European Settlement:

Loders Creek is an important historical site as it was one of the first areas settled north of the Nerang River.

In 1867, an Englishman called John Loder moved into the area with his wife and thirteen children. He began farming on the banks of Loders Creek, and eventually held property as far south as New South Wales - hence the name, Loders Creek.

Settlement of Southport, originally known as Nerang Heads, was a colorful place of Australian history. Like many of the Gold Coast's present day settlers, pioneers were attracted to Southport by the beauty of the natural environment.

By April 1878, Robert Muir and John Lennon had commenced land sub division. In the area now known as Labrador, originally Southport North, Muir and Lennon offered 200 magnificent villa sites - our first suburb and housing estate.

As early as 1877, some residents of Southport realized the importance of planning development, and conserving their natural environment. A gentleman known as 'Red Spinner' (William Brookes), the colonies most enthusiastic angler wrote:

'The bush, undulating and shady should be cleared with an eye to beauty and utility. Avenues should be formed, clumps of shade trees protected; the bracken religiously permitted to hold its own on the sandy hillocks and hollows; and in a word, there should be judicious planning; instead of universal devastation. In laying out a watering place, there should surely be an eye to something besides the almighty dollar'.

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In 1888, the Loders Creek was a popular spot for fishing and crabbing as well as shooting wildfowl