Southport
Just north of Surfers Paradise, Southport is a bustling business, entertainment, and luxury residential hub overlooking the Broadwater and the Pacific Ocean. A fashionable seaside resort destination with plenty of activities for the whole family, Southport also offers easy access to popular theme parks like Sea World and Dreamworld.
The Basics
Despite the fact that Southport is the most populous region of the Gold Coast and a popular tourist destination, the beaches around it, including Main Beach, are less crowded than their southern neighbors. Families will enjoy the sheltered areas on the inner side of the Spit as well as expansive parkland around the Broadwater. Plenty of charters, cruises, and water activities will keep anglers and water sports enthusiasts occupied. Extensive dining and shopping options will delight foodies and shopaholics.
Tour the Broadwater on a leisurely canal cruise or a romantic sunset cruise. Those looking for more excitement can zip around on a jet boat, or take to the air in a jetpack, flyboard, or Jetovator. Or take a kayak, snorkel, or bushwalk tour to nearby South Stradbroke Island or Wave Break Island. Combo tickets that include one or multiple theme parks are also available.
Things to Know Before You Go
Temperatures in the summer can reach over 80°F (27°C), so don’t forget to pack a hat and sunscreen.
Swim only in designated areas and when lifeguards are presents, as the waves can be strong. Red-and-yellow flags indicate the beach is patrolled.
Shuttle buses connect Southport with area theme parks; tourist passes offering unlimited transfers are available.
How to Get There
Southport is located in the northern part of Gold Coast, 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) north of Surfers Paradise. It’s 52 miles (84 kilometers) southeast of Brisbane airport, and 19 miles (31 kilometers) northwest of Gold Coast airport.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The sun shines year-round at Southport, so it’s always a good time to visit for sun seekers. Temperatures are at their highest during the summer (December to February). November and December are busy periods, with “schoolies” and public holidays, and prices are at their highest. Visit in April or May for smaller crowds and lower prices.
Gold Coast Theme Parks
Most of the major theme parks on the Gold Coast are located in or close to Southport. Sea World is located north of Main Beach in Southport. Nearby theme parks include Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild Water World, Warner Bros. Movie World, WhiteWater World, and the Australian Outback Spectacular.
- Sea World Gold Coast
- Marina Mirage
- Infinity
- SkyPoint Observation Deck
- Broadbeach
- Dracula's Cabaret Gold Coast
- Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast
- Warner Bros. Movie World
- Burleigh Heads
- WhiteWater World
- Dreamworld
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Glow Worm Caves Tamborine Mountain
- Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
- Springbrook National Park