Backyard Tourist: You could spot a yellow-footed antechinus at Tugun Hill Conservation Area on the Gold Coast

YOU probably haven’t heard about the southern Gold Coast’s conservation area. No? Well, it’s about time you explored its bushland and met the bizarre marsupials that call it home.

A five week old yellow-footed antechinus at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

NEED to get out to see some wildlife on the Gold Coast? Well, the Tugun Hill Conservation Area could be the place for you.

TUGUN HILL CONSERVATION AREA

A DAY out to the Tugun Hill Conservation Area is like a well blended wine.

Giving the best of both worlds, its location bordering Currumbin and Tugun means it is a stone’s throw from the beach for a quick dip, while its bushland makes for an interesting walk.

Marsupial mouse (antechinus)

It’s perfect for a day out on the southern Gold Coast, not least because there is ample opportunity to do a bit of wildlife spotting.

The park is home to native birds, koalas, gliders, possums, northern brown bandicoots, swamp wallabies, the common planigale (a carnivorous, marsupial mouse) and an adorable, but slightly odd shrew-like creature called a yellow-footed antechinus.

Fun fact: the male antechinus gets into such a frenzy while mating that it will die due to stress before it’s one year old.

Just thought I’d throw that in there.

You could spot one of these cuties up a tree ...

Once you’re done trying to find that unique creature, follow the gum-lined trails throughout the park.

Some sections are reminiscent of rainforest, while other parts will be more familiar bushland.

You will even find some views of the southern Gold Coast as you peek between the tall trees, if you know where to look.

The Tugun Bypass as it was being built in 2007. Pic Paul Riley

For those who want to check out the tracks on a bike, that works too, but keep in mind the trails have steps and steep pinches.

While the walks are not particularly long and should only take a few hours, the park trails can be steep in areas, so don’t forget to take your good shoes and a bottle of water.

And a camera of course. You wouldn’t want to miss seeing that bizarre shrew.

DISCOVER

You can ride your bike along some of the track.

Hidden Valley Walking Trail is a relatively unknown, short trail connecting the Tugun Hill Conservation Park to the Cobaki wetlands at Hidden Valley Reserve.

It’s worth checking out, if only because it tracks underneath the highway, although there is a viewing platform.

There are two sections to the trail.

The first sealed section is suitable for people and bikes and goes underneath the highway.

The second section is steep and unsealed.

EAT AND DRINK

Greg Colwill at his Elephant Rock Cafe on the Currumbin beach front. Pic by Luke Marsden.

IT’S no secret you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to amazing eateries in the area.

Head to the beach for a lunch with an unspoilt view of the amazing Currumbin Beach at the Elephant Rock Cafe, or even enjoy an early morning breakfast.

With an emphasis on local, organic food, you can pick up mouth-watering foods like coconut chia pudding, hothouse smoked salmon and quinoa and tempeh zucchini.

The cafe’s chef is also happy to cater for any dietary requirements.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE ... DO

Gotta check out Currumbin Beach right? (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

HOW could your trip be complete without at least a walk along the beautiful azure coastline of Currumbin Beach?

Duringan Street along the beach offers a number of cafes and shops to look at, before heading out to the white sand and blue ocean.

The beach is patrolled throughout the week and the perfect place to unwind after a hike through the bushland.