Did you know there are more than 380 spots to have a BBQ on the Gold Coast? Yep, that’s a lot of opportunities to get out there and enjoy a sausage sizzle at one of our many great parks, beaches, creeks and rivers! With January being one of the peak months for BBQs on the Gold Coast, we’re rounding up 5 great spots that are not only great for cooking your lunch, but provide picturesque views and endless entertainment for the kids!
1. Charles Holm Park, Hope Island
Charles Holm Park has everything to offer the whole family – shady spots, covered picnic tables, park benches, BBQ’s, toilets and a kid’s playground. The family dog can even come too, with dogs allowed on leash! The kids will be more than entertained, as the park has a long shore line along the Coomera River, with a mix of rocky bank and sandy beach – perfect for the young anglers wanting to throw in a line, little ones wanting to have a splash in the shallows, or those keen to launch their kayaks. If you’ve forgotten any supplies, or the BBQ doesn’t work out – there is a café nearby too!
2. Laguna Park, Palm Beach
Possibly considered the best children’s playground on the Gold Coast, this FULLY FENCED park has a huge range of interactive and fun equipment for all ages. You’ll have trouble rounding the kids up for lunch with the huge adventure playground, pirate ship, slides and rockers, pedal power monorail and interactive boards on offer! Being an established park, this one has lots of shady trees, several BBQ and undercover picnic areas, and a new toilet block. While the kids tire themselves out on the playground, parents can relax, taking in the water views over the lake. Feel like a coffee? There are two cafes, a bakery, convenience store and butcher across the road – everything you need to make your BBQ just perfect!
3. Currumbin Rock Pools, Currumbin Valley
This is definitely one spot that is not a secret! A clear favourite of locals, it can get busy – but it’s worth it if you time your visit right. This fresh mountain water swimming hole consists of smooth sloping rocks, large boulders and pebbled pathways, creating a number of deep and shallow swimming spots in a tranquil setting. Families flock to the flat and grassed areas alongside the rock pools, taking advantage of the gazebos and BBQs to create some epic picnics. A huge drawcard is the modern toilet block that is wheelchair accessible! This is another picnic spot that caters for those who don’t BBQ, with a café across the road that does takeaway.
4. Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach
Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist strip at Broadbeach, Cascade Gardens is a shade filled picnic and barbeque spot providing tranquil relief for local families. With plenty of picnic tables, BBQs and a playground alongside the waterway, this one is popular, but not usually too busy for family picnics. Toddlers will love the merry-go-round, while bigger kids will be on to the flying fox! Parents can also rejoice in knowing there is a state of the art amenity block for the guaranteed toilet breaks.
5. Lions Park, Jacobs Well
Situated beside the Jacobs Well boat ramp, overlooking the Pimpama River, this family friendly beachside location has recently had a major upgrade to its picnic facilities and is now a prime BBQ spot. With 6 picnic tables (some with shade structures, others under trees), an electric BBQ and a swimming enclosure mere metres away, this is definitely a spot for a family BBQ for those with toddlers! Visit when the tide is high for perfect swimming conditions, take the dog for a walk along the water, throw in a fishing line or launch your boat – this is a picnic spot reminiscent of days gone by.
