Phil Hill Environmental Park boardwalk is a beautiful, relaxing spot at Paradise Point, Gold Coast: Backyard Tourist

While most people would be well acquainted with this popular Coast park in the northern part of the city, fewer would realise there’s a peaceful boardwalk just waiting to be discovered close by.

MANY Gold Coasters might be quite well acquainted with Jabiru Island at Paradise Point, but few probably realise there is a stunning short boardwalk just metres away.

To access Phil Hill Environmental Park, you just need to leave your car at Jabiru Island Park’s car park in Oxley Drive and follow the path beneath the overpass to your left.

It is just 330m long but the wooden, 1.5m-wide boardwalk reveals hidden surprises and the constant hum of nature.

BACKYARD TOURIST: PLEASANT PARKLANDS

The mangrove boardwalk at Phil Hill Environmental Park at Paradise Point, which shares the land with Jabiru Island Park. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

On one side of the walk, there are dozens of boats moored along the quiet Coombabah Creek, which feeds into the Coomera River.

On the opposite side, thousands of tiny soldier crabs scurry along the mud, home to leggy mangroves and native shrubs.

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You can explore this area further or simply take in the view along the small stretch of beach. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

Toward the end of the boardwalk, the space opens up. There are trees on the spit, which is the most likely spot where you will find a fisherman casting his line.

You can explore this area further or simply take in the view along the small stretch of beach.

Bonus points if your friends or better half spot what looks to be a raptor nest on top of a statue, so keep an eye out for any of the large ospreys hovering in the skies as well.

BACKYARD TOURIST: FORT LYTTON

The spot is great to explore. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

Oxley Drive is close enough to spot the cars driving past but the walk itself is still very quiet with little to disturb you.

This walk is perfect for when you just want a bit of peace, but don’t want to head out into the bush to find it.

Sometimes a gentle brush with nature — even if it is in the middle of suburbia — is all you need.

DISCOVER

Lots of mangroves to be seen. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

Leafy mangroves line the banks of the Coombabah Creek and Coomera River at Jabiru Island.

Not only are they interesting to look at, with their complicated root system, but they also harbour a lot of fauna.

They are important as breeding and nursery sites for a range of animals, including fish, crabs and prawns.

With 39 species of mangroves in the state, you could easily spend your time spotting as many as possible during your walk.

EAT AND DRINK

Yum!

The Monsoon cafe has been a fixture of Paradise Point for years.

The welcoming cafe has a wide range of food suitable to a number of diets and tastes.

For breakfast, expect dishes such as corn fritters with avocado and a poached egg, or a potato and chive cake with bacon, or even a brekky bruschetta bowl.

of course, they have all the staples such as pancakes, omelettes and yoghurt granola.

Lunch, which begins at 11am, includes share plates such as drunken bourbon prawns, a DIY taco plate and pickled tempura vegetables, while its mains offer mud crab linguine, chicken, brie and avocado open toastie and a poke bowl.

Open everyday from 6am to 4pm.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Jabiru Island Park. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

Jabiru Island Park is right next to Phil Hill Environmental Park and a definite must-do.

This place has a little swimming enclosure, set up right next to a few undercover picnic tables and barbecue areas.

The view from the beach area is lovely too, with Paradise Point mansions fringing the creek.

There is ample parking and there is also a toilet block.

You can take the dog too, if you keep them on leash.

Boaties will also be pleased with a jetty close by.