We’ve heard how great it is to head to the likes of Burleigh and Palm Beach for a day of sun, sand and sea, but what about those lesser-known swimming spots? Where can you find a spare patch of sand on a busy hot summer’s day? Below are five suggestions that might tickle your fancy on the GC this summer.
Budds Beach, Surfers Paradise
This delightful little stretch of sand is located on one of Surfers Paradise’s many waterways, and with easy parking and shady picnic tables, it really has it all. There’s plenty to watch from this spot, lunch cruises drifting along, jet skis reeving and of course waterfront real estate to ogle over. Calm waters mean it’s perfect for families and there’s plenty of shade to escape the heat of the sun. For your convenience, there is also a shower and toilet block. Bumbles café completes the tick-list with it’s a fantastic menu and a smorgasbord of delicious cakes and desserts as well as a licensed bar for an afternoon vino.
Lips Falls, Beechmont
Denham Falls is in the Scenic Rim, about 40 minutes’ drive southwest of Nerang and is an easy day trip from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Located in Denham Scenic Reserve in Beechmont is this lush bushwalk that descends the rainforest to reveal a beautiful cool freshwater pool below. The walk is steep in parts so watch your footing, and beware it’s a reasonably steep return climb, however with a cooling swim at the bottom it’s worth every step. Take a towel, a drink and some snacks and soak up nature in this breathtaking spot.
Schuster Park, Tallebudgera
This gem is tucked away along Tallebudgera Creek and accessible from Tallebudgera Creek road, where you’ll need to turn onto Heather St and follow it all the way to the end. There’s a children’s play area, BBQs and toilets. It’s a fantastic calm and shady swimming spot for a hot summer’s day and it’s easy to load up the car and spend the day there.
The Spit Beach, Surfers Paradise.
Take Seaworld Drive all the way to the end of the spit and take a left at Doug Jennings Park and head all the way to the end of the spit at Moondarewa Park. Park up here and find your own little spot under the shade of a few trees and watch the world go by. It’s a great vantage point to watch the tourist boats go out and even chuck in a line if you fancy your hand at fishing. There are no facilities at this beach, so be sure to load up your Esky. It’s also a great one for the afternoons and evenings as you’ll be facing the sun-setting in the west.
Tarrabora Reserve, on Currumbin Creek
There are many fabulous spots to enjoy at Currumbin Creek, but finding that little area to make your own is not always easy. Coming off the Gold Coast Highway southbound out of Palm Beach, just past the children’s pirate playground, there is a left turn into a carpark at Tarrabora Reserve, just before you cross the creek. Park up here but make sure you don’t take a boat trailer spot if you’re not towing. Head down to the waters’ edge and you’ll hopefully find a little patch of sand to yourself. The water is calm and easily accessible with a great view of all the comings and goings on the creek. If you fancy having a go on a stand-up paddleboard this is the place for you, everyone’s out there giving it a go.
By Charlotte Hall
