BEST OF SOUTHPORT AND BEYOND

Welcome to Southport and Surrounds

From Southport to Yatala, the Gold Coast’s northern suburbs deliver a captivating fusion of astounding natural beauty, thrilling attractions, and intriguing hidden gems.

Follow the thrill-seekers highway past iconic theme parks to the golden coastline, to discover the natural high of this northern playground. Luxury yachts float along meandering canals lined with luxe coastal living. A calm Broadwater offers serene sanctuary for water sport enthusiasts and an idyllic backdrop to picnics in the park. Uncrowded beaches beckon you for an unhurried stroll beside the sparkling sea, where waves provide a soothing soundtrack to ultimate relaxation. Great foodie finds also feature on the menu, with a treasure trove of dining options to tempt your tastebuds.

Amp up the action or chillax and go with the flow. Whatever your preferred pace, you’re sure to experience the perfect holiday on the northern Gold Coast.

Broadwater Parklands

One of the best ways to get a feel for the laid-back charm of this area is with a visit to beautiful Broadwater Parklands. This peaceful precinct is idyllically nestled on the tranquil banks of the pristine Broadwater in the suburb of Southport. It offers a host family-friendly recreational facilities, including three playgrounds, a fishing jetty, bouncy pillow, rockpools sculptural play area, swimming enclosure, nature reserves and plenty of barbecues and picnic tables for alfresco entertaining with family and friends. The grassy expanses of the centrally located Great Lawn regularly hosts community and cultural celebrations and events, such as the Gold Coast Marathon and Mayor’s Christmas Carols. Many of its attractions have been developed with accessibility in mind, creating an inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.

Near the northern end of the park, the Peninsula Playground offers hours of entertainment for kids of all ages and abilities. A spiral tower offers four levels of interactive play, surrounded by a host of fun features such as slides, balance beams, carousel, climbing walls and stations that encourage sensory play. An adventure play attraction sits in the centre of the park, catering for the imaginative play of younger children with pirate ship and interactive learning equipment to encourage a sense of discovery. The Rockpools are a great place to cool off in warmer weather, with vibrant sea-themed sculptures, fountains, a creek bed and tidal rockpools to splash in and explore.

Further south, Washington Waters play attraction is ideal for bigger kids looking to burn off excess energy, with tandem pedal monorail, flying fox and giant inflatable bouncy pillow. Nearby you’ll find the Southport swimming enclosure, where you can take a refreshing dip in the calm, clear waters of the Broadwater.

With a warm and welcoming atmosphere and inclusive design, Broadwater Parklands offers a great day out for everyone!

Stroll along the Spit

Experience the serenity of nature and discover the untouched history of the Gold Coast with a stroll along Federation Walk at Southport Spit. The Spit is an iconic landmark that juts out from Main Beach into the Pacific Ocean, creating the Broadwater- a calm water oasis between the Spit and the peaceful shores of Southport and Labrador.

Federation Walk is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse your senses in this stunning natural environment. This 3.5-kilometre pedestrian path commences in the carpark opposite the entrance to Sea World, and traverses a 93-hectare reserve of undeveloped dune systems and coastal vegetation. It emerges at the Spit’s northern tip, where it takes a right turn and extends along the length of the southern training wall of the breakwater. Here you’ll stand at the mouth of the mighty Gold Coast Seaway. To your left, the sparkling calm waters of the Southport Broadwater stretch out before you, dotted with the gleaming masts of luxury yachts or the laden hulls of fishing boats returning to shore with their ocean bounty. On your right, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean crashes against the golden sands, creating a mesmerizing rhythmic collision of sand and sea. The sound of seabirds fishing for dinner carries on the cool breeze, along with the sweet, salty scent of the ocean.

At the northern end of the Spit, just west of the Federation Walk, you’ll find DougJennings Park. Popular with locals and visitors alike, this tranquil parkland features open grassland perfect for picnics and relaxed recreation, as well as a sheltered swimming beach that’s popular with young families. A paved level path hugs the calm eastern edge of the Broadwater, leading towards the Seaway section of the Federation Walk.

Main Beach magic – Tedder Avenue

Nestled between the glistening Southport Broadwater and the golden sands and perfect surf breaks of Main Beach lies an iconic avenue that captures the very essence of Gold Coast living.

