Pleasant Parklands in Upper Coomera very pleasant indeed: Backyard Tourist

Well, well. Who would have thought I’d be this far north of the Glitter Strip two weeks in a row? Here’s the incredible Coast spot everyone in the family will love.

WELL, well. Who would have thought I’d be this far north of the Glitter Strip two weeks in a row?

Yep, I’m back in the northern ‘burbs in Upper Coomera – again – with another hidden gem.

I had been meaning to go for months to Pleasant Parklands, but could never get round to it.

But I’m glad I finally did, because it’s closer to the coastline than I realised – about a 20-minute drive from Labrador actually.

The area is really peaceful. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

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There’s no signs here to alert you to the fact you’ve found these hidden, gently sloping fields and walking tracks though.

You’ll find the asphalt footpath leading into the parklands at the end of Pinewood Street, along the right-hand side.

This is definitely a nice place for your dogs to sniff around on-leash, and for the kids to kick a footy or play on the playground in the corner of the park.

There’s a playground and a large fig tree in the corner that comes with the park. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

The first green field is relatively flat, with the playground in the corner, right next to a massive fig tree (I presume).

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If we’d had a picnic that day, we would have parked right underneath the shade, close to its large trunk.

If you follow the footpath around, it winds its way past another few smaller, hilly fields, before briefly switching over to a gravel footpath as the subtropical rainforest and scrub begins.

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The park soon winds its way through a wide trail before branching off into two small bush tracks. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

I’ll be honest, we didn’t get to walk the entire trail. We made our way to the end of the widened path and stopped before two small trails branched off into the forest.

But where the trail ends, mystery begins – and we’ll certainly be back for more.

As an aside note, it was so peaceful there. We came back from our small adventure feeling happy and refreshed.

And on a weekend, we only saw two families and a pair of walkers in the hour or two we were there. How’s that for a relaxing weekend?

DISCOVER

Cedar Creek Falls at Mt Tamborine. Picture Glenn Hampson

IF you follow Tamborine Oxenford Road out, you’ll wind up in Mt Tamborine.

For a hike in Tamborine National Park, visiting Cedar Creek Falls, or take a peek at the amazing glow worms with a tour.

Don’t forget their sunsets from Robert Sowter Park on a slightly steep hillside. Bring a warm blanket to keep the breeze out and sip on a coffee from a food vendor – they are sometimes there selling goods as they take in the sunset too.

EAT AND DRINK

Anyone else hungry? Picture Glenn Hampson

IN the mood for something Turkish?

The Elk Bakehouse in Upper Coomera is a great little spot for some sucuklu yumurta, simit or cilbir.

Don’t worry if you have no idea how to pronounce it – just taste it.

These delicious baked goods, as well as sumptuous meals, are also a treat to look, especially when washed down with their Turkish tea or coffee.

The cafe is run by a mother-daughter team, inspired by their love for Turkish food, who finally made this sweet spot a reality late last year.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

A beautiful walk at an Upper Coomera easement on the Gold Coast. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

IF you missed last week’s column or your pet pooch still isn’t worn out, then explore this easement along Wongawallan Creek in Upper Coomera.

It also has a few open fields, but squeezes its way between the rear of acreage properties and the creek.

It’s another quiet spot where you’re unlikely to come across many other people – if any.

However, you might spy a bull in a paddock, or birds along the creek.

Don’t forget to say “hi” to the friendly horses keenly watching you from within the confines of their paddock.