Backyard Tourist: Federation Walk Coastal Reserve on the Gold Coast great place to walk the dogs

Sure, you’ve heard about it, but have you visited? This pathway, surrounded by nature with the beach just metres away, is one of the Gold Coast’s best kept secrets when it comes to walking the dog.

CLOSE to the beach yet tranquil and without the crowds, this coastal walk along the Gold Coast is one of the city’s best hidden secrets.

This week I took my puppies out for a morning stroll along Federation Walk Coastal Reserve.

It was a little nippy but the dogs didn’t seem to mind, busy sniffing every nook and cranny along the sunlight dappled pathway.

At the southern entrance. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

The walk is lovely with the morning light. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

We began at the southern entrance to the walk at Philip Park, where there was lots of parking but just a handful of cars.

Two curlews sat somewhat awkwardly on a traffic island as we entered the walk, keeping an eye on the dogs who had no idea they even existed.

The Federation Walk runs parallel along Seaworld Drive, but has gentle sloping hills and coastal scrubland reminiscent of a time before heavy development.

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Adventures lie ahead. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

Some of the wattles along the way. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

There are wattle trees, banksia trees and other scrublike bushes that allow some sunlight to pass through, but give the pathway a secluded feel.

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Birds are constantly singing and flitting among the undergrowth, surely a birdwatcher’s heaven.

We passed just three people on the way towards the Gold Coast Seaway — bliss on a one kilometre walk up to Wal’s Walk.

Part of the walk even has beach access and views. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

There we followed the Ocean Way back, which offers views between the scrub to the azure blue ocean.

Here we saw a few more people getting a morning walk in, but it was wonderfully quiet.

Every few hundred metres the walks offer a path straight to the beach so you can get a swim in if you wanted. If you follow the pathway out you end up at the off-leash part of the Spit.

DISCOVER

Curlews are quirky birds. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

I was impressed with all the birdlife that I saw along the Federation Walk, no doubt thanks to all the scrub.

We saw pigeons, brush turkeys, willy wagtails, ibis and a few other smaller birds, but my favourite were the curlews.

I hadn’t realised they sit with their legs forward at a 90 degree angle, always ready to walk away or pretend to be invisible at a moment’s notice.

This is definitely a great place to spot some birdlife, so get those binoculars out.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Rachel Halili and her dog Bonnie enjoy a beautiful day at the Spit on the Gold Coast. Pics Adam Head

If you’ve got time to spare, I suggest taking a picnic basket and some towels to thoroughly enjoy the Spit.

If my dogs (and partner) could walk a little further than a rather short 1km walk, I'm sure we’d enjoy a snack along the seawall, or in Doug Jennings Park.

The park is quite open and a good place to kick a footy or spread out a blanket.

Across from Marine Stadium is a wonderful spot to throw down the towels and sunbake, watching the boats cruise by.

If you’re still keen despite the beginning of winter chill, you could even dip your toes in the water.

EAT AND DRINK

Raw Espresso owner Mark Fannin with his Siberian Husky 'Si'. Picture: Richard Gosling

This cosy cafe is also friendly, making it the perfect way to finish off your morning on The Spit.

Just a few minutes drive back into Southport, Raw Espresso goes out of its way to be pet-friendly, even offering a menu for visiting dogs.

There’s also a menu for humans thankfully, offering breakfast staples such as acai bowls and bacon and egg burgers.

They also offer yummy buddha bowls, avocado fetta on sourdough, eggs Benedict and other burgers.

Off course, they also offer a delicious cup of coffee to really wake you up.