Backyard Tourist: The Oceanway is the gateway to the Gold Coast

Nature on the Gold Coast doesn’t have to be so far away. While there’s no Gondwana trees during this day trip, you’ll find salt, surf and sand instead.

GOLD Coast’s Oceanway may have come to life with its fair share of controversy, but the 36km path is a dream for weekend athletes.

Now while I wouldn’t call myself anything like that, where else could you go for such a long stretch without too much traffic or without, God-forbid, too many hills on the Coast?

A section of the Gold Coast Oceanway.

Nowhere that I know of, which is why I highly recommend the Oceanway to those who want to be that athletic but aren’t game enough to face the 45 degree incline outside their home.

The Oceanway starts at the Spit and follows the gorgeous coastline all the way down to Coolangatta, making its way past Main Beach, Miami, Palm Beach and Bilinga, just to name a few.

Before the Oceanway was constructed.

You can walk, jog or cycle and you can traverse this pathway for as long or as short as you like.

Personally, I like going for a bit of a bike ride and stopping off at cafes, even though I don’t end up going that far.

The fun thing about the Oceanway is that you’ll find it winds its way past all your favourite hubs.

Tallebudgera Creek looks like a good spot for a swim. Picture: @joshua.b.w

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You can shop at Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise and blow off some steam at Timezone.

Or you can soak up the stunning views of the sea before stopping off for lunch at Broadbeach.

In Burleigh, grab an early dinner at your favourite restaurant and dessert bar (think waffles).

At Point Danger, Coolangatta, you have reached the end — just in time to relax as the sun sets over the mountains.

EAT AND DRINK

Pepe Italia. Just yum! Picture Mike Batterham

IF you haven’t been to Pepe Italia yet, you haven’t lived.

Or rather, haven’t truly eaten amazing Italian food. And that’s just me munching on their vegan versions of their delicious pasta and pizza.

The Burleigh Heads restaurant is on the main strip in Connor Street, with inside and outside seating plus some bar seating.

The menu is extensive, with entrees like bruschetta and arancini balls, while the pizzas are topped with anything from artichokes, mushrooms or capsicum, to prawns, calamari or hot salami.

Pasta is handmade — and you can tell the mouth-watering difference. They also have salads

and sides.

The little gem also serves gluten-free dishes. Open 5pm to late throughout the week

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Tallebudgera Creek has received 'Best Swimming Spot' in Wotif's people's choice National Awards. Picture: Jerad Williams

IT’S a bit of a no-brainer but while you’re exploring the Oceanway, you’re bound to get a bit hot.

So take a dip in the aqua waters at any one of the Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches.

Manned by lifeguards throughout the week and volunteer lifesavers at the weekend, the Gold Coast boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the world.

To do like the tourists do, have a swim at Surfers Paradise.

For somewhere a little less crowded but nonetheless popular, Kurrawa Beach at Broadbeach is great.

Calmer waters can be found at Tallebudgera Creek, alongside its typically deserted beach across from Burleigh Headland, and at the Tallebudgera off-leash dog beach.

DISCOVER

Nature, it's something the Gold Coast isn't always known for, but it does have it. Picture: Jerad Williams

MACINTOSH Island Park is basically a little slice of paradise nestled next to one of the city’s busiest suburbs, Surfers Paradise.

You can easily stop off there for a relaxing break to meander around its well-tended gardens.

They even have a little waterfall alongside running streams, and peacocks strut around pretending to guard the park.

If you take the family along for your Oceanway adventure, be sure to check out the children’s playground. There is also a barbecue and picnic area if you need to rustle up a snack.

But mostly, enjoy the serenity and the stunning views of the high-rises, all from under the shade of the park’s large, overarching trees.