The Best Holiday Apartments to Rent in Southport, Queensland

Before you head out for dinner, spend some time people-watching along Surfers Paradise front beach – with models, tanned surfers and super-fit runners sashaying by, it’s quite a spectacle. Perhaps you’d rather swim in the pools: there are both indoor and outdoor options. Feel like being lazier still? Recline in your room – whichever you book here, you’ll have a sea or a pool view. And all spaces are styled in beachcomber white and flooded with light. For the bigger picture, these modern Southport holiday apartments are a short walk to the viewing platform at Q1 Tower – the tallest residential building in Australia.

Here’s a great central location to base yourself in for your stay in Southport. There is a range of apartments – including a king-sized one-bedroom apartment and a garden studio. Whichever you choose you’ll have a modern, fully-equipped kitchen as well as a barbecue on an all-weather patio. Family adventure parks are nearby – among them, Movie World, Dream World and Wet ‘n Wild – so roll up for thrills and spills, a wave pool and scary-but-fun roller coasters. Hold on to your hats, your holiday adventure starts here.

Why settle for a mere vacation rental in Southport when you can indulge in full-on resort living? That’s the deal at this super-modern 41-level apartment tower. Choose either a studio or a one or two-bedroom apartment all with access to a fully equipped gym. After dark, head up to the rooftop garden for an outlook over glittering lights as well as dinner in a restaurant overlooking the ocean. If you’d rather stay in, you’ll get similar views through the floor-to-ceiling windows in your apartment. Top tip: go jet boating one morning – it’s great fun whooshing around the famous Southport Spitwater.

After you’ve passed the enormous pool – complete with waterfalls that are stunningly illuminated at night – taking the lift to your two, three- or four-bedroom apartment is like launching yourself into space. The views are stunning once you’ve checked in, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and, on the other, the canals and the river flecked with sailing boats. The view is your cue to head to the nearby Sea World theme park to watch the incredible dolphin and seal shows, see emperor penguins in their icy space or ride a marine-themed roller coaster.

Families that play together, stay together – whether it’s a game of singles or doubles, you’ll love the full-size tennis court at these Southport holiday apartments, especially because of their adjacent BBQ facilities, the spa and the rejuvenating sauna. All apartments have two bedrooms, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. When you’re done with practising your serve and polishing your backhand, head for a swim at the – in season – lifeguard-patrolled Main Beach directly opposite.

All aboard: the sound of trams in Southport might be unexpected, but at this apartment, you can watch ’em, catch ’em or dodge ’em up and down Scarborough Street – right in Southport’s shopping-mecca central. You’re opposite Australia Fair – Southport’s largest shopping centre – with endless clothing stores, food outlets and cinemas. To cool off, visit the nearby local aquatic centre, which has four pools, a 3m (9.8ft) diving platform and a selection of delicious cafes right next to the Broadwater.

It’s a veritable home from home this two-bedroom and two-bathroom holiday apartment – in a quiet part of Southport, with views over the Nerang River to the high-rise skyline. The apartment is very cool – and we mean that literally, with the relief of air-conditioning in every room, tiled living and dining areas and classy stone benchtops. Springbrook National Park – a World Heritage-listed area with waterfalls and cascades – is just an hour’s drive away. Or catch a glimpse of some of Australia’s famous native animals at Currumbin Wildlife Park, 30 minutes drive down the road.

This generously dimensioned first-floor two-bedroom townhouse sleeps up to six guests – and is quite a looker, with timber ceiling fans, polished-wood floors, groovy bench seating and compact kitchen and laundry. The Rockpools in the Broadwater Parklands – a 15-minute drive away – echoes Southport’s coastal theme, with cool water fountains and vibrant marine-themed equipment. It’s a superb place for a family with young children, complete with play equipment and sandy play areas for the little ones.