Queensland is hoping to use the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games to overhaul the city's image as the home of buck's weekends, Schoolies and "white-shoe brigade" developers.

Organisers want to use the experience of hosting the Games – the largest event in Australia in over a decade – to leave a legacy for the Gold Coast that's not just about the Sunset Strip, but a chance to show Australia's sixth largest city is gaining some clout in the business and research world as well.