12 Best Parks on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast offers a mix of coastal parklands, hinterland walks, and local green spaces. Whether you're after dramatic ocean views, rainforest trails, or a spot to relax near the beach, there's a park worth visiting. Here are the standouts across the region.
1
Parks Burleigh Heads1. Burleigh Head National Park
For coastal walks with views across the ocean and headland. The park combines accessible walking tracks with scenic lookouts, making it a solid choice if you want a bit of elevation without committing to the hinterland.
View venue4.8(3,936)· Google70Spot ScoreGreat2
Parks Robina2. Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park
For a unique geological feature. The natural sandstone arch and waterfall are among the most photographed spots in Springbrook, and the walk to reach them is relatively manageable for most fitness levels.
View venue4.8(4,327)· Google70Spot ScoreGreat3
Parks Robina3. Springbrook National Park
For serious rainforest exploration. This larger park encompasses multiple attractions and walking trails through subtropical forest in the Gold Coast hinterland, offering cooler temperatures and a very different landscape to the beach suburbs.
View venue4.8(3,648)· Google70Spot ScoreGreat4
Parks Robina4. Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park
For waterfall walks in the hinterland. This section of Springbrook offers creek-side trails and a substantial waterfall, ideal if you want to cool off and experience rainforest scenery.
View venue4.8(2,557)· Google70Spot ScoreGreat5
Parks Southport5. Broadwater Parklands
For waterfront relaxation close to the city centre. Positioned along the broadwater, it provides open lawns and water access without the intensity of the main beach areas.
View venue4.7(7,983)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look6
Parks Coolangatta6. Point Danger
For beachside views at the southern end of the Gold Coast. The headland offers ocean vistas and is a pleasant spot to stop if you're exploring Coolangatta or heading towards the NSW border.
View venue4.7(2,390)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look7
Parks Southport7. Doug Jennings Park
For a neighbourhood park experience. Positioned in Southport, it's useful if you're staying nearby and want local green space without travelling far.
View venue4.6(2,649)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look8
Parks Surfers Paradise8. Pratten Park
For proximity to Surfers Paradise. This local park offers open space in one of the Gold Coast's busiest precincts, handy if you're in the area and need a break from the main strip.
View venue4.6(2,556)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look9
Parks Burleigh Heads9. Justins Park
For a beach-adjacent green space. Located in Burleigh Heads, it's a quieter alternative to the main beach if you want grass, shade, and beach access in the same vicinity.
View venue4.6(1,463)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look10
Parks Broadbeach10. Kurrawa Park
For beachfront access in Broadbeach. The park sits alongside the beach precinct, offering both water views and open lawn space.
View venue4.6(1,590)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look11
Parks Southport11. Bouncy Pillow
For active play facilities. If you're travelling with kids or want a casual recreation area, this Southport park is worth noting for its playground infrastructure.
View venue4.7(802)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look12
Parks Miami12. Pizzey Park
For a quieter beachside park. Located in Miami, it provides parkland access without the crowds of the central Gold Coast beaches.
View venue4.6(1,350)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burleigh Head National Park | 70/100 | 4.8(3,936) | — | Burleigh Heads | — |
| Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park | 70/100 | 4.8(4,327) | — | Robina | — |
| Springbrook National Park | 70/100 | 4.8(3,648) | — | Robina | — |
| Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park | 70/100 | 4.8(2,557) | — | Robina | — |
| Broadwater Parklands | 68/100 | 4.7(7,983) | — | Southport | — |
| Point Danger | 68/100 | 4.7(2,390) | — | Coolangatta | — |
| Doug Jennings Park | 67/100 | 4.6(2,649) | — | Southport | — |
| Pratten Park | 67/100 | 4.6(2,556) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| Justins Park | 66/100 | 4.6(1,463) | — | Burleigh Heads | — |
| Kurrawa Park | 66/100 | 4.6(1,590) | — | Broadbeach | — |
| Bouncy Pillow | 66/100 | 4.7(802) | — | Southport | — |
| Pizzey Park | 66/100 | 4.6(1,350) | — | Miami | — |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay to enter these parks?+
This information wasn't confirmed in our sources. National parks and most local parks on the Gold Coast are free to enter, but it's worth checking ahead, especially for Springbrook National Park and Burleigh Head National Park, as some facilities may have fees.
Which parks are best for families with young children?+
Bouncy Pillow in Southport is specifically equipped with playground facilities. Broadwater Parklands and the local beach parks (Kurrawa, Justins, Pizzey) also offer open space and easy access. For slightly older kids comfortable with walking, Natural Bridge and Purling Brook Falls in Springbrook are popular and relatively accessible.
Which parks are best for hiking?+
Springbrook National Park and its specific tracks (Natural Bridge and Purling Brook Falls) offer the most extensive walking options. Burleigh Head National Park also has established walking tracks with ocean views.
Are there parks with water access?+
Yes. Broadwater Parklands, Kurrawa Park, Justins Park, Point Danger, and Pizzey Park all offer water access or beachfront locations. Purling Brook Falls and Natural Bridge both feature creeks and waterfalls.
How do I get to Springbrook National Park from the beach?+
Springbrook is located in the hinterland near Robina. It's roughly 30–40 minutes inland from the main beach suburbs, so you'll need a car to visit.
Keep exploring
The best of Gold Coast, in your inbox
New openings, hidden gems and weekend ideas. One thoughtful email a week. No spam.