Description

The Southport Spit, located in Queensland, Australia, is a long, narrow strip of land that extends from Main Beach to the southern end of the Gold Coast. It is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, surf breaks, and diverse activities. In this article, we will explore the history, geography, and attractions of the Southport Spit.

Geography and History

The Southport Spit is a sandbar that has formed over thousands of years due to the longshore drift of sand along the coast. It is approximately 5 km long and ranges from 200 meters to 1 km wide. The Spit is between the Pacific Ocean and the Southport Broadwater, a sheltered waterway popular for boating and fishing. The Spit is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land between the Broadwater and the Nerang River.

The Spit has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s when the area was first settled. Initially, the Spit was used as a quarantine station for ships arriving from overseas. In the early 1900s, the area became a popular spot for picnics and day trips, with visitors coming by boat from nearby towns. In the 1920s, the Spit was used as a site for the construction of the Southport Seaway, a channel that was built to improve navigation between the Broadwater and the ocean.

During World War II, the Spit was used as a base for the Australian Army, with barracks, gun emplacements, and searchlight positions established along the shoreline. After the war, the Spit became a popular spot for fishing, surfing, and camping, with several caravan parks and holiday resorts established in the area.

Attractions and Activities

Today, the Southport Spit is a popular tourist destination with various activities for visitors of all ages. In addition, the Spit is home to some of the Gold Coast's most popular beaches, including Main Beach, Surfers Paradise Beach, and Narrowneck Beach. These beaches offer excellent swimming, surfing, and sunbathing opportunities, with patrolled areas during the summer months.

The Spit is also a popular spot for fishing, with the Broadwater and ocean providing a variety of fish species, including bream, whiting, flathead, and snapper. Several fishing charters and tours are available, as well as fishing equipment hire.

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, a range of walking and cycling tracks run along the Spit. The Spit's beachfront paths offer stunning views of the ocean and Surfers Paradise skyline, while the more secluded areas of the Spit provide a chance to explore the natural bushland and wildlife.

Another popular attraction on the Spit is the Seaworld marine park, which offers a range of marine-themed shows, rides, and animal encounters. Seaworld is home to various marine animals, including dolphins, seals, penguins, and sharks.

In addition to Seaworld, the Spit is home to several other family-friendly attractions, including the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, which offers a range of swimming and fitness facilities, and the Australian Outback Spectacular, which provides a unique outback-themed dinner and show experience.