For little ones starting out on their first trike, balance bike or scooter, becoming aware of people and things around them while riding is essential. Across the Gold Coast we are lucky enough to have a number of parks with custom built learn to ride tracks, helping parents to teach their budding riders!
These tracks are designed to expose children to road markings, signs, pedestrian crossings and hills while in the safety of a miniature streetscape, and are perfect for riding anything with wheels – trikes, bikes, skateboards, scooters and balance bikes. A few of them even have a few fun elements for practicing some very beginner tricks – bumpy ramps, a cantilever bridge and winding poles.
Here are the best learn to ride bike tracks for Gold Coast kids that you need to check out!
1. Coronet Park, Burleigh Waters (Coronet Cres, Burleigh Waters)
Set on a large grassy field alongside a playground and a bicycle path, this mini-track is a favourite of the bunch. Set away from the bustling beach side, this quiet neighbourhood park has so much space and plenty of options for those learning to ride. It also had the most ramps and obstacles to tackle, adding plenty of fun for those who have more speed.
2. Celadon Park, Helensvale (Emerald Drive, Helensvale)
The highlight of this park, is definitely the interactive bike track designed to help kids of all ages learn how to ride a bike. Incorporating traffic signs, a petrol station for refueling, a fire station for imaginative play and a small pump track component for the daredevils, do not forget to bring the bikes or scooters on this visit!
3. Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Definitely the busiest of all the learn to ride tracks, the Broadwater Parklands is understandably popular. Part of the waterside playground area, this learn to ride track has a few ramps and obstacles too. Keep in mind it is unfenced and close to a main road, so constant supervision is a must. After testing out their road safety skills on the track, why not go for a ride along the waterside path with the family?
4. North Shore Park, Varsity Lakes (North Shore Ave, Varsity Lakes)
This little park would be great for southern Gold Coasters taking their toddlers out for their first ride. Completely flat, away from traffic and with wide paths, it’s a great spot to take your time away from the pressure of other riders. While there are no obstacles, you can still get in your road safety education by ensuring you obey the signs! There is a small playground and it is within walking distance of the south-western section of Lake Orr where you could go for a ride around the lake if you wanted.
5. Galleon Park, Currumbin Waters (Galleon Way, Currumbin Waters)
This one is popular on the weekends – close by the Palm Beach Farmer’s Market, why not make a morning of your outing!? Pick up some morning tea at the market and then head a few minutes down the road to this big open park where the kids can get around on their bikes on the mini-roads, or play on the decent sized neighbourhood playground that caters to both bigger and smaller kids. There’s also a basketball court and toilets on site.
6. Runaway Bay Bike Park (Cnr Lae Dr & Morala Ave, Runaway Bay)
Tucked away behind the Runaway Bay Library, sits a playground, a skate bowl and a large bike circuit. While not fully enclosed, this whole area is mostly fenced, meaning the kids can scoot around between the play zones without parents needing to worry about the nearby road. My little guy loved the addition of the petrol pump on the learn to ride circuit, and those wanting a bigger ride can take advantage of the path that runs around the perimeter of the entire area. The playground is basic, but it has a fun rock climbing wall and a few bike themed play features.
7. Outlook Park, Ormeau Ridge (Cnr Arrowsmith Drive & Chamberlain Rise, Ormeau Ridge)
Once they’ve mastered the basics of road safety education, hit up Outlook Park in Ormeau Ridge. Here you’ll find two racing tracks that even have their own dais so you can have a medal ceremony! Some great straight stretches for getting up speed, and some tight bends to practice those corners on. There’s also a toddler park on site, although the playground and race tracks are spread out over three levels as this park is on a very steep slope. Bring the helmets!
8. Gibirrngaan (Black Snake) Park, Maudsland (Green Court, Maudsland)
This bike race track is sure to please the pickiest! Partially fenced, kids can easily race around the twists and turns, and up and down the hills. The playground here is one of our favourites, with a giant snake to climb over!! There are no toilets here which is a big downside as you could easily spend the whole day here – come prepared for a long stay.
Honourable mention: Tallowwood Park, Upper Coomera (Rose Valley Drive, Upper Coomera)
I’m throwing this one in as a bonus for those on the northern end, given there are so many great tracks on the southern end! Tallowwood Park has a small bike path that my son loves. While it doesn’t have any of the road safety educational elements, its twists and turns have the little ones squealing with delight!
