Southport State High School Buildings

Southport State High School Buildings form an educational complex on Smith Street that includes multiple structures, among them two Hawksley prefabricated buildings with aluminum frames and gable roofs. The campus has specialized science laboratories, tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, and covered walkways that connect different academic wings.

Established in 1955, this facility was the first public secondary school on the Gold Coast. Its opening represented a turning point in expanding access to secondary education across Queensland.

The buildings represent a post-World War II approach to school design, created during a time when construction materials were hard to find. Imported prefabricated systems shaped the campus layout and tell the story of how schools adapted to scarcity.

The best time to visit is during daylight hours when the school grounds are accessible and you can see the various buildings and outdoor facilities clearly. Check ahead about access hours and any restrictions on entering the campus.

The complex holds the only surviving Type F and Type H Hawksley Prefabricated buildings known to exist in Queensland. These rare examples showcase a nearly forgotten building method that once provided quick solutions for constructing schools.