Southport, formerly known as Nerang Creek Heads, is the fashionable central business district of the Gold Coast. Southport offers the perfect mix of city and beach and gives easy access to some of the country’s most exciting theme parks. Take a dip in the ocean, go shopping or enjoy thrilling rides and shows.

Go fishing, hire a boat or enjoy one of the many water sports on offer at the Broadwater. This stretch of coast houses the Southport Yacht Club as well as various marinas. A little further south is Surfers Paradise, one of the Gold Coast’s most stunning places to enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

Take the children to Broadwater Parklands with its jumping pillow, playground and BMX circuit. The Rockpools is an exciting water playground for children of all ages. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the wide-open grassy areas or stop for a bite at the café. To escape the sun for a few hours, visit Australia Fair Shopping Centre and browse some of its 200 retail stores or watch a movie in the Senstadium Cinema.

Add a little adventure to your holiday and take a Splash Safaris Sea Kayaking Adventure. The tour will take you across the Broadwater to the beautiful white sandy beaches of South Stradbroke Island. Snorkel around Tipplers Passage or take a bushwalking trail around Couran Cove. Keep a look out for dolphins, eagles, stingrays or brahminy kites along the way.

In Sea World, in nearby Main Beach, enjoy close encounters with marine animals or let the kids splash in the water playgrounds. You can even take a parasailing lesson, rent a Jet Ski to cruise along the Broadwater or take a helicopter ride.

Southport is located just north of Surfers Paradise and overlooks the Broadwater and the Southport Spit. The nearest train station is located about 11 kilometres (7 miles) from the Southport central business district at Helensvale. Trains run frequently to Brisbane city and airport.