Backyard Tourist: Finding the rainforests of the Gold Coast

TODAY we’re headed out on another road trip, this time towards our own backyard rainforests. More specifically, all sorts of rainforests you didn’t know we even had.

TIME TO REVISIT CURRUMBIN CREEK ROAD

TODAY we’re headed on another road trip, this time towards our own backyard rainforests.

More specifically, all sorts of rainforests, including subtropical, dry, dry warm, transitional and palm forest.

Who would have guessed we had so many different types of forest in Currumbin?

To find these gems, a lazy, but spectacular trip down Currumbin Creek Road is warranted.

And sure, you might have been here before, but it’s time to really take a look where our endangered and vulnerable plants and animals hide.

The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly male. Picture: RICHARD BULL

Nicholl Scrub National Park, just off Currumbin Creek Rd on Tomewin Mountain Rd, is a haven for threatened animals such as grey-headed flying foxes, Richmond birdwing butterflies, Rose’s shadeskinks and short-limbed snake skinks.

It also houses endangered plants such as sweet myrtle and spiny gardenia.

In particular, this is where the rainforest magic is, with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services calling it a “biodiversity hotspot”, supporting the only known and entire sequence of rainforest in the area. Unfortunately, while it’s not particularly accessible, it is a nice place to drive past and take pictures of.

A Grey Headed Flying Fox. Picture: Steve Tanner

Long Tan Park further along Currumbin Creek Rd, is more accessible with creeks and rockpools to swim in, although there are no other amenities.

Of course, among the rainforested route you’ll find plenty of paddocks and other beautiful scenery.

While the trip itself takes just half an hour if you’re headed to the Cougal Cascades, stopping to check out the scenery will ensure you have a wonderful half-day trip out with the family.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE ... DO

The beautiful Currumbin Rock Pools. Picture: Jerad Williams

An obvious choice of course, the Currumbin Rock Pools are hard to ignore.

So if the sun is shining and the weather warm, take a quick dip in the amazing pools the area has to offer.

Set in nature, the pools are a great place to unwind with friends and family on your road trip.

EAT AND DRINK

Pasture & Co deliciousness. Picture Glenn Hampson

Pasture & Co is a little cafe run at the environmentally sustainable Ecovillage.

Offering a wide variety of foods, catering for every diet, the food is wholesome and healthy.

Choose from smoothies and coffee to organic fruit. There’s beef and bacon burgers and even scrambled tofu with turmeric peppers.

The cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday, 7am-3pm.

DISCOVER

Red Dragon Bonsai owner Chris White pictured with his trees which are perfect small garden options.

Come on, I know you’ve always wanted to stop here. Who can resist miniature trees, really?

Red Dragon Bonsai is a great little pit stop for a peek into the traditional Japanese art of keeping tiny trees and plants.

They have such a wide range of bonsai it will be hard to leave without nabbing one of them though. At least you’ll be well informed as how to take care of them with the knowledgeable owners and staff.

Open Monday to Saturday, 9am-4pm.