ON THE TRAIL OF NATURE
NERANG STATE FOREST AND NATIONAL PARK
THIS picturesque spot is well known for its amazing network of mountain bike riding trails, but there’s more to Nerang State Forest and National Park.
Here you can also expect to come across horse riders, other bike riders, bushwalkers and even koalas.
If you’re super lucky – and vigilant – you could spot the rare glossy black cockatoo in the trees above. Or even an echidna, a python, a death adder or the powerful owl.
This dry rainforest and open eucalypt forest is a great choice to get into nature for the day, not least because it’s a stone’s throw from the beach.
Less than half an hour away is Surfers Paradise, the perfect spot to cool down once you’ve thoroughly explored the park.
There are 10 trails available to bike riders with some more demanding than others.
Some of the trails require riders to go through deep ruts and to cross narrow wooden bridges to get over fallen trees and up or down steep areas.
If you’re more of a novice like me, there are also trails with wider paths.
Families with horses can take their ponies out for a few hours for a relaxing trail ride, while those wanting to stretch their legs can enjoy experiencing the bushland.
Just be aware the shared trails mean others will be using the paths as well.
And keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.
All the different creatures can be hard to spot, but there’s an abundance of wildlife in the areas, especially birds.