22 Jan 2020
300 days of sunshine per year. Average temperature 29 degrees celsius. 57km of pristine coastline. Stunning national parks, waterfalls and mountains less than an hour away from the city. This is the Gold Coast and we love to live outdoors. One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors here is to socialise over a barbecue. Here's my 5 favourite BBQ hot spots on the coast.
1. Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Closest Tram Station: Broadwater Parklands or Southport South.
The parklands are right on the spit where you'll see plenty of water craft and are located in the heart of the city, hosting several events around the year. With natural wetland features, plenty of birdlife and trees this expansive space is a wonderful spot to have a picnic with friends.
2. Tallebudgera Creek
Closest Tram Station: Broadbeach South. You can take a connecting bus number 700 from Broadbeach south to Talle Creek Park.
The local's all time favourite! This is an absolute hidden gem. Hire a stand up paddle board or simply bring your beach towel and a good book, either way you could easily spend a whole day here as the time drifts by. I just love losing myself in this beautiful environment.
3. Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach Waters
Closest Tram Station: Florida Gardens
Very few people know about these gardens because they're very secluded. This delightful space is easily accessible and never crowded. You would never believe that such a green and peaceful spot exists within the city.
4. Burleigh Point
Closest Tram Station: Broadbeach South, then take the 700 bus and ten minutes later you'll be at Burleigh Point
Burleigh is just beautiful. It's also very popular, which is why you'll always find people carrying a picnic to this spot. This delightful green space under the Norfolk Pines has gas barbecues, picnic tables and a wonderful view of the ocean with the spectacular backdrop of the city behind it.
5. Pratten Park, Kurrawa
Closest Tram Station: Broadbeach North
A short walk from the tram station and then just past the Oasis Shopping Centre. A great spot to barbecue with your friends because its so centrally located. Afterwards grab one of the best coffees on the coast from Elk Espresso overlooking the beachfront. Absolute bliss!
* Tanya Bhandari is studying Hospitality and Tourism at Griffith University.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.