Written and reviewed by Nichale Bool, Legal Practice Director · Updated November 2026
If you have a protection order (DVO) matter on the Gold Coast, it will usually be heard at the Southport Magistrates Court. This guide explains what to expect, so you can walk in prepared.
Where is the Southport Magistrates Court?
The court is on the corner of Davenport and Hinze Streets, Southport. The court registry is open 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Wednesday and Friday, and 8.30am to 4.00pm on Thursday. Check the Queensland Courts website for the latest details before you go.
A Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Court
Southport is one of Queensland’s Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Courts. These courts hear protection order applications and related criminal matters, such as breaches of a protection order, with magistrates and court staff who work with domestic and family violence matters every day.
What happens at the first court date
The first date for a protection order application is usually called a mention. It is a short appearance where the magistrate checks where the matter is up to. If you are the respondent, you will usually be asked whether you:
- agree to the order being made, which you can do without admitting the things written in the application
- do not agree, in which case the matter is usually adjourned to a later hearing date, with directions for each side to file written evidence (affidavits)
- need more time to get legal advice.
The magistrate can make or continue a temporary protection order until the next court date. If you are the aggrieved, you can usually ask for the temporary order to stay in place while the matter continues.
Safety at court
Domestic and family violence matters are not open to the public. If you are worried about seeing the other party, tell us beforehand and let court staff know when you arrive, and ask about a safe place to wait. For a contested hearing, the court can make arrangements such as giving evidence from a separate room. A respondent who does not have a lawyer cannot personally cross-examine the aggrieved.
What to bring to Southport
- your court papers, including the application or order and any notice telling you to come to court
- photo ID
- any messages, photos or documents you want your lawyer to see
- something to read or do, as you may wait a while before your matter is called.
Allow time for parking and the security check at the entrance, and aim to arrive by about 8.30am.
Talk to us before your court date
A short call before your court date means you know what to expect, what to say and what your options are. Call us on (07) 3188 1799 or book a conference. You can also read more about how we help in Gold Coast.
This guide is general information only and is not legal advice. Every matter is different, so please speak with us about your situation.
Photo: Surfers Paradise from Main Beach by Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
