Head to Schuster Park on the southern Gold Coast for a holiday that ticks all the boxes

IF you’ve been looking for a park that has it all, this southern Gold Coast park may just tick every one of your boxes. Think wildlife, pets, kids and nature.

IF YOU needed a place close to the city to just hang all day — with your entire family, pets and all — then Schuster Park is the place to be.

Originally a dairy farm owned by the Schuster family, this natural 68-hectare park in Tallebudgera is now a family and pet-friendly place just waiting to be explored.

The big park, just off Tallebudgera Creek Road on Heather Street, caters to pretty much everyone and everything.

Schuster Park Restoration project team members help to keep the weeds down in the natural bushland.

Wanted to take your horse for a ride? Tick.

Dog out for a run, off leash? Tick.

Bird watching? Tick.

The list goes on.

Even if you just wanted a quiet place to relax in nature, Schuster Park has a conservation park attached. (Sorry, no pups allowed along here, but you can ride your horse).

Complete with a walking trail and a small section of boardwalk, Schuster Park Peninsular boasts Melaleuca woodland, mangroves, a saltmarsh and a she-oak open forest.

This is also the best place to spot songbirds, kites and shorebirds.

Mark Backstone has helped to revitalise parts of Schuster Park by planting native trees.

Keep an eye out for koalas too — the sleepy, furry creatures can be spotted napping in the tall trees in the natural vegetation.

There’s paved pathways throughout the park and they will lead you to the large open off-leash dog park where your pup can frolic til his heart’s content.

If you follow the pathway round until it nudges Tallebudgera Creek, you’ll find the area for those wanting to ride their horses.

Back at the main area, there’s a children’s playground and barbecue facilities.

This is where you can get your swimmers on and your kayak out.

Really, where else can you head out for the day to a place that pleases everybody? You won’t leave here disappointed.

DISCOVER

The Teavine House in the Tallebudgera Valley.

For something a little fancier and super romantic once you’ve tuckered yourself out exploring Schuster Park, take a trip to the Teavine House.

Guys and gals, is a great place to spend a bit of time with your partner being a little lovey-dovey.

To make things extra special, the venue uses exclusive fine china, collected from around the globe.

Don’t forget to make a booking though- they need 24 hours notice to get your high tea ready.

The venue is open for lunch, morning tea and afternoon tea, from 9am to 5pm Thursday to Sunday.

EAT AND DRINK

Guilty Cafe will definitely keep the kids happy. Photo by Richard Gosling

The Guilty Cafe is a fun one for the kids, and yes, you might leave feeling a little guilty.

But hey, you need to self-indulge once in a while right?

The cafe offers ‘crazy guilty shakes’ to get you started, ranging from a smashed cookies and cream vanilla shake to a guilty Golden gaytime shake.

But they cater for the little more health conscious too, offering fresh juices, coffee and healthy smoothie bowls.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 7am to 3pm, the cafe offers an all day breakfast menu including an ultimate brekkie bagel, fancy french toast and good old bacon and eggs.

Vegetarian options available.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE ... DO

Even Ninja Warrior contestants Ryan Solomon, 28 of Brisbane, and Jack Wilson, 23, of the Gold Coast are keen to bounce around here. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

Boring! Boring!

Bounce is a fun place to head for an hour or two with the kids if you want to burn their energy off before heading home.

Prices start from $11.70 for kids under 110cm for an hour, while the older kids can get in for $16.90.

If you were keen to try it as well, there’s also family passes available.