Backyard Tourist: Sugar gliders at the Elanora Wetlands

Nestled on the southern Gold Coast is a little-known wetland area carefully protecting an adorable nocturnal species — the sugar glider.

NESTLED on the southern Gold Coast is a little-known wetland area carefully protecting an adorable nocturnal species, the sugar glider.

Yep, we actually have these cuties in our back yard.

The Elanora Wetlands, often overshadowed by neighbouring Schuster Park which is also pet friendly, is the spot you want to be.

A sugar glider. Picture: Matt Wright (Faunagraphic)

Of course, the gliders are tiny and nocturnal, so it pays do to your homework before you find these creatures in front of your camera lens.

If sugar gliders aren’t your thing, the wetlands provide a habitat for 60 different species of birds.

Little Corellas at Elanora Wetlands. Supplied by Donna Mroz Turcic.

Because the 20 hectares of land forms part of the Burleigh to Springbrook wildlife corridor and links to the hinterland, it is a valuable area for the city’s native species.

The wetlands offers a 2.5km circuit of charming, narrow paths fringed by grass and eucalypts.

The track begins close to the Pacific Motorway underpass, with parking access via Tallebudgera Drive.

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Members of Elanora Wetlands Bushcare Group who help keep the wetlands looking their best. Picture: Shawn Durkin

It winds its way past Tallebudgera Creek before branching off left towards the Elanora Wastewater Treatment Plant or right towards a bend in the river.

If you have a bit of time to spare and a pooch straining on the leash, consider checking out Schuster Park or even Eddie Kornhauser Recreational Reserve, which are both dog friendly.

You won’t spot as much wildlife though.

DISCOVER

Gracey greyhound enjoys a run at Eddie Kornhauser Recreational Reserve at Tallebudgera at the off-leash dog island. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

TAKING the dogs somewhere nice in a bit of green space can sometimes be hard, so while you’re down south, it’s worth checking out Schuster Park and Eddie Kornhauser Recreational Reserve.

Schuster Park has something for the whole family including horse riding, shoreline fishing, a children’s playground, walking trails and an off-leash area for the dogs.

The Eddi Kornhauser Reserve has this fantastic little island where your dog can run off leash.

EAT AND DRINK

The food and atmosphere of Plantation cafe at Tallebudgera. Picture Glenn Hampson

A QUAINT eatery, The Plantation House Cafe, is situated in — you guessed it — an old plantation house, so it has the looks to go with the great fare.

It also has inside and outside seating to really soak up the atmosphere of the Burleigh village.

When you order your fodder, you’ll notice you can pay your way forward — that is, paying for the next customer’s cuppa. For a cheap feel good, take them up on this offer.

As for the food, expect wholesome breakfast treats such as eggs Benedict, zucchini and corn fritters with avocado, or a hash stack with bacon, avocado and Turkish bread.

Lunch includes staples such as nachos, a steak burger or beer battered flathead with chips.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Palm Beach is lovely to visit too.

WHAT better way is there to round off your day than a walk at Palm Beach?

There are a few things you can choose from there, or you can do them all!

There’s a beautiful walk you can take through the Beree-badalla Reserve and Tarrabora Reserve on Currumbin Creek.

You’ll find you can spot fish swimming in the creek as you pad along the boardwalk.

Afterwards, cool down at the beach and see if you can spot the whales on their annual migration.