Southport: Parklands, Sport, Art and Chinatown

Southport brings together several distinct reasons to visit: at Broadwater Parklands, play, water, exercise and major events take centre stage; the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre focuses on swimming. Gallery 8 showcases art, while Chinatown offers spicy noodle soups, handmade dumplings, bubble tea and desserts until late in the evening. If you’re looking for a hotel in Southport, your reason for visiting can help you organise your plans. A competition, a gallery visit or a trip to the Parklands each raises different questions about dates and activities.

Play, water and exercise at Broadwater Parklands

Broadwater Parklands has three playgrounds for children of different ages and abilities. This provides a practical point of reference when planning a trip with children: you can consider which age and ability groups are relevant to your visit. As the number and range of facilities may change, check the latest information before your trip.

There is also the Rockpools water play area and a netted swimming area accessed via a pontoon. These are different water-based options; if your plans depend on swimming, check the information about the swimming area and its access beforehand. The facilities also include a fitness area with equipment for bodyweight and functional training, designed to accommodate wheelchair users. The options described therefore range from play and water to exercise.

The Parklands also host major events such as music festivals, sporting events and fairs. As the event schedule varies, check the specific dates if you’re planning a visit.

Competitions and swimming programmes

The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport regularly hosts local, national and international elite sporting competitions. It also offers school swimming and learn-to-swim programmes, as well as diving instruction programmes; the learning programmes are aimed at a school audience. This makes a difference when planning your trip: a stay around a competition depends on its date, while for a learning programme, the specific offering matters. Competition schedules and programme availability may change; check the information relevant to your reason for visiting beforehand.

Art and food in Southport

Gallery 8 showcases original artworks by established and emerging Australian artists. The range spans painting and photography to sculpture and mixed media. There are also regularly changing exhibitions and special events such as Art Weekend for emerging artists. If you’d like to plan your visit around a particular exhibition or event, check the gallery’s current opening information and the relevant date beforehand.

Southport’s Chinatown offers spicy noodle soups, handmade dumplings, bubble tea and desserts until late in the evening. The selection includes savoury dishes as well as drinks and sweets. If you’re looking for a specific dish, bear in mind that individual businesses and menus may change.

Plan your journey

The G:link light rail runs through Southport. If you’re planning to use it for your trip, check the latest service information beforehand, as routes may change.

Discover more destinations: Coochiemudlo Island, Thulimbah, Mount Ommaney, Atherton, Lyra, Mount Coolum, Surfers Paradise, Kin Kin

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