Southport Gold Coast

Check Out How Southport Is Changing!

Cafes such as these under Pivotal Point are creating a new feel to the area

North of Surfers Paradise and Main Beach on the Nerang River and Broadwater - it is one of the oldest suburbs in the Gold Coast.

Southport is now enjoying a major rejuvenation. Great new cafes are springing up under the new buildings like the one shown above.  

Caffemio is under the Pivotal Point building which is on the northern side of Australia Fair.  Caffemio is typical of the kinds of cafes you will find.  This one is especially good on a Saturday morning when it is quiet!  

If you like hot chocolate their Italian Hot Chocolate is worth a visit - rich and thick! Two thumbs up from my chocoholic husband!  

The area is traditionally a business hub.  During the week it is busy with Gold Coasters shopping or catching a bite to eat whilst ducking out from the office.

Marine Parade runs adjacent to the Broadwater has some areas that can be enjoyed by all including:

• park areas
• childrens playgrounds
• entertainment areas
• broadwater beach
• a swimming enclosure in the Broadwater

Southport Beach play boats on the sand by the swimming enclosure

The main types of accommodation here are apartments close to or on Marine Parade including some holiday apartments in building like Pivotal Point which has amazing views.

Attractions
Southport is central to many of the attractions whilst being a bit away from the main hubbub.

There is no ocean surf beach frontage.  If you want the buzz stay in  Surfers Paradise, Main Beach or Broadbeach.

It is not a place to stay and walk to restaurants and activities. Although, there are some good restaurants in the area including the fabulous seafood at Georges Paragon which now has a restaurant under the Pivotal Point Building.

Georges Paragon Southport - greek seafood restaurant

I highly recommend you hire a car if you base yourself in Southport.  If you don't like the hassle of driving yourself you will be able to find other transport options quite easily here.

Another little secret the locals like to keep up their sleeves is the trendy Ferry Road Markets – especially good if you are looking for a bit of Melbourne sophistication!

• Australia Fair – shopping centre, food hall and cinemas

• Southport Library – large library including local interest collections

Southport Olympic Pool - 50m lap pool, play pool and diving pool

• Southport Olympic Swimming Pool – 50m, 25m and diving pools are all outdoor and heated plus an indoor heated pool and an outdoor children’s water play pool (not heated).

• Walking and Cycling Track along the foreshore from Surfers Paradise to Biggera Waters

• Queens Park Tennis Centre

• Broadwater Parks & Playgrounds – playgrounds scattered along the foreshore walking track – including a great bike and scooter track and a train ride during school holidays and weekends.

Playgrounds in Southport by Broadwater

• Beach and Swimming Enclosure – calm water beach and swimming enclosure with beach shower and shade cover.

• Ferry Road Markets – food markets and eateries with a touch of Melbourne class! Great place to pick up food for a picnic or easy prepare dine-in food.

Ferry Road Markets in Brickworks

Accommodation
For your convenience some of the links below may open in a new window.

• Broadwater Tourist Park – 19, 4½ star cabins – one with disabled access and facilities. This tourist park offers over 200 sites including powered sites for caravans and campervans, un-powered sites for camping and 12 en-suite sites with private bathroom including shower, toilet and vanity.  As you can see from this photo there are some waterfront cabins.

Broadwater Tourist Park absolute waterfront cabins!

• The Rays Resort on the Broadwater – 3½ Star, 1 bedroom air-conditioned apartments also known as Breakfree Rays. All apartments have balconies.  Facilities set around tropical gardens with four BBQ areas, swimming pool, spa, gym and undercover secure parking.

This is a popular resort and quite well situated close to good transport links.

Click here for more information about Rays Resort including rates and availability.

Compare rates for The Rays Resort.

• Palmerston Tower – 3½ Star – 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, some with airconditioning.  

Facilities include heated pool and spa, wading pool for the kids, half sized tennis court, BBQ area and undercover secure parking.
 
Conveniently located close to Australia Fair and walking distance to Indy Track and Broadwater beaches and playgrounds.

Click here for more information about Palmerston Tower including rates and availability.

• Harbour Side Resort – 3½ Star, studio, one and two bedroom air-conditioned apartments located on Marine Parade in Southport at the northern end close to Labrador.  

This part of Marine Parade is a two lane major road.  Cross the road to the Broadwater park area with children's playgrounds, cycle and walkways.  Swimming enclosure at Southport is about a 15 minute walk, so is Australia Fair.

Resort facilities include in ground pool and spa, half tennis court, BBQ and entertainment pavilion.

Click here for more information about Harbour Side Resort including rates and availability.

• Swan Lane Apartments – 4 Star, one bedroom air-conditioned apartments with spa baths and balconies in the heart of Southport. 

Situated within walking distance to Australia Fair, the Gold Coast Indy Track and approximately 500m to Broadwater beaches. Features include heated swimming pool and spa.

This property doesn't have any outlook, but has good facilities.

• Blue Water Bay Luxury Villas – Self-rated 4 star, one and two bedroom apartments and two bedroom villas. 

Not all accommodation is air-conditioned so check before booking. Complex facilities include split-level swimming pool, heated spa, tennis court, barbecue, gym and sauna.

Golf Information

Southport Golf Club is a private members and guest only golf club.

Other Golf Courses within a 10 to 15 minutes drive are:

Resort Golf Clubs - open 7 days

• Palm Meadows Golf Course - Carrara
• Royal Pines Resort - Benowa
• Emerald Lakes - Carrara
• Lakelands Golf Course - Merrimac

Public Golf Courses

• Lakeside Country Club - Coombabah - 9 holes only
• Merrimac Public Golf Course - Merrimac

Private Golf Clubs - Members and Guests only

• Arundel Hills Country Club - Arundel
• Surfers Paradise Golf Club - Clear Island Waters

Semi-Private Golf Clubs - limited opportunities for non-members

• Gold Coast Country Club - Helensvale 
• Helensvale Golf Club - Helensvale
• Parkwood International Golf Club - Parkwood

Beach Information
Southport has beach frontage to the Broadwater along Marine Parade. There is a safe water swimming enclosure opposite Australia Fair.  

The closest ocean surf beach is Main Beach about 5 minutes by car.


Travel Times
Approximate travel times by motor vehicle - please note travel times can be affected by many factors including traffic hazards and roadworks. These are just an indication.

Directions for Car Travel
For directions and other information I recommend you use Google Maps Australia.  This will open in a new window, select the Get directions tab. Type in your starting point and where you want to go.  I find the format the easiest to use and follow.

Not found quite what you are looking for?

Other Broadwater suburbs are Labrador and Runaway Bay.

Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Main Beach offer luxury hotels and great quality apartments in an ocean beachside setting. Main Beach is quieter than Surfers Paradise.  Broadbeach has great restaurants and cafes.

For golfing holidays research Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island, Carrara or Robina.

When is the best time to visit?
That depends upon what you want to do, when you can come, your budget and what kind of weather you'd prefer! Check out my guide to the

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