Catch Airtrain to Southport, a diverse and dynamic precinct on the northern end of the Gold Coast, known for its expansive parklands, excellent shopping, aquatic facilities, and family-friendly attractions. As one of the Gold Coast’s oldest and most established suburbs, Southport blends urban convenience with natural beauty, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
At the heart of the area lies the Southport Broadwater Parklands—a sprawling waterfront space that stretches along the shimmering Gold Coast Broadwater. This picturesque parkland is the suburb’s crown jewel, offering a wide range of recreational activities and event spaces set against a scenic coastal backdrop.
Broadwater Parklands: Outdoor Fun for Everyone
The Broadwater Parklands is a standout feature of Southport, providing something for all ages:
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Rockpools Water Playground – A free, interactive splash zone for kids, complete with fountains, waterfalls, and water jets.
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Picnic and BBQ areas – Perfect for relaxed family outings or social catch-ups with friends.
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100-metre pier and swimming enclosure – Ideal for swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying Broadwater views.
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Jumping pontoon – A favourite with kids and teens looking to cool off and have fun.
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Southport Aquatic Centre – A world-class facility that hosted events during the 2018 Commonwealth Games. It includes Olympic-standard swimming pools, diving platforms, and public lap pools.
The parklands also host a full calendar of community events, festivals, fitness classes, and open-air concerts throughout the year, making Southport one of the Gold Coast’s most activated spaces.
Shopping, Dining, and Urban Lifestyle
Right next to the Parklands is Australia Fair Shopping Centre, offering a wide variety of stores including major retailers, specialty fashion, tech, health, and home goods. With its own cinema complex and food court, it’s a convenient stop for shopping or catching a movie.
Southport’s streets also feature a growing mix of cafés, international restaurants, and boutique eateries, making it an increasingly popular dining destination. From casual eats to gourmet fare, there’s something to suit every palate.
Connectivity and Nearby Attractions
Southport is well-connected via the G:link light rail, providing fast and easy access to other Gold Coast hotspots including Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Helensvale. Just across the Broadwater and easily accessible by tram or car is Sea World, one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic family attractions. While technically not within Southport itself, Sea World is closely associated with the area and forms part of the broader visitor experience.
Southport is also home to a number of educational institutions, legal and medical facilities, making it not just a tourist destination but a central part of the Gold Coast’s commercial and civic life.
Whether you’re after beachside relaxation, family fun, great shopping, or lively community events, catch Airtrain to Southport for a little bit of everything—making it a true all-rounder and a must-visit part of the Gold Coast.
Directions from Southport Tram Station:
- Exit Southport Tram Station and you are right in the heart of Southport.
- Turn left and walk 50m and you are at the entrance to Chinatown.
- Turn right and walk 500m and you are in the Broadwater Parklands.
- Turn right and walk 200m and Australia Fair Shopping Centre is on your right.
