Best costal suburbs to move to in Brisbane/Gold Coast area

My partner and I are looking to relocate to Queensland from Canberra in the coming year. We are looking for a close community environment, preferable with good restaurants/cafes/pubs. We are also starting a family so a family so family friendly and good public/catholic schools would be a major bonus.
We have friends in Pimpama but would like to be a little closer to the water.
I am also concerned about finishing work, my partner is an electrician and would love to start his own business, and Im a cleaner.
Any information would be a great help!