Southport

At the northern end of the internationally renowned tourist strip, Southport was the original administrative centre of the Gold Coast. Although it has been caught up in the tourist-driven development and extraordinary growth that has seen the city's population close rapidly on the 400,000 mark, Southport retains much of its early 20th century architectural character and is considered by many to be the Toorak of the Gold Coast.

Bordered by the Nerang River and the Broadwater, Southport beats to the rhythm of the sea and millions of dollars worth of craft tie up at the Southport Yacht Club and neighbouring marinas. Boats are available for fishing charters or pleasure cruises. The sheltered Broadwater is ideal for swimming, fishing, windsurfing, sailing, boating and jet skiing, and yet surf beaches are just a few minutes drive away. Beside the Broadwater there is a stretch of beautiful parkland, a popular family spot with shady picnic areas and pathways.

Southport boasts Australia Fair Shopping Centre, a large shopping mall with over 230 stores. There are also smaller malls and an outlet centre for discount fashion items.

One of the Gold Coasts"s acclaimed theme parks, Sea World, is just across the Broadwater on the Southport Spit. Fine accommodation, boutique shops and waterfront restaurants complete the Southport Spit"s reputation for indulgence and fun.

Further afield on the Gold Coast, you"ll find the other major theme parks, championship golf courses, shopping galore, wonderful surf beaches and activities ranging from museums to wildlife sanctuaries, art galleries to bowling clubs.

Things to do:

Take to the Broadwater - swimming, fishing, windsurfing, sailing, boating, jet skiing

Charter a boat - fishing or just for fun

Have a picnic - in the parkland beside the Broadwater

Sea World - Marine theme park just across the Broadwater

In the area:

Theme parks - Dreamworld, Movie World, Wet "n" Wild

Find out more about the Gold Coast