Court House and a School of Arts. A race meeting was scheduled at the Turf Club to coincide with the Show. The Ferry St Bridge was built in 1888-1889, and Nerang was a flourishing place.

Nerang has been evolving since the 1800's into one of Australia's most rapidly growing urban regions, far greater than even the most extravagent dreams of our pioneers. Remaining pasturelands are increasingly encroached by Housing Estates, Golf Courses, Shopping Centres & Schools. A vastly different world to the 1940's when progress was measured by plans for swamp drainage or the elusive dream of a bridge at Carrara.

Nerang is on the move. Boldly moving forward in all areas. Only time will tell just how far the growth of the local region will spread. However all indications show Nerang to be an area of great interest and future growth into a dominant hot spot in South East Queensland.