Labrador walk through the suburb unexpectedly beautiful: Backyard Tourist

Earlier this week I went for a jog around the block — and came up with an unexpected spot to enjoy the early morning rays.

YOU never know what you might find around the corner.

This week I decided to go for a jog around the block, something I had not done for – let’s face it, since last year. Or maybe the year before that. I don’t remember.

Anyway, my walk-slash-run around the area, without dogs, meant I could explore the back streets of Labrador without having to stop every five metres to let the dogs sniff the grass.

It turned out there was a nice path to follow, with or without pooches.

BACKYARD TOURIST: OCEANWAY GATEWAY TO GOLD COAST

Just off Little Usher Ave. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

For this small journey, which will only take you 10-15 minutes if you decide to jog (I’m starting off slow, okay), begin at Little Usher Ave just off Olsen Ave.

There is a small reserve on the left side with a footpath that you can follow, which eventually comes out at the corner of Freeman St and Kenny Drive.

If you continue to follow the reserve on the other side, you will end up at a large open field fringed by trees, with a small bridge to your left.

BACKYARD TOURIST: VISITING TEMPLES NORTH OF THE GOLDIE

Can you see the ducks? Picture: Amanda Robbemond

You might even see a cute duck family waddling around, resting by the water and under the shade of the tall green trees lining the stream.

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There are two options here – one, getting off the beaten track and adding a solid walk/jog along the edges of the field, and two, heading straight across the bridge and following the footpath’s right hook further on.

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The large field as the sun rises. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

BACKYARD TOURIST: YOUR VERY OWN BEER TOUR

I came across a number of dog walkers early in the morning, who all gave me a cheery “good morning’’ as we went past the Dodgers Touch Football Club.

At this point you are close to Olsen Ave where you have, again, two options.

One is to head back to where you started by turning left. Alternatively, you can grab some early morning hash browns at the Hungry Jack’s, not 30 metres away after all your hard work.

Hmm, decisions, decisions.

EAT AND DRINK

Their corn Fritter Stack. Picture: Jerad Williams

THE Frigg Cafe in Frank St – also known as the Gold Coast Highway – is a central and fun place at Labrador to check in for a bite to eat.

The cafe serves all the staples including toast, corn fritter stacks, pancakes, toasties and eggs on toast for breakfast.

Lunch is also a comfort-food affair, with burgers, frittata, fish and chips and chicken parmigiana on the menu.

Of course, they also sell the ever-popular acai bowl if you are looking for something refreshing.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Clothes, anyone?

I FOUND the most amazing outside plants at the monthly Dodgers Touch Football car boot sales a few months ago.

In fact, you’re bound to find something at this fun, eclectic mix of mostly secondhand goods.

They have anything from books to clothes, to plants to DVDs – anything really.
It is a super casual affair and pets are welcome.

The monthly markets are held at the Cos Zantiotis Park off Jacob Drive every second Sunday of the month, from 5am to noon.

BACKYARD TOURIST: UPPER COOMERA EASEMENT SLICE OF PARADISE

DISCOVER

The Little Blue Market Stall. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

DID I mention I was a sucker for plants?

Hidden behind a side road off Olsen Ave and generally used by the local childcare and a small retirement complex is a small stall in front of The Deck Hub community centre.

You can’t miss it, given it is painted a baby clue colour and called The Little Blue Market Stall.

The plants on offer vary but they often have succulents, as well as flower varieties and sometimes herbs.

The stall operates on an honesty box system, with plants ranging from $1 to about $7.