Backyard Tourist: Abbott Park and Ballybunion Family Park in Parkwood, Gold Coast
Tucked away in this popular northern suburb, these two Gold Coast parks have everything you need for a day out with the family — and your pooch.
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WHO knew the area surrounding the Gold Coast University Hospital was such a haven of parks and reserves?
Well I didn’t, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found two potential new spots to take the hounds for a walk.
Luckily, these spots are also family friendly, so they’re great for a day out spent barbecuing or doing whatever it is your family does.
If you take Wintergreen Drive and turn into Henry Cotton Drive, you’ll come across your first green sanctuary – Ballybunion Family Park.
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Mostly comprising bushland, this area has a reasonably sized grassed area for the kids to run around in, plus barbecue facilities and a playground.
For the sports enthusiasts, there’s even a small basketball court.
People wanting to explore a little can follow the grass strips behind the houses fringing the park.
Keep an eye out for cockatoos, lorikeets and dozens of butterflies here – they’re not shy!
If a longer day out at the park is more your thing, then Abbott Park, situated off Parkwood Boulevard, might be more your thing.
This spot has two sides to it – on one side is a smaller space for those wanting to just relax in the surroundings. There’s just one bench there to sit on, and you’re parked right next to the golf course.
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On the opposite side of the road is where the action is.
Again, there’s a larger basketball court, complete with a fun mural the kids can pose alongside, two playgrounds and picnic tables.
Take the little bridge across the small drain-slash-creek (keep your imagination open, there’s beautiful monstera plants growing on the corners) to get to the enclosed dog park, complete with agility equipment.
DISCOVER
IF it’s really warm outside but lazing around the park isn’t doing it for you because you still need your activity fix, head over to Jummps Trampoline Park.
Kids and adults can jump around until they’re out of energy – and all in airconditioning.
If you’re lucky, you might spot a Titans player pop in for a quick session.
The business also has tumble classes where beginners can learn to roll safely forwards and backwards. Advanced classes teach how to perform handsprings and round offs.
The trampoline park opens 3pm Monday to Friday and at 9am on weekends until 7pm or 9pm.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO
IF Fido’s not tired out from racing around in the park, take a drive down Olsen Avenue to Ngulli Bui Park, near the intersection with the Gold Coast Highway and opposite Harbour Town.
Towering trees are spread out across the park, meaning you always have plenty of shade.
There are a few winding tracks inside the park leading back on to Olsen Avenue or down to Tamara Street, Arundel.
Of course if you’re peckish, the Harbour Seafood Market across the road can whip up some fish and chips.
EAT AND DRINK
THE newly-opened Harbour Town Eats is a good way to have your cake and eat it too.
Seriously, I ordered some Japanese food from one of the little shops and a milkshake from San Churro.
There are lots of small Asian eateries if that's more your thing, as well as the more well-known options such as Crafty’s Sports Bar and Zeus Street Greek.
The bonus in eating there is obviously catching a movie afterwards, with the cinemas right next door. Popcorn anyone?
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