It is a sad fact of life that often you don’t see your own backyard until you have visitors come to stay and you show them around. This was the case with my latest backyard discovery, the Southport Spit area just north of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

Sand Pumping Jetty at Southport Spit

Southport Spit

Southport Spit is a narrow isthmus which splits the Southport Broadwater to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. At the top of the spit is the Southport Seaway which gives safe passage to boats and yachts into the safe harbour of the Southport Broadwater from the ocean.

Southport Seaway

Once you diverge into Seaworld Drive from Main Beach the road in passes the Southport Yacht Club and Marina, Fishermans Cove and Marina Mirage Shopping Centre, the luxurious hotels of Palazzo Versace and Sheraton Mirage, Boat Jetty, Fishing Trawlers and the fun park Seaworld. Plus there is also a large 3-4km open area with several dog exercise, picnic spots and places to put in your boat.

Marina Mirage at Southport Spit

You can stroll out along the breakwall to the end and watch the boats come into the seaway. Or you can watch surfers and body boarders also use this passage to get to the surf beach located on the other side of the breakwall on South Stradbroke Island.

Southport Spit Breakwall

Many fisherman also try their luck fishing off the rocks at the seaway where there is flathead, tailor, trevally and a few Australian salmon readily available

The beach on the ocean side and in particular near the Sand Pumping Jetty, is a favourite for surfers as there are good breaks regardless of swell direction, with the conditions more dependent on the strength and direction of the wind. There are plenty of access points for surfers to find beach breaks with very few other surfers in the water.

Southport Spit & Sand Pumping Jetty

The northern end of the beach is a pleasant spot for picnics, or just to relax and watch the waves on the shore. It’s a perfect place to get away from the crowds and the beach is dog friendly.

Federation Walk meanders along the sand dunes on the ocean side, stretching from Main Beach to the Seaway. It is an easy walk on crushed sandstone path that also attracts mountain bike riders and joggers.

Federation Walk, Southport Spit

There is a kiosk which sells drinks, icecreams, burgers and many other delights or you can grab some fresh seafood from the co-op on the drive back in along Seaworld Drive.

Southport Broadwater

If you have a boat the Southport Spit is a great place to launch it and cruise around the calm waters of the Broadwater and maybe even over to Wavebreak Island or South Stradbroke Island. There is plenty of marine life to observe in the waters such as jellyfish, different species of fish and playful dolphins.

Boating in the calm waters of the Southport Broadwater

On the Broadwater side of Southport Spit there are many places with lovely white sandy beaches that are safe for swimming and ideal for relaxing.

Southport Broadwater Sandy Beach

The Broadwater also provides safe haven for boats and yachts which anchor in the sheltered calm waters for the night or a few days.

Yachts anchored on the Broadwater

And lastly, but not least, is the Gold Coast top tourist attraction and well loved theme park, Seaworld which is located at Southport Spit.

Seaworld Theme Park on the Southport Spit

This area would have to be one of Gold Coast’s best kept secrets! You can drive past the posh and upmarket Sheraton Mirage, Palazzo Versace and Marina Mirage Shopping Centre into a completely different world. A fabulous area that has been virtually untouched and has pristine beaches and waterways, is dog friendly and is never very crowded. I think I will be visiting the Southport Spit on a more regular basis!