mick123

A lovely spot, but don't believe all the bling you read. Copacabana is the suburb that both time and the local council (intentionally) forgot. There is a new surf club but the beachfront viewing area is a disgrace and more suited to the third world. Don't look for any curb and guttering as there isn't any. Some roads have deep gullies to carry away the water and others are falling apart. The nature strips and many peoples properties are choked with weeds or look unkept and unloved. The lagoon is frequently emptied with an excavator because the local council refuses to inject only a few dollars to fix it.
The beach is wonderful but the population is a mix of private holiday homes, long term rentals and short term rentals. Quite a few of the short term rentals were often used for bucks type parties until 2 years ago when the local council was forced to act, having inflicted the neighbours for years. An ambience has returned to the area but people who do not come for quiet enjoyment should reconsider if Copacabana is for them as party central is now closely policed.
Many of the locals are laid back, but they are generally friendly people. The area has for some time needed capital to stop the dilapidation but little has been done to fix the area despite high rates born by home owners. There is a lovely new surf club, but it has already been vandalised. Many of the roads, other than the beachfront, are in poor condition and lack of investment in the area has occurred for decades because of an apathetic population which has little community spirit or pride.
Don't judge the area by its warts alone and by the abandonment from the council which happily takes everyone's rates and gives little back. There a few celebrities who call this town home for good reason. Tourists are always welcome when they bring their families and come to Copa for a HOLIDAY. Welcome. Enjoy your stay.