Gold Coast builds family-friendly cycling routes through Southport, Broadbeach parks

Gold Coast City Council added 4 kilometres of separated bike lanes along the Broadwater foreshore in Southport this month, creating direct links from the ferry terminal to the playgrounds at Broadwater Parklands.

Interest in these routes has risen as families look for activities that fit around school terms and avoid steep climbs in the hinterland. The new sections sit beside existing shared paths that already serve commuters heading toward Main Beach, giving beginners a chance to practise without mixing with faster road traffic.

Routes through Broadwater Parklands and Kurrawa

The 3.2 kilometre loop inside Broadwater Parklands stays almost entirely flat and passes the free public barbecue shelters near the Southport Yacht Club. From there riders can continue south on the coastal path that reaches Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach within 15 minutes of steady pedalling. Both parks provide drinking fountains every kilometre and shaded seating, points noted in the council’s 2025 Active Transport report.

The same report recorded 12,400 family cycling trips on these two stretches between January and June 2025, a 19 percent rise from the previous six-month period. Hire bikes at the Broadbeach kiosk cost $18 for two hours or $35 for a full day, with child seats and helmets included.

Practical steps before heading out

Beginners are advised to start at the Southport ferry terminal car park on a weekday morning when foot traffic is lighter. The council’s free route map, updated in April, marks the exact locations of the new bollards that keep cars off the newest lane. Riders should also check the tide times posted at the yacht club jetty, because the lowest section near the mangroves can collect shallow water after heavy rain. Local bike shops on Ferry Road offer a one-hour safety check for $25 before families set out.