Broadwater Parklands

We pride ourselves on being an accessible park. There are parking spaces for people with a disability in each of the park's carparks. The barbecues in the northern section of the park are accessible by wheelchairs.

Fancy a swing? Don't miss out, have a go on the Liberty Swing found at the Washington Waters Playground. Please contact our onsite security for access on 0439 580 243.

There's also permanent beach matting at the swimming lagoon (location – number 54 on the map of the parklands).

Each toilet block at the Parklands has an accessible option. Broadwater Parklands is also home to one of only five Changing Places toilets on the Gold Coast. This toilet includes an adjustable height change table, ceiling tracking hoist and shower. A Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) is required for access. Day visitors, who are eligible for a key, may contact Broadwater Parklands onsite security to gain access. Please phone 0439 580 243. Accessible car parking spaces are located directly outside the Changing Places toilet.

Please note: The hoist located within the Broadwater Parklands Changing Places facility is temporarily out of order. This page will be updated as soon as has been repaired. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Download equipment instructions and conditions of use from our Changing Places toilets page.

Mobility map

A mobility map that includes information about the location of accessible toilets, change facilities, accessible car parking spaces, pathway gradients, location of kerb ramps and key buildings and services, plus transport information for light rail stations, bus stops and bus routes is available to view on Google maps. You can also download a PDF version of the Southport CBD and Broadwater Parklands mobility map.

Broadwater Parklands is home to 3 different playgrounds, each of which has a different offering suitable to a range of ages and abilities.

1. Peninsula Playground

The Peninsula Playground is a brand-new play space for the community to enjoy. Surrounded by lush subtropical landscaping with ample space for small and large gatherings.

Key features of the Peninsula Playground are:

• a spiral tower over 4 levels with interactive play equipment like glockenspiels, binoculars, telescopes, suspended nets, rope tunnels and an enclosed slide
• a water and sand play area with carved sandstone, bronze sea animals, water pumps, mini weirs and water gates
• an elevated sand table designed as a 'fish and chip shop' that can accommodate wheelchairs
• play equipment including play panels, swings, slides, trampolines, diggers, stepping stones, balance beams, a carousel, climbing walls and climbing nets

There are also considerable inclusive options:

• Wheelchair-accessible sensory and nature-based play stations – play panels, elevated and wheelchair-accessible sand play table, chiming bells that chime when walked/wheeled over, accessible sand digger
• Interactive, imaginative, and physical play opportunities – telescopes on the main deck, nest swings, all-abilities swing with a backrest for additional support, in-ground trampoline suitable for wheelchairs
• Accessible supporting infrastructure for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy – accessible paths of travel including rubberised soft-fall to and within play areas and concrete pathways surrounding the space, shaded wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and barbeques

The Peninsula Playground also has 4 large BBQ and shelter areas that can either be hired (at a cost) or available on a first come first serve basis. The BBQ areas are called Pelican, Eastern Curlew, Stingray, and Jellyfish. Please see the below link if you wish to make a booking:

Make a booking enquiry

Entry to convenient paid parking for this area can be found off Marine Parade, adjacent to North Street.

View map and directions on Google

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2. Adventure Play Attraction

The Adventure Play Attraction sits in the centre of the park just near The Rockpools. This playground caters to younger children with a make-believe pirate ship and interactive learning and play equipment. View map and directions on Google

Washington Waters Play Attraction

Washington Waters Play Attraction sits adjacent to Australia Fair. Soar through the air on the Flying Fox, take a tandem pedal ride on the monorail or bounce on the giant inflatable bouncy pillow. The play equipment in this playground caters to the older child who enjoys a rigorous and energetic play session. Convenient parking for this space can be found on Gold Coast Highway or across the road at Carey Park. View map and directions on Google

Bouncy Pillow opening hours

• December–January: 7am to 7pm
• February–March: 7am to 6pm
• April–August: 7am to 5.30pm
• September–November: 7am to 6pm

This is an exciting, sculptural water playground. The water play area is designed with cool water fountains and vibrant marine-themed equipment. It includes a creek bed and several tidal rockpools for children to splash, dam and explore.

