Behind a landscape of roller-coasters, and over the screams of thrillseekers, another world of quiet parks and family residences exist in Oxenford.

Home to Australia’s largest purpose-built film water tank and best film production facilities, the suburb boasts a down-to-earth attitude, leaving the glitter and glam to the strip.

While parks are aplenty in the suburb, with Russell Hinze Park prized for its lake of ducks, Terrarium cafe owners Petrina Walker and partner Richard Matthews say the community is one of the friendliest on the Gold Coast.

“I have lived and worked on the Gold Coast for 13 years and compared to the hustle and bustle in the inner suburbs, Oxenford locals are from another planet,” Petrina says.

“At first I was worried they were all in a cult because they were so kind and polite, but it is just a fact that they are a friendly bunch.”

Petrina says her menu caters to the lifestyle of the locals.

“I have noticed the people in Oxenford are really good eaters; they really appreciate fresh and organic recipes we put out, and some of them tell me they have their own veggie gardens.

“I have always wanted wholesome food and it is great that the locals love our beetroot relish and organic bread.”

Petrina describes the cafe as a special treat for Oxenford.

“It’s located in a new complex my family built opposite the Coomera Lodge,” she says.

“After the shops burnt down across the road a couple of years ago the area needed a lift, and the complex provides retail and a doctor’s office.

“It’s something a bit special for the locals, who don’t want to travel to Main Beach for breakfast; they have the parks and the cafe is right next to the river crossing.”

Petrina says the cafe is a hot spot for mums, who catch up for coffee after dropping their children to school.

Infrastructure is growing with a new Kmart sprouting up next to Bunnings. Ray White Oxenford sales consultant Clint Hynes reckons the area is handy for locals and despite the theme parks the growth has given employment to a lot of locals.

“Years ago the older generation of residents petitioned against Movie World but they have grown to love it,” he says. “There are a lot of people right throughout the suburb who work at the theme parks and are finding the big brand shops very handy.”

Clint says his family visits the theme parks at least once a month.

“My son makes me go on the Green Lantern and it makes me sick every time,” Clint says.

According to Clint the suburb was originally built on pony trails, with the remains still seen in parks.

“The suburb has a real country feel because of how much space is available and there is still old farm land existing: I would say about 100 acres. There are still a handful of people who ride their horses in the parks with the old tracks,” Clint says.