Southport, Gold Coast

Property insights

Buyers' guide to Southport, Gold Coast: CBD-style waterfront living with strong transport, the Health & Knowledge Precinct, Griffith University and Broadwater Parklands. Typical medians, schools, amenities, pros/cons and a practical buyer checklist.

Gold Coast’s commercial and civic centre — promoted as the city’s CBD

Strong employment anchors: Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University

Broadwater Parklands and waterfront promenades for recreation

Light rail (G:link) connectivity and bus interchange in the CBD

Mixed product: high‑rise apartments, townhouses, older houses and premium waterfront homes

Active precinct investment (GCHKP) and major mixed‑use developments driving demand

Tips for Buyers

1.Inspect properties at different times to assess noise, traffic and light‑rail activity.
2.Confirm current school catchments and contact schools directly for enrolment info.
3.Time a commute using G:link + train route to Helensvale/Brisbane before committing.
4.Review development approvals, strata minutes, sinking fund and developer track record for apartments.
5.Check planned nearby projects and construction timelines to avoid surprise amenity disruption.
6.Decide if proximity to the Health & Knowledge Precinct is a priority (strong rental demand) or if a quieter street suits your lifestyle better.

Property Snapshot

Common Property Types

• High‑rise apartments (dominant in the CBD)
• Medium‑density townhouses
• Low‑set older houses (pockets)
• Waterfront mansions and riverfront homes
• Student and short‑stay apartments near hospital/university

Who Lives Here

Diverse population including health and knowledge workers, Griffith University students and staff, families and a significant renter/temporary resident cohort; population growth continuing since the 2021 Census.

Living Here

Transport

• G:link light rail through Southport (Southport station)
• Southport bus interchange with TransLink routes
• Connection to heavy rail via Helensvale station (train to Brisbane)
• Typical local travel: 10–25 mins to Surfers/Broadbeach by light rail; Brisbane commutes vary (car ~1h10–1h40; train via Helensvale ~1h20–1h40 + connection)

Schools

• The Southport School (TSS) — Anglican independent boys’ school
• St Hilda’s School — Anglican independent girls’ school (P–12)
• Southport State School — government primary
• Southport State High School — government secondary

Amenities

• Australia Fair Shopping Centre
• Broadwater Parklands and Broadwater promenades
• Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
• Southport Yacht Club and boating facilities

Investment Outlook

Positive medium‑to‑long term outlook driven by the Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct and large mixed‑use projects increasing jobs and rental demand. Near‑term risks include construction activity, heavy apartment supply in the pipeline and variable performance between buildings; selective buying (location and building quality) is critical.

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