The Gold Coast Broadwater: From Southport to Moreton Bay
The water is more than just a free-spirited way to travel for Gold Coasters. With 40,000 watercraft registered to use the stunning Gold Coast waterways (https://wearegc.com.au/invest/marine/), for many, the water is a way of life.
The Broadwater, formally known as The Southport Broadwater or Gold Coast Harbour, is a parking lot for boats moored at the end of private jetties. Residents hop on a vessel to run errands, visit neighbours, or enjoy a golden hour cruise as the sun sets over The Hinterland.
Charters and sailing boats come from further afield to access the Gold Coast Seaway for an overnight fishing trip, whale watching adventure, or to scuba dive in the crystal clear, sub-tropical waters.
The Broadwater forms part of 860 km of ‘navigable tidal waterways’ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_Coast,_Queensland) on the Gold Coast with access to some of South East Queensland’s most enviable beaches.
Where is The Broadwater?
The Broadwater is a sheltered stretch of water where the Nerang River reaches the Pacific Ocean and where North and South Stradbroke Islands offer the mainland protection from the wild ocean waves.
In this relatively shallow estuary that begins in Southport and ends on the southern end of Moreton Bay, you can find untouched conservation areas providing a natural habitat for a diverse range of marine and birdlife.
What can I do on the Broadwater?
The Broadwater is a hive of activity 365 days of the year, except during severe weather events. Jet boats, parasails, ferries plying back and forth to South Stradbroke Island, jet skis and pleasure boats all take full advantage of the sheltered waters and the exceptionally mild climate.
At the northern end of The Broadwater is Moreton Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site and possibly the only place in the world where you can hand feed wild dolphins. The waters of Moreton Bay offer perfect conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving, or to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
The Southport swimming enclosure with a permanent jumping pontoon is located in The Broadwater just south of the Broadwater Parklands. The Parklands are an area featuring a variety of children’s play areas including a splash area, inflatables, barbecue areas and plenty of space for everyone to enjoy some fun in the sun or under the shade of large trees.
Pelican Beach and Main Beach are popular spots close to The Spit and Sea World. You can take a leisurely cruise along the Federation Walk taking in 93 hectares of nature or visit Sea World with its many attractions.
The Broadwater provides access to some of the world’s best beaches, water-based experiences such as whale watching, and scuba diving some of the most infamous reefs and wrecks in Australia.
To find out more about SEA the Gold Coast Broadwater boat trips, contact us today.