Backyard Tourist: Short walk in Molendinar among rainforest and bushland

Right in the middle of Gold Coast suburbia is a fantastic little walk fringed by subtropical rainforest and bushland. Here’s how to stumble across this small piece of serenity.

Ah, the serenity.

Yep, Darryl Kerrigan would be proud of this walking track I found smack-bang in the middle of Gold Coast suburbia.

And while it’s no Gold Coast Hinterland walk — in fact it’s much, much shorter — it is a relaxing pathway for those wanting a touch of the Australian bush without the long trek and drive into the hinterland.

See the egret? Picture: Amanda Robbemond

The wattle trees add a splash of colour to the walk. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

Head out to Lockwood Place in Molendinar, where you’ll spot a pathway winding beside some scrubland, known as the Crestwood Reserve, and houses.

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You’ll cross over a small bridge, to your right the beginnings of a subtropical rainforest.

There’s vines creeping up old natives, palm trees interspersed and larger trees felled and horizontal across the ground.

A bit of the bushland. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

Part of the walk is more rainforest-y. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

When I stumbled upon this place, I imagined this is what the Gold Coast would have looked like without housing developments. Rainforests creeping into bushland and wetlands.

In any case, the rainforest gives way to more scrub-like bushland once you cross over Grasstree Way.

Along the pathway you’ll notice beautiful native wattle trees fringing the track, as it winds its way along the back of Watergum Parade.

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Who could have know this was hiding in Molendinar? Picture: Amanda Robbemond

At Crestwood Drive, turn right and you’ll find a hidden treasure — a picnic area right next to a pretty, serene lake.

Here you’ll spot egrets, ibis and cockatoos, nestled among the bright green waterplants.

That’s as far as I got, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the pathway continues on through the next street. See how you go — and enjoy!

DISCOVER

Harbour Town has a good selection of shops and eateries.

Find a good deal out at Harbour Town, just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Crestwood Reserve.

With more of a relaxed feel than its other shopping counterparts, it also makes use of the Gold Coast weather with its open plan.

Most of the stores here are also well-priced and discounted.

Think Fossil, Cotton On, Bikini Island, Mimco, Rivers and Kookai.

Now that the centre has opened up its Harbour Town Eats, you can spend the rest of your day shopping before grabbing a quick dinner and even a movie.

EAT AND DRINK

A delicious hamburger from The Brick Cafe in Molendinar. Picture: Jerad Williams

This place is in the oddest spot — but it’s definitely worth heading into the Molendinar industrial zone to find it.

The Brick Cafe has a fun Thai twist to its mouth-watering menu.

They have something for everyone, including hamburgers, fries, Thai basil chicken, omelettes and curries.

The cafe opens for breakfast and even does catering — handy considering there are a lot of offices and businesses surrounding it.

The Brick Cafe is open 7am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and is also open 10.30am on Saturday until 3pm.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Harley Park Labrador with the Ian Dipple Lagoon. Supplied by GCCC

IF you were after a relaxing day out, add the Ian Dipple Lagoon and pelican feeding to your list.

Located on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Marine Parade in Labrador, this place is just 15 minutes away from the Molendinar pathway.

Around 1.30pm most days, as many people as pelicans gather round to feed the large black and white birds.

If you prefer to keep away from the crowds, be it bird or people, a short walk either side of the lagoon will restore your inner peace once more.