Where to Stay and What to Do in Southport

While Southport might be known as the Gold Coast’s CBD, this northern hub is far more than office towers and business hours. Framed by waterfront parklands, wellness spots, family attractions and easy city access, it quietly delivers one of the most versatile all-round experiences on the coast. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a relaxed staycation or simply looking to explore a different side of the Gold Coast,  we’ve curated a collection of experiences that show off the best Southport has to offer.

Things To Do in Southport

Whether you’re making a splash on the Broadwater or settling in for a cinema session, Southport’s attractions cater to just about every kind of day out.

Broadwater Parklands

Southport’s social heart beats along the Broadwater, where sprawling green spaces, waterfront paths and picnic areas make the parklands a magnet for locals and visitors alike. On any sunny afternoon, expect to find families rolling out picnic rugs, cyclists weaving along the foreshore and groups gathering around barbecues with uninterrupted water views. 

You'll also find one of the coast’s most impressive all-abilities playgrounds along the foreshore. Giant slides, climbing structures and interactive equipment create a colourful adventure space designed for chilren of all ages and abilities. 
Location: Marine Parade, Southport 

Splash pools and playground at Broadwater Parklands

The splash zone has become a Gold Coast institution during warmer months, with fountains, water cannons and tipping buckets keeping kids entertained for hours. Nearby playgrounds and shaded seating areas make it easy for families to settle in for an entire afternoon by the water.
Location: Marine Parade, Southport 

GC Aqua Park

Floating offshore on the Broadwater, GC Aqua Park delivers pure high-energy fun! The inflatable obstacle course features giant slides, trampolines, climbing walls and balance beams that almost guarantee somebody will end up splashing into the water every few minutes. It’s become a favourite for birthday parties, school holiday outings and group adventures.
Location: Marine Parade, Southport 

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

Originally upgraded for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre remains one of the suburb’s standout sporting facilities. Alongside elite competition pools and diving platforms, the centre also offers public swimming areas and leisure facilities just moments from the Broadwater.
Location: Marine Parade, Southport 

Vikasati Bathhouse 

Southport’s wellness scene has expanded with the arrival of Vikasati Bathhouse, a calming retreat centred around hot and cold therapy experiences. Guests can rotate between magnesium pools, saunas, steam rooms and ice baths in a minimalist space designed for relaxation and recovery. 
Location: 15 Pinter Dr, Southport

Dendy Cinemas Southport

Located in Queen Street Village, Dendy Cinemas offers a more elevated movie experience with luxury lounge seating and a mix of blockbuster releases, independent films and special screenings. It’s an easy rainy-day option or date-night addition while exploring the suburb. 
Location: Queen Street Village, 129 Queen St, Southport

Zero Latency

Zero Latency transforms multi-player gaming into a fully immersive experience with next level free-roam virtual reality set up. Up to 8 players at a time are fitted with VR headsets and motion sensor controllers to battle zombie hordes, fight killer robots, or solve optical puzzles, unrestricted by cables, wires or walls.
Location: 34 Smith Street, Southport 

Southport Accommodation

Mantra at Sharks

Connected directly to the Southport Sharks precinct, Mantra at Sharks combines hotel convenience with entertainment at your doorstep. Restaurants, bars, fitness facilities and live events are all within walking distance, making it a popular option for sporting weekends and family stays. Aviary Rooftop Bar, located on the top floor of Mantra at Sharks, is the ideal spot to watch the sunset over Southport. 
Location: Melia Court, Southport

TRYP by Wyndham Southport Gold Coast

Bringing a contemporary boutique feel to the suburb, TRYP by Wyndham pairs modern interiors with rooftop amenities and a central location close to Southport’s shopping and entertainment precincts. When it comes to dining, you don’t need to venture far with TRYP by Wyndham’s Amore Ristorante showcasing the finest Italian dishes in the CBD.
Location: 59 Meron Street, Southport

Meriton Suites Southport

Towering above the Broadwater, Meriton Suites Southport offers apartment-style accommodation with full kitchens, laundry facilities and expansive water views. Its central location makes it popular with families and longer-stay travellers wanting easy access to both the Broadwater and central Southport. 
Location: 2 Como Crescent, Southport

Broadwater Tourist Park

Positioned directly opposite the water, Broadwater Tourist Park delivers a classic Gold Coast holiday experience with caravan sites, cabins and easy foreshore access. There’s two swimming pools, tennis court, playground, camp kitchens and a boat ramp making this the ultimate holiday for families and road trippers.
Location: 169 Marine Parade, Southport 

Sand Castles on the Broadwater

Offering spacious apartment-style accommodation and resort-style facilities, Sand Castles on the Broadwater remains a popular pick for visitors wanting waterfront access and a relaxed family-friendly base while exploring the Gold Coast.
Location: 392-398 Marine Parade Carpark entrance:, 6 Parker St, Labrador 
  

Best Places to Eat in Southport

Southport’s food scene is a vibrant mix of cultures and flavours, where variety is part of the appeal. From elevated rooftop venues to comforting bowls of noodles, the suburb has quietly become a culinary hub well worth discovering.

Day Off

Gold Coast’s tropical climate calls for the coolest coffee in town and Day Off’s viral -86°C sips turn your coffee into a into an almost-dessert. Enjoy with a loaded sourdough slab like the Bacon and Egg and you’ll feel like you’re having a day off, even if you’re not! 
Location: 2 Short Street, Southport

SupermarCat Cat Café

Tucked inside Southport’s Chinatown precinct, this purr-fectly cosy spot serves up brunch favourites, flaky pastries and adorable cat-inspired drinks alongside plenty of feline affection. Large windows let the fluffy residents keep watch over Davenport Street. 
Location: 1a/2 Davenport St, Southport 

Fire Baby & Ember

Fire Baby & Ember is a two-in-one dining destination that delivers double the flavour. Upstairs at Fire Baby, it’s all about wood-fired pizzas crafted from premium ingredients. Downstairs at Ember, things get a little more dramatic, with flame-licked steaks and charcoal-grilled seafood stealing the show.
Location: 8–10 Welch Street, Southport

River House 

Sitting pretty on the Nerang, River House is a three-level venue made for afternoons that drift into sunset cocktails and elegant evening feasts. With acclaimed chef Grant Madgwick at the helm, you can expect seasonal Australian produce with European and Asian influences. (Pictured in main image)
Location: 2 Barney Street, Southport

Chinatown

From spicy noodle soups and handmade dumplings to bubble tea and late-night desserts, Southport’s Chinatown is a must-visit for food lovers. The streets are lined with restaurants serving authentic dishes from across Asia, making it one of the most vibrant dining precincts on the Gold Coast. 
Location: Davenport St & Young Street, Southport

Ready To Go?

Whether you’re wandering the Broadwater at sunrise, jumping between splash zones and aquaparks, catching a film or sinking into a bathhouse steam, Southport has a way of turning an ordinary day into something extraordinary.