City Libraries, City of Gold Coast

The Esplanade, Southport, Queensland

The Esplanade, Southport, Queensland

On the left is the Pacific Hotel. In the distance is the Southport Pier and Theatre. Note the petrol bowsers in front of the Pacific HotelDuring the first half of the century the Southport Pier and baths were the hub of entertainment in the district. The actual pier itself dated back to the 1880s when pioneers, including John Cameron and Ralph Johnston, encouraged a public subscription for a landing base for Broadwater vessels. Swimming baths were added to the iron and timber pier later. The whole operation came under the Southport Pier and Baths Company and the 900ft long jetty became the commercial landing place for passenger and cargo boats, unfortunately it was destroyed by fire in 1900, the hot and cold salt-water baths having been already washed away in the 1893 floods. In 1913 the Southport Town Council contracted Massey-Ryan to build a concrete pier, which was completed in 1915. The kiosk (the large building at the end of the pier) offered light lunches and refreshments, including selections of fresh local oysters. Swimming lessons took place in the baths and was used regularly by local schools. The first theatre was built on the pier in 1926, but was also destroyed by fire and later rebuilt. The pier was demolished in 1969 on order from the Gold Coast City Council. (Gold Coast Bulletin Weekender, 12-13 June 1999)."60. Esplanade, Southport, Q"--Inscription on photograph