Broadwater Parklands Gold Coast
A sprawling, family-friendly parkland on the Gold Coast, offering a marine-themed water play area, playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and stunning Broadwate...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temps
Broadwater Parklands Gold Coast
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling, family-friendly parkland on the Gold Coast, offering a marine-themed water play area, playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and stunning Broadwater views.
"Broadwater Parklands is a stunning oasis offering breathtaking waterfront views and fun-filled activities for all ages."
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the spacious lawns. BBQ facilities are also available for a cookout!
💦 Water Fun Ready
Don't forget swimwear and towels for the amazing water play area. It's a hit with kids!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Marine-Themed Water Play Area
Central Broadwater Parklands
Splash and play in a vibrant, marine-themed water park that delights kids of all ages. Perfect for cooling off on a warm Gold Coast day.
Expansive Green Lawns
Throughout the park
Vast, open green spaces ideal for picnics, games, or simply relaxing under the sun with beautiful Broadwater views.
Playground Adventures
Near the water park
An awesome playground designed for fun and adventure, keeping younger visitors entertained for hours. Features include slides and climbing structures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Kid-Centric Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Gold Coast for kids - tips please!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the spacious lawns. BBQ facilities are also available for a cookout!
💦 Water Fun Ready
Don't forget swimwear and towels for the amazing water play area. It's a hit with kids!
Stand-up paddle boarding in Southport
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so wear comfy shoes. Great for scooters too!
☀️ Sun Protection
The Gold Coast sun is strong! Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses for everyone.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the spacious lawns. BBQ facilities are also available for a cookout!
💦 Water Fun Ready
Don't forget swimwear and towels for the amazing water play area. It's a hit with kids!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so wear comfy shoes. Great for scooters too!
☀️ Sun Protection
The Gold Coast sun is strong! Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses for everyone.
🚲 Explore by Bike/Scooter
The park has great paths for cycling and scooting, perfect for active families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Broadwater Parklands is widely praised as a beautiful, peaceful, and spacious oasis on the Gold Coast, perfect for families and relaxation. Visitors love the stunning waterfront views, the excellent children's play areas, and the ample green space for picnics and activities. It's considered a clean, safe, and vibrant spot for all ages.
"Broadwater Parklands is such a great place to spend the day. Super open, peaceful, and right by the water. There’s always space to walk, have a picnic, or just chill under the trees. It’s also perfect for kids — there’s a big playground area where they can run around and have fun.
The views of the Broadwater are beautiful, especially in the late afternoon. Families, runners, kids on scooters — it’s got a little bit of everything. Clean, safe, and just a really nice vibe overall."
VistaDroneStudios
"Very nice , peacful park
Has great views
Lots of grassed area and great for kids of all ages"
Emma Jabouri
"I went to the beach but this park is great for families obviously the kids. This place is really big with lots of room to move and able to hold some major events like groundwater country music festival."
Paul Henderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Broadwater Parklands is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. You can also reach it via public transport, including buses and the G:link tram, which stops nearby at the Southport station.
Yes, there are several parking areas within and around Broadwater Parklands, including along Marine Parade. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly.
Absolutely! The G:link tram has a Southport station within walking distance, and numerous bus routes service the Southport area, making it convenient to reach the parklands via public transport.
For those coming from the northern Gold Coast, driving is often the most direct route. Alternatively, you can take a bus that connects to Southport.
Yes, the parklands are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring paved pathways throughout, making it easy to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Broadwater Parklands is a public park and entry is completely free. You can enjoy all its facilities without purchasing any tickets.
Broadwater Parklands is open 24/7, allowing you to visit at any time. However, specific facilities like the water play area may have operational hours.
The water play area at Broadwater Parklands is free to use for all visitors. It's a fantastic free attraction for families.
While general entry is free, if you're planning a large event or gathering, you may need to inquire about booking specific areas or shelters through the Gold Coast City Council.
The BBQ facilities at Broadwater Parklands are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. It's a great way to enjoy a meal outdoors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kids will love the marine-themed water play area, the adventure playground, and the open spaces for running and playing. There's also a miniature train ride available on certain days.
While there are no sit-down restaurants within the parklands, there are numerous picnic spots and BBQ facilities. Cafes and eateries are also located nearby in Southport.
Yes, stand-up paddleboarding is permitted in the Broadwater. If you don't have your own board, you can hire them from nearby locations.
The parklands offer beautiful, peaceful views of the Broadwater, especially stunning in the late afternoon. It's a great spot for photography.
Dogs are welcome in Broadwater Parklands but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be mindful of other visitors and clean up after your pet.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront areas offer stunning views of the Broadwater, especially during sunrise and sunset. The playground and water park also make for vibrant family photos.
While drone usage might be restricted in certain areas or require permits, the open spaces and water views can offer unique aerial perspectives. Always check local regulations before flying.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for capturing the water and park scenery. Early mornings are also great for softer light and fewer crowds.
Yes, you can take photos of the playground and water park. However, be respectful of other visitors' privacy, especially when photographing children.
The parklands themselves, with their modern design and waterfront setting, are iconic. Look for unique angles of the water, pathways, and play structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Arrive early for the best spots, especially near the play zones. Bring swimwear, towels, and sun protection. The park is free, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for a full day of entertainment.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Fitness Enthusiasts
Consider stand-up paddleboarding on the Broadwater for a unique water-based workout. The calm waters make it suitable for various skill levels. The park's accessibility and open layout encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to get their daily dose of exercise with a view.
💰 Budget Travelers
Utilize public transport like the G:link tram or buses to reach the parklands, which is often more economical than driving and parking. It's a perfect spot to relax, enjoy the scenery, and engage in outdoor activities without spending a fortune.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Fun at Broadwater Parklands
Beyond the dedicated play zones, the park's layout encourages active exploration. Paved pathways wind through the park, ideal for scooters and bikes, making it a fantastic place for kids to burn off energy. The proximity to the Broadwater also means families can enjoy the calming water views and, for the more adventurous, try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. The overall atmosphere is safe and welcoming, with plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy their day without feeling overcrowded, even on busier days.
Pro-tip for families: Arrive early, especially on weekends or during school holidays, to secure a prime spot near the play areas and BBQ facilities. Don't forget to pack swimwear, towels, sunscreen, hats, and plenty of snacks and drinks to make the most of your visit. The park is a wonderful, free alternative to more commercial attractions on the Gold Coast.
Exploring the Broadwater: Activities and Views
The parklands provide beautiful waterfront views, particularly captivating in the late afternoon as the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the water. This makes it a popular spot for leisurely strolls, jogging, or simply finding a quiet bench to relax and soak in the scenery. The open expanse allows for unobstructed vistas, making it a photographer's delight.
For those interested in marine life, the Broadwater is a significant ecosystem. While direct wildlife viewing might be limited from the park itself, the general ambiance of being by the water connects visitors to the coastal environment. The park's design intentionally maximizes these water views, ensuring that the Broadwater is a central element of the visitor experience.
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