Tedder Avenue exudes an unmistakable air of sophistication and coastal charm and is the place where everyone from sassy socialites to salty surfies come to experience the delightful fusion of up-market shopping, exquisite dining, and a vibrant atmosphere.

The palm-lined boulevard is adorned with unique shops, art galleries, and high-end fashion boutiques, enticing you to explore each inviting storefront. Window displays showcase the latest styles, and art galleries proudly exhibit works from talented local artists.

By day, the alluring aroma of freshly brewed coffee beckons from the charming cafes lining the promenade. Take time to sit and linger over a rich espresso, as you bask in the sunshine of alfresco dining areas and watch the world go by.

Tedder Avenue is also a haven for food enthusiasts, offering an eclectic range of culinary delights from around the globe. Immerse yourself in a gastronomic adventure with choices ranging from refined seafood restaurants to trendy bistros serving contemporary cuisine. Whether you opt for a succulent seafood platter, artisanal pizza, or modern flavour fusion, the diverse dining options leave you spoiled for choice.

As the sun sets, the avenue’s charming alure transforms. String lights illuminate the trees, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for an evening stroll. Live music drifts through the air from the nearby bars and lounges, adding a touch of vibrancy to the sophisticated setting.

Cruising the high-life

Float into a world of opulent luxury and stunning natural splendour as you cruise the tranquil waterways of Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island.

You don’t need to be a millionaire to get a taste of this elite enclave. There’s plenty of houseboats, party pontoons, guided cruises or sunset sailing tours to give you a close-up encounter with ‘how the other half live’. And with more waterways than Venice, there’s plenty of cruising to satisfy even the most insatiable appetite!

As your boat glides through the calm waters of the canals, you are greeted by an array of stunning waterfront mansions in these prestigious master-planned communities for the rich and famous. These architectural masterpieces, boasting contemporary designs and elegant facades, reflect the epitome of luxury living. Each property is adorned with immaculate gardens, private jetties, and watercraft, creating an air of exclusivity and sophistication. Nearby, the gentle tinkle of gleaming masts may be heard in the impressive marina. Perhaps step ashore to explore the swanky waterfront precinct with its high-end boutiques and fine dining restaurants.

The lush greenery lining the canals casts a tranquil ambiance, and the calls of colourful parrots and forms of graceful pelicans float in the air. Dolphins and turtles glide effortlessly through the protected waterways, every bit as elegant as the opulence above the surface.

Several local tour companies offer cruises in the area, with knowledgeable guides providing fascinating audio insights into the history and development of Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island.

As the sun starts to set, even the water’s surface seems to shimmer and sparkle, as it reflects the golden glow of the days last rays. Pour some bubbles and raise a toast to experiencing a little taste of luxury on your tranquil cruise through the Gold Coast canals.

Accessibility

The Gold Coast’s northern suburbs boast a range of transport options to help you get about with ease. The Hopo ferry offers a cruisy way to travel between Surfers Paradise and Southport, with convenient stops at Marina Mirage (the launch point for many canal cruises), Broadwater Parklands and SeaWorld on the Southport Spit. The G:Link light rail has frequent stops along the northern coast including Southport, Broadwater Parklands and Main Beach. Kinetic bus services, taxis and ride-share options are also available. For public transport journey planning information please visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

Broadwater Parklands features a host of accessible amenities, including designated disabled parking and wide, level pathways throughout the park. The Southport swimming enclosure features permanent beach matting, and a Changing Places adult change facility is located nearby. The northern Peninsula Playground offers a swag of accessible play equipment, including wheelchair-accessible nature and sensory play stations, an all-abilities swing, and in-ground trampolines suitable for wheelchair users. The Hopo pier and fishing jetty are step-free. For more information, please visit the Gold Coast City Council website at goldcoast.qld.gov.au and search Broadwater Parklands.

Designated disabled parking bays are available at Doug Jennings Park on the Spit, and at the beginning of the Seaway Walk. A concrete path extends along the full length of the breakwater to the seaway. Shelters and seating are provided enroute. Accessible toilets are in Doug Jennings Park, just north of the sheltered swimming beach.

For those travelling with service dogs, please note the Southport Spit is very popular with local dog owners. There is a large off-leash dog beach located between the jetty and the breakwater. Locals often walk their dogs on-leash along the Seaway Walk. Distractions aside, it’s a beautiful spot for you and your four-legged companion to stretch your legs by the sea.