Anyone who thinks the northern Gold Coast is full of bogans needs to get out more

If you think the northern Gold Coast is bogansville, you’ve got a lot to learn, writes Keith Woods.

SOME people must live deeply sheltered lives.

In an effort to protect the southern Gold Coast from poor-quality development, it was suggested at the weekend that the two southernmost council divisions should separate themselves from the “bogan north”.

For some Truman Burbank-type innocents, it would seem as if the barbarians are at the gate.

They are right on one point: the southern Gold Coast is indeed a beauteous jewel in Queensland’s well-adorned crown which needs protecting.

It is not at all clear that much of the development proposed for Palm Beach, in particular, is of the quality the area deserves.

But how ridiculous to suggest that the riches run dry north of the Tallebudgera Creek Bridge.

To the north we find more extraordinary places, imbued with a uniquely Gold Coast spirit.

Places a world away from what most people would term “bogan”.

Although I strongly suspect their number are vanishingly few, should there be any southern friends who have yet to learn the delights of the city’s north, I would humbly point to the following.

The not-so-scary locals at Coombabah Lake Conservation Park. Picture: Keith Woods.

1. Coombabah Lake Conservation Park

For an insight into how the Gold Coast really was before any of us were here, a walk through this park, which borders Arundel, Runaway Bay and Helensvale, is an absolute must. Yes there are highrises – the high gum trees inhabited by the park’s many koalas. It is also true that large gangs hang around of an evening – the hundreds of kangaroos who emerge to chew on meadows as the sun gently sets. There is the occasional set-to during mating season, but other than that, it’s an oasis of peace and harmony. Bogan value: 1 out of 10.

A typical tough day at The Spit. Picture: Jerad Williams.

2. The Spit

Another lowrise haven, The Spit is home to an incredible expanse of magnificent beach. Is there anything better than making your way early to the western section, just south of Doug Jennings Park, and enjoying breakfast on the sand? Oh yes, actually, there is – that moment an hour or two later when, with impeccable timing, the ice-cream boat pulls up. One may run the risk of encountering a suspected parvenu at the Palazzo Versace, but otherwise the danger of bogan encounters remains low. Bogan value: 2 out of 10.

Tamborine Mountain – not exactly a bogan ghetto.

3. Tamborine Mountain

A place where there truly is a feast for all the senses. Your eyes will be dazzled by the visual glory of the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, or by gazing on the valley below from the Rotary Lookout, your tastebuds at Hampton Estate Wines or the Fortitude Brewing Company. However, those with an aversion to highrises should be warned that there are magnificent views of the city – Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach included – from the Eagle Heights Hotel. Bogan value: 1 out of 10.

One thing harder than finding a bogan part of the northern Gold Coast? Going to Movie World and not loving it. Picture: Jerad Williams.

4. The theme parks

Yes, the theme parks, the citadels of fun that just scream “Gold Coast”. From the Trolls Village at Dreamworld for the littlies, to the ultimate thrill ride, the DC Rivals hypercoaster at Movie World, there’s something for everyone. And if that’s not to your tastes there’s TopGolf or the Outback Spectacular. The parks are all clean, friendly and fun. Not at all bogan. Bogan value: 0 out of 10.

Cafe Catalina – exceptional views and exceptional food. Picture: Jerad Williams.

5. Broadwater Parklands

A stunning, family-friendly park running almost the entire length of the Southport foreshore, the Parklands has become a firm family favourite. It is every bit as good as the Palm Beach Parklands further south – only bigger. A lot bigger. So big that this weekend it hosts the Gold Coast Show. It also plays host to the stunning Southport Aquatic Centre, which, at its seaward side, has a gem of a restaurant in Cafe Catalina. It’s got everything bar bogans, even on Monster Machinery Day. That could change dramatically if the state government is foolish enough to impose a casino on the immediate area, but for now your greatest danger is probably encountering a particularly cranky plover. Bogan value: 1 out of 10.

There is more, so much more, to the northern Gold Coast. There’s the fine dining at Paradise Point and Hope Island, the boat trips to Couran Cove and Tipplers, the almost 4km walk around the peaceful lake at the heart of Damien Leeding Memorial Park in Oxenford.

All equally wonderful, all uniquely Gold Coast, all as indispensable to the city as a whole as our jewels to the south.

And not at all “bogan”.