Arundel: Finding a walk in the middle of a Gold Coast suburb with Backyard Tourist

It doesn’t really have a name, but this wonderful spot is a little haven nestled in the middle of a Gold Coast suburb.

Corellas take flight. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

IT is an easy, but a long walk.

Perhaps something deserving for your pooch at the end of the week or even yourself, if meandering walks along grassy reserves is your thing.

There’s no real name for this grassed expanse between Wardley and Daintree drives in Arundel.

But it is wonderful. A haven nestled in the middle of the suburbs.

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In Arundel, off Napper Road, Gold Coast. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

It snakes its way throughout Arundel before curving and ending close to Molendinar, nearly 1km away.

If you’re here early enough you may spot kangaroos nibbling at blades of grass.

Later in the day you could be privy to a cockatoo’s noisy argument with its neighbour, while corellas pore over the grass in their dozens, eyeing you off as you stalk past.

Corellas enjoying the morning in Arundel. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

Then whoosh, they’re gone and the walk is yours alone.

I find the reserve a nice place to go if you don’t feel like meeting many other dogs or people.

If you stay on the path, you’re even less likely to encounter other dog walkers, who tend to stay on the grass.

Halfway through the walk there’s Driftwood Park, which has three children’s playgrounds as well as picnic areas.

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Along the footpath. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

You can follow the pathway all the way to Greenacre Drive, which is close to the M1.

This is no circuit, so you’ll have to walk the same way back.

But that’s what your weekend is for, right?

EAT AND DRINK

Ida's Kitchen food. Picture Glenn Hampson

Ida’s Kitchen in Parkwood is in a most handy position along Olsen Ave.

Here you can grab a range of delicious options such as mushroom fritters with cauliflower puree, kimchi waffles or avocado on toast with carrot hummus.

The restaurant is long and narrow in a cosy way, with small tables set up for couples or those grabbing a quick cuppa by themselves.

The cafe was originally named after the owners’ grandmother, Ida.

Open 6am to 3pm every day.

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WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Chilling at Shearwater Esplanade, Runaway Bay. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

THERE is nothing more relaxing than whiling your way along the beach.

So try Shearwater Esplanade at Runaway Bay.

Just a stone’s throw away from Arundel, the esplanade here is tranquil with just the right number of people hanging around.

Sometimes when there’s few breezes the water is so still it mirrors the small islands offshore.

Kitesurfers love the area so on windy days you’ll find them making the most of this pretty stretch of beach.

DISCOVER

This cutie enjoyed the park during a greyhound puppy gathering earlier this year. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

IT could be the city’s tiniest dog park – but I like it.

Situated across from the grass reserve is a small, fully enclosed dog park.

Perfect for two silly greyhounds prone to ridiculous injuries such as broken toenails or pulled muscles when doing their zoomies.

There’s two benches here to sit on and few people use it at the same time, so you’ll probably find it empty much of the time.

Grab a tennis ball and throw it for Fido, or simply wander around the perimeter as your dogs trail behind you, confused with their new-found freedom.