Tallebudgera Creek Conservation Park trail leads to David Fleay Wildlife Park: Backyard Tourist

You know you are in paradise when a trail following one of the city’s most beautiful creeks leads you to a sanctuary for native animals.

YOU know you’re in paradise when a trail following one of the city’s most beautiful creeks leads you to a sanctuary for native animals.

Yep, I’m talking about the walking track from the Burleigh Headland, all the way down to David Fleay Wildlife Park through the Tallebudgera Creek Conservation Park.

It’s very pretty along the creek. Picture: Gold Coast City Council

AMAZING OFFER: GET A SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB A 8.0 WITH THIS BULLETIN SUBSCRIPTION (T & Cs apply)

Of course, if you wanted to keep it short and sweet, you can just complete the 1.6km route either at the wildlife sanctuary on Loman Road or at the opposite end towards the Tallebudgera Leisure Centre, where you can also park.

The track is just a delight, with pockets of the walk so quiet and undisturbed you forget you’re in one of the country’s largest cities.

BACKYARD TOURIST: BROKEN HEAD’S SECRET BEACH COVES

Along the Tallebudgera Creek Conservation Park trail. Picture: Gold Coast City Council

The creek glimmers in the sun with its teal-blue waters and the odd sand island crops up from the water, decorated with native shrubs and trees.

Part of the trail includes a 250m timber boardwalk above the creek, allowing you to peer into the clear waters or check out the mangroves.

BACKYARD TOURIST: WALK THROUGH LABRADOR A PLEASANT SURPRISE

The boardwalk. Picture: Gold Coast City Council

BACKYARD TOURIST: WHERE TO SEE SUGAR GLIDERS

The surrounding conservation area is home to an array of creatures, including cockatoos, koalas, kingfishers and crabs, so keep your eyes peeled.

Needless to say, keep that camera ready.

The rest of the trail is a mixture of flat walks and some uneven levels, and there are some stairs for those thinking they want to take the pram along. (You can only go part of the way before having to wrestle with stairs).

The best thing about the trail is at one end you can lay down your towel and sunbake along the creek, while at the other end, David Fleay Wildlife Park is awaiting.

Take the whole day out for this trip because it has the best of both worlds.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

A Estuarine crocodile at David Fleay Wildlife Park. Pic John Gass

FOUNDED in 1951, David Fleay Wildlife Park is a legacy of naturalist Dr Fleay.

The park is in a natural setting but has plenty of animals to see, including crocodiles, platypus, tree kangaroos, owls and even cassowaries.

You’ll even spot dozens of ducks enjoying the large pond and perched on railings.

The park has a nocturnal house for creatures of the night, as well as a cafe and educational programs.

EAT AND DRINK

The shrimp taco from Burleigh Heads' California Tacos.

WHO doesn’t love Mexican with a splash of California?

When you’re craving comfort food, the crew behind California Tacos at Burleigh are there to fill the void.

With a large range of burritos, salads and taco plates, there’s something here to please everyone, including the ability to make food vegan.

They also offer cocktails, which is perfect after a long hard day sunbaking and snapping pics of adorable animals.

Be warned, the portion sizes are generous so make sure your belly is empty — or be prepared to share with your better half.

DISCOVER

Tallebudgera Beach by @emilyjaimegc. Photo: Instagram

IF Tallebudgera Creek has too many people along the shoreline, just go for a quick walk around the corner to the beach with the
Tallebudgera name.

This part is not only dog friendly, but tends to have far fewer people.

It is a wide, white, sandy stretch with rolling waves.

A small footpath runs along the edge, which is nice to
explore as well,
especially if you have kids — and there is a playground right beside the Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club.

When you’re ready to kick back and relax, find your own spot on its sandy shores and roll out your towel.