The Spit Tourist Guide

Your tourist guide for The Spit provides you with the essential travel resources to plan your holiday!

The Spit on the northern Gold Coast stands out as one of Queensland’s most captivating coastal destinations, offering a rare mix of untouched beaches, calm waterways, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. This long peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and the Broadwater is known for its wide‑open spaces, natural beauty, and easy access to outdoor adventure. For travellers seeking a peaceful escape, a family‑friendly day out, or a scenic base to explore the Gold Coast, The Spit delivers an experience shaped by sun‑drenched shores, sparkling water, and a strong connection to nature.

A coastal setting defined by space, beauty, and tranquillity

The Spit is celebrated for its expansive, uncrowded coastline—an inviting contrast to the busier beaches further south. Visitors are greeted by sweeping ocean views, soft golden sand, and a sense of calm that makes it easy to slow down and breathe in the coastal air. Sunrise is a highlight here, with the horizon glowing in warm colours as waves roll gently onto the beach. Long walks along the shoreline are a favourite activity, offering kilometres of uninterrupted scenery ideal for jogging, beachcombing, or simply enjoying the rhythm of the ocean.

On the Broadwater side, the environment becomes serene and sheltered. The calm water is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, while the surrounding dunes and wetlands support a thriving coastal ecosystem. Wildlife is abundant—pelicans glide across the water, dolphins occasionally appear near the shore, and migratory birds feed along the sandbanks. With its blend of ocean, estuary, and bushland, The Spit is a paradise for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.

A vibrant marina precinct with dining and leisure

The Spit is also home to a lively marina precinct that showcases the Gold Coast’s relaxed waterfront lifestyle. The marina is dotted with luxury yachts, cruisers, and fishing vessels, creating a picturesque backdrop for dining and leisure. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of cafés, bars, and restaurants serving fresh seafood, modern Australian dishes, and international flavours. Whether it’s a long lunch overlooking the water or a sunset drink with views of the marina, the dining scene here captures the essence of coastal living.

Families will appreciate the spacious picnic areas, shaded grassy spots, and calm swimming zones that make the area ideal for a relaxed day by the water. Easy walking paths and open spaces create a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages. For those seeking adventure, The Spit offers access to jet skiing, sailing, fishing charters, and boat hire—perfect for exploring the Broadwater and the wider Gold Coast coastline.

A natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts

The Spit is a favourite destination for walkers, cyclists, and outdoor explorers thanks to its network of scenic trails. These paths wind through dunes, bushland, and waterfront reserves, offering peaceful routes with views across both the ocean and the Broadwater. The protected environment ensures the landscape remains pristine, making it a refreshing escape from the urban energy of Surfers Paradise and Main Beach.

Throughout the year, The Spit hosts community events, weekend markets, and seasonal celebrations that bring locals and visitors together. These gatherings add a lively, welcoming atmosphere and offer a chance to experience the Gold Coast’s friendly coastal culture.

A versatile destination for every type of traveller

One of The Spit’s greatest strengths is its versatility. Visitors can spend the day relaxing on the sand, exploring nature trails, enjoying a waterfront meal, or heading out on a boating adventure. Its convenient location – close to Main Beach, Sea World, and central Gold Coast attractions—makes it ideal for both day trips and longer stays.

Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic coastal getaway, or a solo retreat into nature, The Spit offers a refreshing blend of beauty, tranquillity, and recreation. With its unspoiled beaches, vibrant marina, and endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment, it remains one of the Gold Coast’s most appealing coastal destinations—a place where natural landscapes and relaxed seaside living come together effortlessly.

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The Spit Tourist Information Centre

This centre IS an accredited Visitor Information Centre and is one of the Gold Coast’s primary official visitor hubs.

Name: Southport Visitor Information Centre
Address: Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215
Phone: (07) 5532 4149
Opening Hours: Typically 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (7 days; seasonal variations)
Type: Accredited Visitor Information Centre
Region: Southport / Broadwater / Northern Gold Coast

The centre is staffed by trained volunteers and provides comprehensive information for Broadwater activities, Gold Coast attractions, transport, accommodation, events and regional touring.

What Area It Caters For

1. Southport CBD and Broadwater Parklands (Primary Area)

  • Southport CBD shops, dining and services
  • Broadwater Parklands (swimming, playgrounds, walking paths)
  • Rockpools water play area
  • Southport Pier and foreshore recreation
  • Local events, markets and festivals

2. Gold Coast Broadwater (Major Coverage)

  • Boating, fishing and kayaking locations
  • Marine parks, tidal flats and wildlife viewing
  • Charters, cruises and water‑based activities
  • Scenic waterfront cycling and walking routes

3. Southport Spit and Main Beach

  • The Spit (beaches, dog‑friendly areas, boating)
  • Federation Walk Coastal Reserve
  • Seaway access and diving/snorkelling sites
  • Main Beach dining and recreation precincts

4. Labrador and Biggera Waters

  • Labrador foreshore and Charis Seafood precinct
  • Harley Park and family‑friendly beaches
  • Biggera Waters calm‑water swimming areas
  • Local cafés, parks and Broadwater access points

5. Runaway Bay and Hollywell

  • Runaway Bay Marina and boating facilities
  • Hollywell foreshore parks
  • Quiet coastal recreation areas
  • Access to Broadwater islands and waterways

6. Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast Core Tourism Link)

  • Surfers Paradise Beach
  • Cavill Avenue precinct
  • Major attractions, entertainment and nightlife
  • Visitor information for tours, theme parks and transport

7. Gold Coast Theme Parks (Extended Support)

  • Sea World (closest major theme park)
  • Warner Bros. Movie World
  • Wet’n’Wild
  • Dreamworld and WhiteWater World
  • Ticketing, transport and visitor advice

8. Gold Coast Hinterland (Extended Touring Support)

  • Tamborine Mountain
  • Springbrook National Park
  • Lamington National Park
  • Lookouts, waterfalls, walking tracks and nature‑based touring

Services Provided

  • Local and regional maps
  • Brochures for Southport, Broadwater, Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast attractions
  • Advice on boating, fishing, swimming and coastal recreation
  • Recommendations for cafés, dining, accommodation and family activities
  • Guidance on theme parks, tours and transport options
  • Information on walking tracks, lookouts and nature‑based activities
  • Event information for Southport and Gold Coast region
  • Weather, tide, safety and marine condition updates

Summary

The Southport Visitor Information Centre is the accredited tourism hub for the Broadwater and northern Gold Coast. It supports travellers exploring Southport CBD, Broadwater Parklands, Labrador, Biggera Waters, Runaway Bay, The Spit, Surfers Paradise and the wider Gold Coast region. With strong links to coastal recreation, boating, theme parks, dining, events and hinterland touring, it is an essential starting point for discovering the Gold Coast’s northern waterfront and major attractions.

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