Southport is a coastal suburb and the central business district (CBD) of the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is approximately 4.2 kilometres north of Surfers Paradise and about 73.2 kilometres south-southeast of Brisbane. The suburb covers an area of roughly 15.6 square kilometres. It is bounded southeast by the Nerang River and northeast by the Gold Coast Broadwater, offering scenic waterfront views.
As of the 2021 census, Southport had a population of 36,786 residents. The median age of residents is 37 years, slightly below the national average. The suburb is culturally diverse, with 52.6% of residents born in Australia, followed by notable communities from New Zealand (6.7%), China (4.1%), England (4.0%), South Korea (3.1%), and Japan (1.9%).
Recognised as the CBD of the Gold Coast, Southport hosts the city's largest concentration of office space, totalling approximately 103,818 square meters. The suburb has experienced significant development, with 18 high-rise towers either completed, under construction or planned, reflecting its role as a commercial and residential hub.
Southport boasts several heritage-listed sites, including the former Pacific Cable Station buildings on Dixon Drive, the Main Beach Pavilion and Southport Surf Lifesaving Club, the Southport Bathing Pavilion, and the Southport War Memorial and Honour Rolls in the Broadwater Parklands. These sites highlight the suburb's rich historical significance and architectural heritage.
The suburb is home to prestigious educational institutions such as The Southport School (TSS), an all-boys school with expansive riverfront grounds, and St Hilda's School, the only all-girls school in the area, established in the early 1900s. These schools contribute to the suburb's appeal for families seeking quality education.
The Southport Broadwater Parklands provide residents and visitors with a waterfront precinct featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths, rivalling Brisbane's South Bank. The suburb also hosts various sporting clubs and events, including the Gold Coast Marathon and the Southport Surf Lifesaving Club, catering to diverse recreational interests.
The median property price for houses in Southport is approximately $970,000, with an annual capital growth rate of 10.23%. For units, the median price is around $663,500, with a growth rate of 17.64%. These figures indicate a robust property market that attracts both investors and homebuyers.
Residents describe Southport as a vibrant suburb offering urban living and coastal charm. The area is noted for its accessibility to amenities, diverse dining options, and a strong sense of community, making it a desirable location for families, professionals, and retirees.