| Across the Gold Coast Bridge
to the north of Main Beach lies Southport, the commercial
centre of the Gold Coast. The first Southport business
was opened in 1876 by Robert Johnston and it comprised
a steam driven saw, planning and joinery works, blacksmiths
and hardware shop in Nerang Street. He also acted as Postmaster
until 1879. In 1902 Southport became the communications
nerve centre of Australia with the establishment of the
first trans-Pacific cable link between Australia and Canada
to link with the cable system from there to England, the
first stage being from Southport to Norfolk Island. Nowadays
lawyers and accountants offices abound as well as the
enormous shopping opportunities at Australia Fair shopping
centre. Marine Parade looks out upon the Broadwater which
provides sheltered boating all the way north to Brisbane.
North and South Stradbroke islands provide contrasting
holiday experiences. Go with Beachtrekkers
to North Stradbroke. |
