If you are looking for the ultimate picnic spot, this would have to be it. The views are incredible, there is a playground for the kids, and it’s also home to a great public nature play space.
Accessed via Outlook Avenue, when you first pull into the parking lot you will be absolutely blown away by the views. To the right of the carpark is a large grassy hill overlooking Hinze Dam. With a few scattered trees you can find a nice spot for a picnic blanket, or if you’re lucky to be there when no one else is, there is also a sheltered gazebo with a table and seating. There are no BBQs here, so pack the picnic basket or pick up some takeaway from the cafe in the small township down the road.
One of the highlights of this park for us was the nature play space. This was what drew my attention when I first heard of Syd Duncan Park. This is the home of the Gold Coast’s first community-built nature play space, which includes a dry creek bed, timber structures for physical and imaginative play, a tunnels embankment slide, basketball court and mud kitchen. The gardens were a little overgrown when we visited, so close supervision was essential (the bushes are too tall to be able to see the entire space at one time). My 2yo loved playing in all the different zones, so much so that we spent more time here than on the playground!
The playground itself is pretty basic, with a slide and some swings, but combined with the other features of this park it’s a real winner overall. Definitely bring the scooters or trikes, little ones will love the winding paths between all the nature play elements.
There are toilets there, however keep in mind that they are drop toilets. They aren’t horrible, but it isn’t the most fragrant of experiences either!
We really enjoyed our morning at Syd Duncan Park. It was so calming, the air is so fresh and the views are really relaxing. This is definitely worth the winding drive up the mountain!
Need to know:
- Address: 19 Outlook Avenue, Lower Beechmont Q 4211
- Facilities: picnic shelters, toilets, shaded playground, nature play space, onsite parking
- What to pack: hats, sunscreen, scooters, trikes, picnic lunch, water bottles
