You don’t need to go far for a nature based escape on the Gold Coast. Scattered throughout the suburbs, beaches and valleys of our beautiful city are some premium pockets of natural goodness. Stroll down to the nearest creek to wash away your worries, or take a short road trip to the Hinterland for a taste of untouched wilderness. The best part is that none of these amazing locations is more than half an hour’s drive from Broadbeach.
BURLEIGH HILL
Whether it’s sunrise, noon or sunset – whatever time of day it is, you’ll be sure to spot a bunch of locals splayed out on the grass at Burleigh Hill, basking in the sunshine, catching up with friends, and enjoying those incredible views that stretch across the shoreline.
BROADWATER PARKLANDS
Take some time out to bask in the sunshine and fresh air at the Broadwater Parklands in Southport. Here, you’ll find stretches of green lawns overlooking the harbour, perfect for picnicking, plus swimming inlets, fishing hot spots and an epic kids play zone where the little ones can burn off some energy, and you can savour some peace and quiet, coffee in hand.
RAINBOW BAY
Fancy a spot of sunshine, salt water and chilled out vibes? Protected by Greenmount Hill, Rainbow Bay sits pretty at the southernmost tip of the Coast and offers up a heavenly slice of beachside real estate that will have you slipping into vay-cay mode instantaneously.
BOTANICAL GARDENS
Just a short distance from the bright lights of Surfers Paradise, yet somehow managing to feel a world away, the Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens in Benowa provide a tranquil retreat for those looking to chill out. Pack a picnic, visit the butterfly garden or just stop and smell the roses.
EVANDALE PARKLANDS
With a picture-perfect backdrop of the Surfers Paradise skyline, Evandale Park offers a stellar line up of free attractions when you just want to wind down – swim in the lagoon, cook up a sausage sizzle, or get involved in a friendly game of beach volleyball. And then there’s HOTA (Home of the Arts) with outdoor concerts and live events, an incredible art gallery (free entry), bars, dining, theatre, cinema and more.
COOMBABAH PARKLANDS
One of the Coast’s best-kept secrets, Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area in the city’s north is a natural wonderland waiting to be explored, brimming with native bushland, kangaroos, koalas, hundreds of bird species and expanses of wetlands and mudflats.
CURRUMBIN ROCK POOLS
Laze under the trees, splash about in the creek and breathe in the fresh, rainforest air in this subtropical patch of paradise nestled in the heart of Currumbin Valley. Once you’re done floating through the freshwater or exploring the bushy surrounds, stretch out on the grass and relax with a bite to eat in the adjoining picnic area.
TALLEBUDGERA CREEK
Cool off with a relaxing swim, catch some rays on the sand, throw a line from a boat, or fire up the barbie for a finger-licking feast. Tally Creek, as the locals like to call it, is the ultimate chill spot for just about anything really, all set in a stunning location fringing Burleigh Heads National Park.
THE SPIT
With its striking sand pumping jetty, picturesque break wall and golden shoreline covered in furry, four-legged friends (that’s right, The Spit doubles as a dog beach), this northern coastal corner is quite the gem for locals and tourists alike.
ROTARY LOOKOUT MOUNT TAMBORINE
Breathtaking prospects await at Rotary Lookout on Mount Tamborine – this gorgeous viewpoint boasts jaw-dropping westward vistas over the surrounding countryside and beyond, and its here you’ll find the local hang gliding crew launching off into the sky, as well as the eager sunset seekers in search of the ultimate backdrop.
Looking to mix it up? Check out our Chill Thrill Fill blog
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.