How the walk works

The Gold Coast City Council has created a ‘passport’ for your walk, featuring all of the 37 historic bronze markers and further information. The passport can be printed at home or collected from any City of Gold Coast Information Centres.

The Commonwealth Walkway is a lasting legacy of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. The route offers an insight into the story of this modern city, nestled between the picturesque coastline and world heritage-listed rainforests.

Your journey begins here

Southport

Your journey begins at Southport Chambers. Southport bronze markers include:

– Captain James Cook Memorial Stone: The stone commemorates Captain James Cook’s journey of discovery along the east coast of Australia in 1770.

– Bert Pepper Memorial: Bert Pepper is known as the ‘Father of Southport Mall’. He was a local businessman and president of the Southport Chamber of Commerce

Next up

Broadwater Parklands

Follow the bronze markers towards points of interest at the expansive Broadwater Parklands.

Highlights include:

• Gold Coast Aquatic Centre: The Aquatic Centre is a state-of-the-art facility that hosted the swimming and diving events during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
• Southport Pier: Constructed in 2008, it replaced the old pier which was built in 1883. 
• Anzac Park: ANZAC Park is a memorial to the Australians and New Zealanders who served and died, or otherwise contributed in past and current wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations

Head over the Nerang River Crossing towards Main Beach. You can either walk to Marina Mirage and ferry to Surfers Paradise or follow the Commonwealth Walk to Surfers Paradise.

The heart of the Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise: Gold Coast’s most iconic and famous suburb. A hub of activity, delicious restaurants and great bars. Some of the Commonwealth Walk highlights include:

• Cavill Avenue: Named after Jim Cavill, who acquired the land in Surfers Paradise in 1925.
• Tiki Statue: The impressive Tiki statue provides a landmark in this popular riverside meeting place. Sea World Cruises Buffet Lunch Cruise departs near the Tiki Statue. 
• Chevron Island Bridge: Chevron Island Bridge was the first significant infrastructure development of a booming Surfers Paradise. Crossing the bridge will take you to your next location.

TIP: You can catch a Hopo Gold Coast Ferry to HOTA, Home of the Arts or return to Southport at Hopo’s Appel Park Ferry Stop.

The finish line

HOTA, Home of the Arts

Your final destination is past Chevron Island and into the hub of culture at HOTA, Home of the Arts. Here are some of our favourites from the Commonwealth Walk.

• The Arts and Cultural Gateway: The city’s artistic heart has been transformed into a striking new cultural precinct, with visual and performing arts facilities and outdoor artscape, supporting the city’s thriving cultural evolution.
• Saint Margarets Chapel: Built in 1877, Saint Margaret’s Chapel is a heritage-listed timber chapel nestled amongst the spreading fig trees along the banks of the Nerang River.

Once you pass HOTA, you will find your way to the end of the walk at Evandale Council Chambers.

TIP: You can walk back to HOTA and catch Hopo Gold Coast Ferry back to Broadwater Parklands, where you began the walk.