Backyard Tourist: Paradise Point Esplanade South Park

Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side. Here’s the park you didn’t know about, just metres away from one of the city’s most popular spots.

Paradise Point Esplanade South Park, Gold Coast. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

SOMETIMES the grass is greener on the other side.

Or at least temptingly so.

Paradise Point’s Esplanade North Park is favourite haunt for families across the Coast thanks to its kid-friendly parks and calm waters, but let’s be honest — it can get very, very crowded.

What you probably didn’t know is opposite the Ephraim Island bridge, there’s another beautiful stretch of park just waiting to be explored, the Esplanade South Park.

Nice place to take the pups. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

And it’s literally 100 metres away, if that.

Here you can have a quick dip, mosey along the beach, take Fido for a stroll or even just go for a jog. (Yep, they even have gym equipment set up along the way.)

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One of the loveliest things about this park are the large gum trees with their peach and silver streaked trunks, fringed by their olive green leaves.

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Paradise Point Esplanade South Park. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

There’s also pine trees and a few other different types of trees to meander under.

The park also has about four of five picnic tables situated under the trees, plus a couple of barbecue facilities.

You’ll also spot some sandbars jutting out of the Broadwater, just waiting for you dip your toes in, with views towards the bridge on one side, and if you look closely enough, to James Cook Park.

It’s so lovely! Picture: Amanda Robbemond

This little park is more like a spot to walk through, but since it's slightly off the beaten track you can enjoy it all to yourself much of the time.

This stretch of beach has palm trees dotted across the area.

For those wishing to enjoy a longer hike, just keep following the footpath — and enjoy.

DISCOVER

The Boardwalk at Coombabah Lakelands. Picture: Donna Mroz Turcic

If you not only value your peace and quiet but some of the city’s nature, head on out to the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area.

There’s a whole 1200 hectares here to explore, with more than 270 creatures — some threatened — calling the area home.

There’s quite a few koalas in this area, so keep a good eye out. Kangaroos will be much easier to spot.

This spot is perfect for getting back to nature through a short or long walk, or you could even take up some birdwatching.

Don’t forget your bottle of water and your camera.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

At Couran Cove. Photo: Steve Holland

IF ferries, kangaroos, forests and the beach are your thing, consider a day trip to South Stradbroke’s Couran Cove.

The island retreat is a fun, relaxed way to spend the day with the family and you can explore the area on bike.

Expect to see some adorable wallabies hopping around.

If you’re staying later into the afternoon or night, you’ll find bandicoots enjoy scurrying across the footpaths.

The island also has a Sports Centre is where you can take part in tennis, giant chess, basketball and volleyball, and you can also hire out stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.

EAT AND DRINK

I’ll have three, please. Picture: Jerad Williams

WITH some cute wordplay for its name and an even cuter logo, how can you go past Buoy Oh Buoy?

Just off the main drag at the Esplanade on Falkinder Drive, you’ll find this adorable space open for breakfast and lunch throughout the week.

The menu here never stops changing, but here’s a general idea of what this cafe is all about.

For brekky, think paleo granola, with sweetened Greek yoghurt and fruit, hot smoked salmon on a bagel, coco mango bowls or toasted sourdough.

At lunchtime, chow down on a tuna panini with mozzarella or a roast pumpkin sandwich with pesto and goats cheese.

When it comes to drinks they’ve got a wide range of coffee, turmeric lattes, dark hot chocolates, milo milkshakes and iced teas.