Southport isn’t just a place you pass through – it’s where the Gold Coast slows down and shows its soul. Away from the tourist crowds, locals live a lifestyle that blends coastal ease with urban grit. From bustling markets to hidden eateries and community arts, Southport’s attractions invite you to explore its everyday magic. If you want to experience the Gold Coast like a true local, this is where your journey begins.
Eating
Forget the flash beachfront restaurants – Southport’s food scene is all about hidden gems and multicultural flavours. Start your day with a coffee from one of the tucked-away cafés like Percy’s Corner, a heritage-listed espresso bar inside an old ambulance station. For lunch, locals love the authentic Asian eateries in the Chinatown precinct, where you’ll find everything from sizzling Korean BBQ to handmade dumplings and Vietnamese pho. Dinner might mean a cocktail and casual bite at Mr PP’s Rooftop and Laneway, a multi-level pizzeria. The vibe is relaxed, the portions generous and the flavours unforgettable.
Shopping
Shopping is a Southport experience full of charm, made for discovering character and community. Wander down Nerang Street and you’ll stumble upon quirky boutiques, vintage stores, and family-run businesses that have been part of the neighbourhood for years. Don’t miss Wayfarers Shopping Arcade, a stunning, Victorian-era arcade on Lord Street that’s home to over 30 independent retailers, art studios and cafes. For those who love a good treasure hunt, Southport’s op shops are packed with pre-loved fashion, books, and homewares, offering a sustainable and budget-friendly way to shop with heart.
Culture
Southport’s cultural scene thrives in subtle ways. Gold Coast Little Theatre offers intimate performances that locals flock to, while the Southport Broadwater Parklands hosts regular community events, from food truck Fridays to outdoor movie nights. Don’t miss the Chinatown Street Markets, held monthly, where music, dance, and food come together in a celebration of the area’s rich cultural diversity.
Experience Southport with Airtrain
There are countless Southport experiences to enjoy, and Airtrain can help you get there. Airtrain offers a reliable, comfortable service that bypasses unexpected delays and helps make travel easier. Travel seamlessly from Brisbane Airport into the heart of the Gold Coast with Airtrain & tram. Our services run every 15 minutes during peak times taking you all the way to Helensvale station, where you can then take the G:link tram to Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.
Get to Southport’s attractions with a go card – the fast, easy and convenient way to travel. The go card can be used on all Queensland public transport.
The Smart Ticketing system offers more ways to pay, for a more convenient journey. Smart Ticketing allows you to pay with your Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards at any South East Queensland train station, including Brisbane Airport.