Best of the Gold Coast 2018: Gold Coast’s 10 best picnic spots

GOLD Coast parks are perfect for running amok and soaking up the sun in this warm spring weather. Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate shares his top 10 spots for picnics, play and pups with Amber Macpherson.

Kurrawa Park

GOLD Coast parks are perfect for running amok and soaking up the sun in this warm spring weather. Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate shares his top 10 spots for picnics, play and pups with Amber Macpherson.

Kurrawa Park

Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach

Families love playing cricket at Kurrawa Park Picture Mike Batterham

No-one misses out at Kurrawa Park, where all levels of abilities are encouraged to have fun. “Kurrawa Park is a great example of how the Gold Coast aims to cater for everyone,” Tom says. “The All Abilities Playground offers several play zones with varied play abilities and ages in mind. Only metres away is Kurrawa Beach, which offers free hire of beach access equipment such as matting and beach wheelchairs via Kurrawa Surf Lifesaving Club.”

Justins Park

1698 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Justins Park. Picture: Jerad Williams

Feel the sea salt spray in your hair as you frolic at Justins Park, a grassy nook that’s right on the water. “The Burleigh atmosphere is second to none,” Tom says. “With plenty of shade, barbecues, picnic tables and benches, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy a BBQ lunch.”

Schuster Park

506 Schusters Rd, Tallebudgera

Schuster Park is a fun place to be Picture: Tim Marsden

The former grounds of a dairy farm, the lush 68ha of Schuster Park is a hit with dog owners. “This park offers one of the largest off-leash dog exercise areas in the Gold Coast, giving your furry friend plenty of room to stretch his legs. Along with walking trails, horseriding, boat ramp and shoreline fishing, this peaceful park is great for recreational activities.”

Broadwater Parklands

Gold Coast Hwy, Southport

Broadwater Parklands. Picture Glenn Hampson

If parks were people, Broadwater Parklands would be your energetic friend that just wants to entertain. Whether it’s food trucks, live concerts or fundraisers, you’re likely to come across a fun family event most weekends here. “From movies under the stars, salsa dancing, pedal cars, a rockpools water playground, train rides to Christmas carols and more, there is something for everyone. Pack your swimmers and a picnic,” Tom says.

Winders Park

Duringan St, Currumbin

Winders Park. Picture: Jerad Williams

Overlooking the serene Currumbin Creek, Winders Park is an ideal secluded spot to paddle in the water and muck around on a kayak. “If you love your water spots, you’ll want to pop Winders Park on your to-do list. It is the perfect spot to enjoy everything from kayaking to stand-up paddle boarding. With picnic facilities, barbecues, toilets and a boat ramp, Winders Park makes for a great family day out on the water.”

Evandale Parklands

Ouyan St, Surfers Paradise

Evandale Park.

Flanking the Gold Coast City Council chambers and Home of the Arts, Evandale Parklands is tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise. With sprawling lawns and a wading pool, Tom recommends visiting the park for a long, lazy alfresco lunch. “With the farmers markets on every Sunday, you can pick up some treats and enjoy a picnic with a view. The tidal swimming lagoon is a great way to cool off on a hot summer’s day.”

Hinterland Regional Park

40 Hardys Rd, Mudgeeraba

Mudgeeraba Hinterland Regional Park.

Bring your mountain bike along to Hinterland Regional Park and you’ll be entertained for hours exploring its winding trails and tracks. The 62ha of bushland is great for exploring on foot, on wheels or on horseback. “You’ll be able to do everything from horse riding, mountain biking, running, nature study to walking among a scenic backdrop,” Tom says.

Syd Duncan Park

19 Outlook Ave, Lower Beechmont

Syd Duncan Park. Picture: Supplied

Boasting a beautiful vista looking west to the hinterland, Syd Duncan Park is a pocket of paradise. Not only is it picturesque, it is now home to a community-built nature play area. “This park was revamped last year with fitness stations, covered picnic shelters, basketball half-court, playground and a walking track to go hand-in-hand with the spectacular scenery.”

Palm Beach Parklands

945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Palm Beach Parklands.

Ahoy, me hearties — children who dare enter pirate land are guaranteed a great time. One of the most popular parks on the Gold Coast, Palm Beach Parklands offers a pirate-themed playground as well as wide footpaths for cycling. “The pirate ship-themed playground is a hit with kids and is designed to encourage imaginative play. The wide paths are perfect for taking the bike out and there are plenty of grassed areas to enjoy a picnic or cricket.”

Pizzey Park

80 Pacific Ave, Miami

Pizzey Park. Picture: Jerad Williams

Wander in to Pizzey Park on a weekend or after work and you might accidentally sign up to a team sport. Pizzey Park caters to a variety of group sport activities with football fields, athletics tracks, tennis courts and more. “Pizzey Park is the unofficial home of grassroots sports on the Gold Coast,” Tom says. “With a skate and BMX park for keen riders and winding paths for joggers, Pizzey Park is a haven for those that love to stay active.”