Southport is the most populous suburb in the City of Gold Coast and holds the Gold Coast central business district, so most Southport transfers start or end somewhere close to the Broadwater foreshore. This page covers the history of rail and ferries, the operators that run airport and attraction transfers, and car hire.
For the wider picture, use our Southport destination guide, and check a current map or your transfer provider for timings on the day.
How Southport was first reached
Southport was originally known as Nerang Creek Heads. It was named Southport because it was the southernmost port of the colony of Queensland. Timber was shipped from a port here to Brisbane, and in 1883 the first Southport Pier was built so steamships could bring cargo and passengers.
In 1889 the South Coast railway from Beenleigh to Southport opened. The line closed in 1964, so there is no train to Southport today. Day trippers and excursionists from Brisbane were a mainstay of the town in the early twentieth century, and rail helped make that possible.
Ferries and bridges across the Nerang River
Before any bridges crossed the Nerang River, a ferry service run by Johan Meyer carried passengers to Main Beach. A horse and buggy service linked the area to Surfers Paradise. The Jubilee Bridge, built in 1925 between Southport and Main Beach, replaced the ferry and opened the way for further growth.
The geography still shapes any trip. The Nerang River bounds Southport to the south-east as it flows into The Broadwater, and The Broadwater then bounds the suburb to the north-east. The Ray Newlyn Channel is an east-to-west channel across The Broadwater to Main Beach that avoids two large sandbanks, which matters if you are on the water.
Airport and coach transfers
Several operators serve Southport and the surrounding area. Confirm current services and prices directly before you book.
- BCT Airport Transfers runs between Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport as a door-to-door service, with a meet and greet on a share basis for up to 6 people.
- Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle covers Gold Coast Airport, accommodation and attractions in air-conditioned coaches.
- Coachtrans is Brisbane Airport's only licensed coach operator. It meets all flights, domestic and international, and offers a door-to-door service.
- United Limousines Gold Coast is based in Surfers Paradise and handles Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport transfers, plus wedding and special event hire.
Flights, rail and car hire
Flights can be compared through Webjet, which also offers travel insurance, car hire and hotel accommodation. Virgin Blue is a low fare airline serving the main Queensland destinations. Queensland Rail Traveltrain runs Brisbane to Cairns, a long-distance route rather than a Southport service.
For your own wheels, Thrifty and Europcar both offer pickup and drop-off at commercial airports and major cities. Driving gives the most freedom on the Gold Coast, and we reckon it suits families with luggage best.
Where to stay once you arrive
Southport is a value-priced base for the rest of the strip, with the low-rise Broadwater foreshore, the Commonwealth Games aquatic centre, Magic Mountain water slides and a Griffith University campus. Browse Southport accommodation or the Southport resorts, and see Southport holidays with kids if you are travelling with children.
Caravan and holiday parks listed on this site include Broadwater Tourist Park in Southport itself, and NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort in Biggera Waters. Others are in Helensvale, Ashmore and Bahrs Scrub. Contact each park for current rates and availability.
Weather for planning your trip
Southport is warm all year. Averages for the area, 1991 to 2020:
| Month | Max C | Min C | Rain mm | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29.7 | 21.1 | 148.9 | 14.9 |
| February | 28.8 | 21.0 | 164.4 | 16.0 |
| March | 27.4 | 19.7 | 140.9 | 16.7 |
| April | 25.2 | 17.1 | 82.3 | 12.9 |
| May | 22.4 | 13.9 | 96.9 | 11.3 |
| June | 19.9 | 11.4 | 84.2 | 10.3 |
| July | 19.6 | 10.1 | 44.5 | 7.7 |
| August | 21.1 | 10.7 | 43.3 | 5.6 |
| September | 24.3 | 13.4 | 37.8 | 6.9 |
| October | 26.3 | 16.0 | 79.3 | 9.6 |
| November | 27.9 | 18.2 | 98.4 | 12.0 |
| December | 28.9 | 19.8 | 141.7 | 14.7 |
September is the driest month at about 38 mm, while February is wettest at about 164 mm. More background is on Wikipedia, and statewide planning help is at Tourism and Events Queensland.
Frequently asked questions
Can you catch a train to Southport?
Not any more. The South Coast railway from Beenleigh to Southport opened in 1889 and closed in 1964.
Which operators run airport transfers to Southport?
BCT Airport Transfers, Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle, Coachtrans and United Limousines Gold Coast all offer transfers. Confirm current details with each operator.
How did people cross the Nerang River before the bridge?
A ferry run by Johan Meyer carried passengers to Main Beach until the Jubilee Bridge opened in 1925.
