Southport
Southport is considered the central business district of the Gold Coast and continues to experience massive growth which underpins the modernisation of this historically significant location.
One of the Gold Coast's largest shopping complexes, Australia Fair is centrally located, plus there’s an abundance of trendy cafes and restaurants, the Southport Yacht Club and the exclusive Marina Mirage boutiques.
Southport is conveniently located close to the Gold Coast's world famous surf beaches and exciting attractions and theme parks, such as Seaworld.
Claiming its name from the fact it was the southern most port for the colony of Queensland, it has been through this historic significance that the Gold Coast district will unveil a new and exciting initiative in 2009.
The beautiful parklands along the Broadwater providing visitors with great picnic areas and water-lined walkways. Being the largest expanse of calm water in Australia the area is particularly popular for boating and other watersports. Southport's swimming enclosure and pool complex are popular with families.
The Southport shoreline, covering nearly three kilometres of parkland is a key recreational asset for the residents of the Gold Coast and wider community.
the parklands have gradually become disconnected from the Southport CBD and this is our chance toreally open up this beautiful space to a wide range of recreation and relaxation.
The redevelopment of the parklands will:
- incorporate world-class design
- re-connect Southport Central Business District with the Broadwater
- generate a strong sense of community, regional identity and celebrate the history of Southport
- create a more natural landscape for family activities, cultural events and active recreation
- incorporate environmentally sustainable design
- ensure energy efficiency and water sustainability
- provide a high quality space to attract world class events
Above all, the new parklands will provide a community facility that celebrates 150 years of Queensland as a separate state from New South Wales.
Southport is also home to the Gold Coast's award-winning Marina, the Southport Yacht Club's Main Beach clubhouse and the Hollywell Sailing Squadron which provides a world class sail training facility and caters to the needs of dinghy, multihull, trailer yacht and other off-the-beach classes. Southport Yacht Club hosts the prestigious Queensland Yachting Association IMS and IRC State Yachting Titles and conducts both offshore racing and cruising.
Southport Things To See & Do:
Southport has a range of attractions to offer for visitors to the area. Along the Broadwater there is a host of beautiful parkland, featuring picnic areas and walkways. For those with a desire for adventure then the Broadwater offers a range of watersports.
Southport is also home to a selection of shopping malls and boutiques, as well as some modern cafes and restaurants. Australia Fair is a large shopping mall which features over 230 stores, supermarkets, food court, cinema and even a hotel, with Southport Mall featuring a range of shops and cafes for a relaxed and friendly day.
Trade Secrets, the Brickworks, is another popular shopping mall which offers upto 50% discount on fashion labels.
For entertainment you can head to the Parklands Showground on Smith Street, which offers Greyhound racing every Wednesday afternoon and Harness racing every Thursday afternoon. There are also other events held here throughout the year, which are very popular.
There is also a selection of accommodation in Southport ranging from hostel accommodation to apartments and hotels.
The Gold Coast Broadwater stretches north from Southport past Labrador, Biggera Waters, Anglers Paradise, Runaway Bay, Hollywell and Paradise Point. The Broadwater is protected by The Spit (to the South) and South Stradbroke Island (to the North).
A wonderful waterfront promenade is located along the Broadwater starting at Biggera Waters in the North continuing to Southport in the South. Attractive parkland and a number of parks can also be found along the promenade ideal for walking, cycling and relaxing.
The Broadwater is also a popular area for boating, due to its calm waters. The Broadwater also offers safe access to the Pacific Ocean throught the Gold Coast Seaway (at the end of The Spit).
Fishing is another popular sport on the Broadwater. You can either fish from the shore, or hire a small boat to explore the Broadwater waters. Alternatively you can take part in a Broadwater or deep sea fishing charter, many of which depart from the Broadwater. There are also a number of watersports that you can enjoy including parasailing, windsurfing, kite surfing and speed boating.