Wondering what to do on the Gold Coast that won’t cost you anything? We have you covered! Lace up your walking shoes and pack some tasty snacks, because we’re tackling five of the Gold Coast’s top short walking trails.
Burleigh Heads National Park
You get a little of all worlds with a walk at Burleigh Heads National Park, with its combination of rainforest, water, turkeys (yes, turkeys!) and rugged coastline rocks. It’s also conveniently close to Surfers Paradise and surrounding suburbs. Choose between the smooth 1.2 km Oceanview Walk that takes you past ancient volcanic columns, or the 2.3 km Rainforest Circuit offering a slightly steeper challenge. Tumgum Lookout provides the perfect place to spot whales passing by the coast over the spring months from September to November.
Palm Beach Parklands
A simple 20-minute drive from Broadbeach will see you in the popular Palm Beach Parklands, or what some locals refer to as ‘Pirate Ship Park’. That’s thanks to its epic pirate-themed playground complete with a suspension bridge. The real stars of the show are the short walks here, including the Beree Badalla boardwalk that seems to hover over the clear waters of Currumbin Creek at high tide, and Tarrabora Reserve with its 1 km track revealing abundant birdlife and bushland.
Tallebudgera Conservation Park
Tallebudgera Conservation Park is located close to Palm Beach Parklands and it’s an ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast. 1.5 km of path and boardwalk stretch through both urban streets and dense mangroves for an incredibly diverse walk with creek views around every corner. You could choose to start at either the Ocean Parade end or across from the Tallebudgera Life Saving Club. Keep in mind that some sections may not yet be wheelchair friendly.
Springbrook National Park
This one is a little further out from the Gold Coast at an hour’s drive from Broadbeach, but the adventure is well and truly worth the extra travel time. Springbrook National Park is the site of a 23-million-year-old volcano, and an easy 1 km walk through rainforest will take you to the Natural Bridge: a breathtaking waterfall cascading into a natural hole in the ground. Stand underneath the arch as the light illuminates the water for an otherworldly experience. This ferny and mossy national park is also home to glow-in-the-dark mushrooms and glow worms, so it’s definitely worth sticking around after dark for a guided tour.
Stay centrally within easy access to all of these destinations with short-stay suites on the Gold Coast. Meriton Suites offers a beachside location in Broadbeach as well as Southport’s tallest hotel, guaranteeing great views to complete your naturally amazing experience.
