Southport Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Southport showing general coastal views and a beach
This stretch of coast in the heart of the Gold Coast offers the perfect mix of sun-soaked beaches, wildlife encounters and leisurely shopping.

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.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Southport Hotel Deals

Woodroffe Hotel
Woodroffe Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Cnr Garden Street & White Street, Southport, QLD
The price is AU$136 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
AU$136
per night
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (862 reviews)
"Staff were exceptional from the getgo. We required short notice parking due to husband having ankle surgery two days prior to our stay. They organised a taxi for the conference we were attending. Room was clean and ready for our arrival."

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2024

Woodroffe Hotel
Meriton Suites Southport, Gold Coast
Meriton Suites Southport, Gold Coast
5 out of 5
2 Como Crescent, Southport, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$170 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
AU$170
per night
21 Mar - 22 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy 2 spa tubs, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,863 reviews)
"Even though the bathroom had a clog, the place was alright. The pool was really nice, with a great view and the water was just the right warmth."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Meriton Suites Southport, Gold Coast
Mantra at Sharks
Mantra at Sharks
4 out of 5
Corner Musgrave & Olsen Avenue, Southport, QLD
The price is AU$170 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
AU$170
per night
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (910 reviews)
A pleasing hotel to stay in
"We had an easy check in. Room was a good size though some cold water in the fridge would have been nice. Comfortable bedding and it was very quiet for a good night's sleep. Had a great buffet dinner at Frenzies."

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2024

Mantra at Sharks
voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is AU$182 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$182
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Breakfast was really good! Room was in great condition and no noise from neighbors or hallways could be heard. Very clean and nice hotel! Nice view from the room. Overall very satisfied!"

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
5 out of 5
38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is AU$320 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
AU$320
per night
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (291 reviews)
"Excellent property, so close to city, only one problem that wasnt addressed was a missed room make up one day, Don’t know how that could happen in such a wonderful place, room make up light was on green"

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
5 out of 5
158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$359 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
AU$359
per night
21 Mar - 22 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Breakfast every morning. We celebrated 10 years and they gave us dessert and a bottle of wine free. The pool was beautiful and truly we had an amazing time. The staff were awesome but just too many children. Needs to be an adult only section of the resort."

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Southport

Southport which includes a sandy beach, swimming and tropical scenes

Main Beach

Main Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Marina Mirage Shopping Centre and Doug Jennings Park, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Gold Coast.

Main Beach
Surfers Paradise showing a city, a sunset and a sandy beach

Surfers Paradise

Cavill Avenue and Home of the Arts are a few top attractions in Surfers Paradise. Hop around the city on the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station and check out the area's stunning beaches, luxurious spas and popular shops.

Surfers Paradise
Default Image

Labrador

Labrador is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Ian Dipple Lagoon or Chirn Park.

Labrador
Gold Coast which includes food, drinks or beverages and outdoor eating

Broadbeach Waters

Broadbeach Waters is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Dracula's Cabaret and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.

Broadbeach Waters
Broadbeach which includes a sandy beach, a high-rise building and skyline

Broadbeach

The stunning beaches, first-class casinos and popular shops are notable features of Broadbeach. Make a stop by The Star Gold Coast or The Oasis while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Broadbeach South Light Rail Station to get around town.

Broadbeach
Default Image

Carrara

Golf courses, restaurants and beaches highlight some of the noteworthy features of Carrara. Make a stop by Palm Meadows Golf Course or Heritage Bank Stadium while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Carrara


Southport Travel Guide

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