Arundel park: Colgate-Palmolive Park on Gold Coast is a hidden gem

This park’s name might be dull, but its hidden nature and child-friendly amenities make this one of the most peaceful and relaxing spots on the Gold Coast.

THERE’S nothing better than finding a secluded, peaceful spot in the middle of a populated city.

In fact, the Gold Coast has quite a few hidden parks that only a local would find because really, who goes looking for parks in the middle of suburbia?

It was a happy accident that we found this place in Arundel, just off Allied Drive.

The Colgate-Palmolive Park in Arundel, Gold Coast. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

Off to the playground. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

And while the name conjures up images of toothpaste and detergents — Colgate Palmolive Park — this little green strip is a gem.

There is plenty of parking in Fadden Close and if you arrive in the afternoon, the golden rays filtering through the native trees create an alluring, dappled effect across the ground.

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A footpath winds its way from the entrance right to the edge of the park at the opposite end.

A basketball court sits across from three small children’s playgrounds, which can be accessed by crossing a small bridge from the footpath.

Just take a stroll underneath those trees. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

Some of the interesting trees in the coastal rainforest. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

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There are two barbecue areas and a toilet block.

The nicest spots are found by simply being underneath the paperbark trees as you stroll towards the back of the park.

You feel at peace and if you’re lucky, you might spot kangaroos grazing.

The footpath ends at the edge of the tree line, giving way to a small dirt path and some coastal rainforest to explore before opening up again to a large, open space at the back of an industrial area.

The park takes its name from the Colgate-Palmolive factory that operated in the industrial area nearby until a few years ago.

While the park itself is not huge, if you’re anything like me you’ll find it so peaceful that a few minutes soon turn into an hour.

DISCOVER

The old abandoned Ernest Junction railway tunnel.

IF abandoned spaces sound right up your alley, then here is the haunt for you.

Located just off one of the city’s busiest streets, Ashmore Road, the Ernest Junction Tunnel has sat abandoned but not forgotten for decades.

The tunnel was built in 1888 and was part of the South Coast railway line that originally ran through Yatala, Oxenford, Helensvale and Coombabah with a spur to Southport, and down to Mudgeeraba, Elanora, Bilinga and Coolangatta.

The tunnel was 111 metres long and closed in 1964, when the state government of the day closed the line and tore up the tracks. The new railway line to the Gold Coast was opened in 1996.

Now the tunnel is heavily graffitied, just waiting for those brave enough to visit.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Ikumi Mandai, 25 (left) and Asako Wanibuchi, 26, cool off at the lagoon at Harley Park in Labrador. Picture: Tim Marsden

HARLEY Park. Thousands drive past this gem every day — but do they stop?

I do, because it’s a great place for walking the dogs.

But it’s a great place to visit, full stop.

Not only does it have a beautiful strip of Broadwater to laze about on, you can take a dip in the Ian Dipple Lagoon or grab fresh fish at Charis Seafoods.

The footpath takes you all the way up to Lands End Bridge and Quota Park on the edge of Runaway Bay.

If you’re there in the afternoon, it’s a lovely spot to watch the sun set.

EAT AND DRINK

Daniel Smith at his store First Fruits on the Gold Coast. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

ONE of the first things you notice about First Fruits Cafe in Olsen Ave is the high-backed chairs in the outside seating.

You don’t see them around much and they tower above you protectively as you order a bunch of delicious items.

The corner cafe menu offers an array of bagels, topped with delicious fillings such as lemon curd and cream cheese, or smoked salmon with avocado.

An all-day brunch includes sweet Caroline buckwheat pancakes, a breakfast burger and an acai bowl.

Lunchtime meals include sweet and spicy chicken wings, barbecue pork ribs and a daily salad.