Rockpools opening hours

• January and February: 8am to 6pm
• March: 9am to 5pm
• April: 9am to 4pm (Tuesdays open at 11am and Anzac Day open at 12pm)
• May to August: 9am to 3pm (Tuesdays open at 11am)
• September and October: 8am to 5pm (Tuesdays open at 11am)
• November: 8am to 6pm (Tuesdays open at 11am)
• December: 8am to 6pm (Christmas Day opens at 12pm)

* Hours may change due to weather conditions.

The swimming enclosure is popular with children and those who prefer calm natural swimming waters. The Southport swimming enclosure is located near the Washington Waters Playground with easy access to toilets. The enclosure even has a permanent jumping pontoon.

Residents and visitors are reminded to follow this advice when using the swimming enclosure:

• supervise children at all times
• keep clear of floating collar and underwater net
• take care when entering as depth will vary with tide
• do not swim alone
• be aware marine creatures may exist within the enclosure
• do not attempt to swim to enclosure boundaries.

Dogs are prohibited from this swimming area. For more information visit Dog exercise area map

The City of Gold Coast, together with local business Ferry I, have launched the city's first public ferry service called Hopo.

The two-year Hopo ferry trial links key destinations with initial ferry stops at:

• Sea World at Main Beach
• Broadwater Parklands at Southport
• Marina Mirage at Main Beach
• Home of the Arts (HOTA) at Surfers Paradise
• Appel Park at Surfers Paradise.

For further information including timetables and pricing please visit the Hopo website.

The Parklands has many a shady tree to sit under where you can enjoy a picnic. You can use one of our 14 barbecues or, if you would like something prepared for you, visit one of our onsite restaurants. You can either dine in or takeaway one of their delicious options.

The Fish Shak and Shak Expresso

The Fish Shak eatery offers only the best locally caught fresh seafood, straight from the trawler to your plate. Dine in or grab some fish and chips for a picnic in the park.

Shak Expresso is an espresso and ice cream bar offering freshly-made barista coffee using a unique blend of Piazza Doro beans. Shak Espresso is open seven days a week.

Phone: 07 5532 0109
Email: fresh@thefishshak.com.au

Café Catalina

Café Catalina is a full service restaurant here in Broadwater Parklands with the outdoor bar embracing its fantastic position on the Broadwater side of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch seven days a week, and dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Phone: 07 5571 0390
Email: dine@cafecatalina.com.au

With over five kilometres of footpath spanning from Sundale Bridge to Loders Creek and back, Broadwater Parklands is the perfect spot for a walk, run or cycle. Please remember that the footpaths are shared so please be careful if on a bicycle of pedestrians, children and animals.

In addition to the perfect cardio workout, in 2019 an outdoor gym became the next addition to the parklands. The outdoor fitness area provides a range of static equipment for body weight & functional movement exercises. The equipment caters for people with varying degrees of skills and abilities, including people in wheelchairs.

Friendly dogs on the leash are welcome at Broadwater Parklands. Please note that dogs are prohibited in the swimming enclosure and all children's playground areas.

There are no dog off leash areas within the parklands.

City of Gold Coast has numerous areas where you can exercise your dog off leash.

Find an off leash exercise area

Upgraded in 2014 to meet international competition standards the centre now has six pools. Centre facilities include:

• a learn to swim pool
• two 50-metre pools (including a 10-lane competition pool)
• an impressive dry land dive training facility
• a fully equipped fitness centre
• an onsite café
• a crèche
• multi-function meeting rooms.

Check out the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre page for more information.

The parklands has some of the most stunning views on the Gold Coast. Many people have enjoyed hiring space within the park, taking advantage of these views to host their public or private events.

The Parklands is also a popular wedding ceremony venue, with our dedicated rooftop ceremony location providing an amazing backdrop for those special occasions!

For more information about booking a space to host your event, including our fees and charges, visit Broadwater Parklands hireable spaces.