Backyard Tourist: Where to spot koalas in Burleigh on the Gold Coast

IT’S time to take some time out for a bit of a more natural and more cultural break. Get ready to discover this hidden koala sanctuary.

Fancy meeting one of Borobi’s mates? Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

IT’S time to take time out for a bit of a more natural and more cultural break. Especially now that Easter and the Games are upon us (which equals crowds).

So discover Burleigh Ridge Park, the hidden gem of the southern Gold Coast.

BURLEIGH RIDGE PARK

WHILE we’ve all heard of Burleigh National Park and Headland and have seen the area’s dreamy pictures of crashing waves along the coastline, you might not know about its neighbour, Burleigh Ridge Park.

The 25-hectare area forms part of the Burleigh Green Space Conservation Reserves and supports a large population of koalas.

Borobi spotting anyone?

It’s the perfect little getaway.

Access points to Burleigh Ridge Park. (Opposite Peggs Road) Picture Glenn Hampson

And when you need to take a breather but can’t afford to spend hours driving from the Coast, this is the place to go.

The trails in the area are well managed and are perfect for active kids still hyped up on Easter eggs and bored by the school holidays.

While you won’t find super steep or rough terrain, it is classed by council as uneven, and there are some flights of stairs to climb.

But the more challenging walk is worth it as you’ll find gorgeous gum trees lining the trails, some with amazing hues of orange.

Interestingly, the area houses a good array of wildlife considering its proximity to highways, homes and the like — native birds, koalas, snakes, possums and lizards can all be found here.

Peeking out between the gums are snippets of the Burleigh area and coastline, so pack your camera.

The amazing views from neighbouring Burleigh Headland are tantalisingly close too. Photo by Chantay Logan

You’ll even spot views of the Gold Coast Hinterland’s Springbrook area.

The Burleigh Ridge Park is really just a stone’s throw from the National Park, so could easily be combined for a full day of walking fun — beach and bush.

The entrances to the reserve are from Tabilban Street, George Street and the Gold Coast Highway.

DISCOVER

People cooling off at Echo Beach, Tallebudgera Creek during a hot summers day on the Gold Coast. Picture: Jerad Williams

Echo Beach is one of those amazing little strips of azure water and golden sands studded with hulking black rocks.

Go for a mini-adventure across the boulders to check out different views of Tallebudgera Creek, or just sit down and soak in the view.

The beach is only a 100m long — if that — and is a great little spot to simply relax.

A trail that winds its way in front of the headland is along this beach and is also worth having a look at.

EAT AND DRINK

Diners munching on some goods at the upstairs eating area at Paddock Bakery at Miami. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Less of a hidden gem and more of a must-taste, Paddock Bakery at Miami is your go-to spot for a bite to eat before you head out on your adventure.

The cafe regularly offers new and inventive mouth-watering items made on-site.

They’re famous for their artisan bread loaves (and celebrities which regularly flit in).

There’s an all-day breakfast and lunch — think toasted cream cheese bagels, wood fired muesli, pea and halloumi fritters or turkey cranberry sandwiches. Yum!

WHILE YOU’RE THERE ... DO

A tour at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Tallebudgera Creek with Luther Cora.

The Jellurgal Cultural Centre has lots to see and do and is worth a visit.

If you’re lucky, you’ll find local artists creating traditional art at the centre and you can have a squiz at the artwork and interesting items available. Think dilly bags, shields, boomerangs and of course, didgeridoos.

But if you have a couple of hours, the local tours offer rich insight into the Gold Coast’s Aboriginal history and is time well spent.