The Cascade Gardens at Broadbeach has always been a family friendly spot for picnics, bbqs or just a play in the park. A recent upgrade has seen the addition of a sensory garden designed for seniors, but it also makes for great fun for little ones!
While the Gardens are located along the Gold Coast Highway in one of the busiest spot on the Coast, their location beside one of the Nerang River canals gives this spot some much needed tranquillity. As you arrive, you’ll drive through the first carpark and quite bushy area, but keep going until the grounds open up and you reach the ring road. Here you’ll find a great big grassy space with gazebo and modern toilet block. All along the river there are bbqs and picnic tables, as well as a concrete pathway popular with walkers. Off to one side, you’ll find the playground and sensory gardens. There is also a bessa-brick picnic shelter beside the playground, but in my opinion this is the worst one in the whole Gardens area and really needs an upgrade as it is very dark and dingy. If you’re choosing to stay for a picnic or bbq, I would definitely opt for a spot along the river instead.
In the sensory garden you’ll find elements including a musical gong, wayfinding design and productive gardens that encourage you to interact with the gardens through sight, touch and smell. It’s a beautiful addition to the Gardens and makes this spot perfect for multi-generational get togethers! The playground is older in style and I would love to see it upgraded eventually, but the kids don’t seem to mind. You’ll find a flying fox, rope bridge, rock climbing wall and a carousel! There is also a liberty swing available for those needing all abilities access.
This spot is a quiet one that is often forgotten about. It’s been around for years and I would love to see some more money invested here, but it’s still a great spot for a family picnic on a beautiful day. Being along the canals, I don’t find this spot great on windy or rainy days, but on a clear day it’s a perfect spot to sit in the sun, enjoy a picnic and have a play!
Need to know:
Address: 2690 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Facilities: modern toilet block with baby changing facilities, picnic tables, BBQs, playground, sensory garden, onsite parking
