WANDER ON THE WILD SIDE
HINTERLAND REGIONAL PARK
THERE’S lots of hidden walking trails on the Gold Coast and the Hinterland Regional Park, spanning 62 hectares, is no exception.
Nestled in Mudgeeraba off Hardys Road, the majority of visitors here would be aiming straight for the enclosed offleash dog park.
But not us. At least, not on this visit.
Instead, we’re going to walk along the five trails: the Glossy Black Trail, Rainforest Trail, Callistemon Trail, the Wetland Trail and the Dog on Leash Trail.
Starting at the back of the park at the Dog on Leash Trail, this is a relatively open, grassed track lined by tall grasslands.
The trail follows the side of a large paddock, where you can often spot a number of doe-eyed cows just chilling.
Small birds, including fairy wrens, flit in and out of the grasses and butterflies float around.
On the road back to the carpark, hook a right and follow the Wetland Trail out, which is a pretty walk along a marshlike area.
Crossing over the large open park (always popular for kids parties), you’ll end up at the Glossy Black Trail, which leads into the Rainforest Trail.
As the names might lead you to believe, this area is forested and there are birds galore – although it might prove a little difficult to spot the elusive glossy-black cockatoo.
Finally, the Callistemon Trail is nestled within the trees and loops over the Bonogin and Wallaby creeks before meeting back up with the other trails.