Best Parks on the Gold Coast: Broadwater, Hinterland Rainforest and Coastal Reserves

The Gold Coast is exceptionally endowed with public green space across its coastal, canal, hinterland and river landscapes, giving residents and visitors outstanding outdoor recreation options. The Broadwater Parklands on the Gold Coast Broadwater in Southport is a 10-hectare foreshore park with swimming areas, walking paths, water sports infrastructure and event spaces that is the Gold Coast's most significant urban recreation park. Burleigh Heads National Park, a rocky headland at the southern end of Burleigh Beach, is a small but outstanding coastal reserve with walking tracks through coastal heath and rainforest and panoramic views south along the Gold Coast coastline that are among the best in the city. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on Gold Coast Highway in Currumbin is a significant wildlife park with native animals, bird feeding experiences and conservation programs, open daily. Tallebudgera Creek Reserve and Tallebudgera Valley provide natural creek, swimming and bushland environments south of Palm Beach. Lamington National Park (O'Reilly's), accessible in 90 minutes inland from Surfers Paradise, provides access to ancient Gondwana rainforest with tree-top walks. The extensive canal and river network through the Gold Coast suburban areas supports kayaking and paddle boarding as everyday recreation for waterfront residents.