Backyard Tourist: Hinterland Regional Park on the Gold Coast a top place for walks

THERE’S walking trails just waiting to be explored in the southern Gold Coast and it’s closer than you think. This park is a treat for birdwatchers, pet owners and those just wanting a nice afternoon stroll.

Superb fairy wren. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

HINTERLAND REGIONAL PARK

THERE’S lots of hidden walking trails on the Gold Coast and the Hinterland Regional Park, spanning 62 hectares, is no exception.

Nestled on a relatively quiet street in Mudgeeraba off Hardys Road, the majority of visitors here would be aiming straight for the enclosed off-leash dog park.

But not us. At least, not now.

Instead, we’re going to walk along the five trails: the Glossy Black Trail, Rainforest Trail, Callistemon Trail, the Wetland Trail and the Dog on Leash Trail.

Spoonbill! Picture by Cynthia Barrow

Starting at the back of the park at the Dog on Leash Trail, this is a relatively open, grassed track lined by tall grasslands.

The trail follows the side of a large paddock, where you can often spot a number of doe-eyed cows just chilling.

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Small birds, including fairy wrens, flit in and out of the grasses and butterflies float around.

On the road back to the carpark, hook a right and follow the Wetland Trail out, which is a pretty walk along a marsh-like area.

Spotted a tawny frogmouth? Picture: Cat Soper.

Crossing over the large open park (perfect for kids parties, mind you), you’ll end up at the Glossy Black Trail, which leads into the Rainforest Trail.

As the names might lead you to believe, this area is forested and there are birds galore — although it might prove a little difficult to spot the elusive Glossy-Black Cockatoo.

But there’s a bunch of birds to be seen here, anything from honeyeaters, robins, finches and noisy pittas to spoonbills, king parrots, kites, egrets, swamp hens and native ducks.

Finally, Callistemon Trail is nestled within the trees and loops over the Bonogin and Wallaby Creeks before meeting back up with the other trails.

The children’s playground at the park.

So, if you need something relaxing to do to kill a couple of hours, this area is definitely worth checking out.

There’s also a playground for the kids, the off-leash dog park, sheltered picnic tables, amenities and enough room to kick the footy.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

The Wallaby Hotel. Picture Glenn Hampson

Make sure if you’re around the Mudgeeraba area that you check out its village.

The small area houses a number of boutique retailers, the Wallaby Hotel (originally built in 1884), bed and breakfasts, galleries, and restaurants.

The small village is really cute, with a small park as its roundabout and historical buildings lining the roads.

EAT AND DRINK

The Market Place Cafe, Robina. Picture Glenn Hampson

The Market Place at neighbouring suburb Robina is a great place to head before you head out for your walk.

They have food ready to go if you were planning a picnic (think muffins, brownies, raw treats and wraps) and a good selection of lighter meals.

They have the staples of an acai bowl, Bircher muesli and smashed avocado with eggs, or you can try a cajun spiced chicken burger or Freekeh health bowl.

Gluten free and vegetarian options available.

DISCOVER

If you spot this elusive bird, let me know. A Glossy-black Cockatoo.

According to eBird Australia, a total of 170 bird species have been spotted at the park.

So it’s definitely worth taking your binoculars out, or leaving the dog at home to quietly make your way through the trails.

Some of the more difficult birds to spot include the Torresian Kingfisher, the Tawny Frogmouth, Glossy-black Cockatoo, the Buff-banded Rail and even the mighty Wedge-tailed Eagle.