The Gold Coast is the ancestral home of several Indigenous clans of the Yugambeh people, including the Kombumerri, Mununjali, and Wangerriburra. European exploration began in 1823 when John Oxley navigated the Tweed River, sparking interest in the region’s natural resources. By the mid-19th century, the abundant timber in the hinterland attracted settlers and laid the foundation for the area’s economic development.

Small townships quickly emerged along the coast and hinterland. Nerang, in the western suburbs, was surveyed and established as a base for the timber industry, and by 1870, a town reserve was created. Burleigh Heads followed in 1873, with successful land sales attracting settlers. In 1875, a settlement at the head of the Nerang River, initially called Nerang Heads or Nerang Creek Heads, was surveyed and renamed Southport, which rapidly gained popularity as a secluded holiday spot for affluent Brisbane residents.

The post-World War One era saw the rise of the “seaside shack,” offering an affordable coastal getaway for families and holidaymakers. Between 1914 and 1946, these shacks proliferated along the South Coast, reflecting early recycling practices. Constructed from second-grade timber, leftover farm sheds, fibro cement, metal containers, and even disused trams, these modest structures provided a unique and practical solution for seaside accommodation. The seaside shack phenomenon played a key role in shaping the Gold Coast’s identity as a holiday destination, setting the stage for its later growth into a bustling coastal city and international tourism hub.