Backyard Tourist: Eden Park in Nerang, Gold Coast

Sometimes it can be a struggle to find a park with everything the family needs, including of the four-legged kind. But here’s one complete with a playground, lake and huge grassy area.

No guesses for why this park is called Eden.

Sure, there aren’t any beautiful garden beds blooming with rare and colourful flowers, and no giraffes settled alongside lions, but there’s wide open space.

Perfect for crazy pet dogs.

And kids who want to run amok.

And parents who need a little space from their hectic life.

Gracey greyhound running around Eden Park

So kinda like Eden, right?

Sometimes also known as Burchill Park, this little gem, its access point hidden off Eden Court in Nerang, is a large grassed park with undulating hills bordered on one side by Clear Island Lake.

While there aren’t any fences to keep the kids and children contained, the space is big enough to explore safely with the whole family.

Clear Island Lake. Picture Mike Batterham

An extra grassed area on the far right is one of my favourite spots if you don’t feel like chatting with strangers on your visit.

There’s lots of trees for ample shade and a rotunda with seating when you need a rest.

If you head over to the waterside, there’s a small stretch of sand to dip your toes into when it’s warm too.

At the bend of the lake there are benches to sit on, though there’s less shade here.

If you move a little to your right you’ll find the beautiful mangroves.

Gold Coast Residents, (L-R) Brigita Jurica, Josip Bogunovac, Elvira Bogunovac, Katie Kiki, Vladimar Jurica and Rosie Jurica enjoy the park.

Eden Park also stretches out the other way towards the heart of Nerang at Ferry Street, through Arthur Earle Park which is underneath the highway.

While it’s kind of odd that this park is underneath the highway, I always see people standing on the large rocks fishing here.

So if you’re a keen fisher it might be a good spot to drop a line.

DISCOVER

Queensland Open squash finals held at the Nerang Squash and Fitness Centre. Picture by Scott Fletcher

STATION Street across the road from the skatepark has a few interesting places to check out if you wanted to do a little browsing.

I always enjoy stopping off at the little florist there, Vintage Flower, because its bouquets are so pretty. They also have gifts. There’s a bike store right next door too if the rest of the family prefers outdoorsy stuff.

Further down you’ll pass a vet before landing at the Salvation Army’s op shop.

If you’re in the mood for a good bargain, head on in.

There’s also a squash court hidden beneath the street here, so if you’re up for a bit of exercise it might be fun to book a court.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Fun at Nerang skate park. Pics Adam Head

WE all know a park isn’t complete with a playground or something for the kids to do, so make sure you bring a skateboard, scooter or a bike for your littlies.

Or teens.

The Nerang Skatepark, located right next to Arthur Earle Park, is an oasis for kids with a little bit of extra steam to blow off.

There’s enough space for them to try out their skateboarding skills and there’s a children’s playground next door.

Waiting parents can hang out underneath the rotunda provided or admire the large tree with its spiralling branches that borders the playground.

EAT AND DRINK

Nerang Thai on Station Street. Dishes: Spicy Prawn, Thai Green Chicken Curry, and Mixed Entree. PicKate/Czerny

NERANG Thai on Station Street is a great little spot for lunch or dinner.

They are accommodating and friendly in their service. They even have a little outside area on a wooden deck when its cooler at night.

Just like any good Thai eatery, they have a large menu ready to fill even the hungriest belly.

They have a huge range of curries to pick from, ready to pair with some delicious coconut rice.

Vegetarians also have a range of items to choose from, while seafood lovers can eat chow down on prawns them in a variety of ways.