Broadwater Parklands is a three-kilometre waterfront park on Marine Parade in Southport, opposite Australia Fair. Its lawns and foreshore suit a picnic or walk, while the Southport Rockpools bring fountains, water jets and a man-made creek within reach of the shore. Families can also find playgrounds, a swimming enclosure and a bike track. Come for active time with children or a slower stop by the Broadwater, where you can watch birds and small fish in the water.
A waterfront park in Southport
Broadwater Parklands runs along the Southport foreshore on Marine Parade, opposite Australia Fair. The park stretches for about three kilometres, with open lawns, paths and places to stop beside the water. It is about a five-kilometre drive north of Surfers Paradise.
The parkland was developed from a former car park. Its facilities now include picnic tables, public BBQs, a fishing pier and a large lawn used for sport. The southern section has 2.8 hectares of open space, roughly the size of four football fields. The Broadwater setting makes it easy to combine a walk or picnic with time by the shore.
Play areas and swimming
Southport Rockpools is the park’s water-play area, with a man-made creek, fountains, jets and artificial waterfalls. The shallow play features are aimed at younger children, with options to keep older kids occupied too. Lifeguards monitor the area during the day.
There are also playgrounds with swings, slides and climbing equipment, plus a zip line and a jumping pillow. A pedal monorail track circles the playground area. For children learning to ride, the mini traffic course has obstacles and weaving poles.
A netted swimming enclosure provides a sheltered place for a dip, with a permanent pontoon in the water. The Broadwater is calmer than the surf beaches, though boats and paddleboarders also use the area. If you go kayaking, watch for other water users.
Markets and a day outdoors
The Southport Broadwater Parklands Markets take place on Sundays. More than 100 stalls sell fresh produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts and gifts. Food vendors serve breakfast and lunch, and the stalls sit beside parkland where children can play.
For a longer outing, bring a picnic or use one of the public BBQs. The lawns suit ball games and frisbee, while paths provide room to walk or cycle. Cafes, including Barrel Espresso, are nearby. Check the park’s official information for current details before setting out.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where are Broadwater Parklands?
The park is on Marine Parade in Southport, opposite Australia Fair. It stretches along the Broadwater foreshore.
Is there a fee to visit Broadwater Parklands?
The park is free to visit. Some individual activities may have separate arrangements, which are not specified here.
What can children do at Broadwater Parklands?
Children can play at Southport Rockpools, use the playgrounds and jumping pillow, ride the pedal monorail or try the mini traffic course.
When are the Southport Broadwater Parklands Markets?
The markets operate on Sundays, with stalls selling produce, food, crafts and gifts.
