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Paradise Point - Northern Gold Coast

Home > Brisbane > Family | Outdoor | Picnic Spots | Playgrounds | Fun for Children | Dog Friendly
by Sian Wattam (subscribe)
Sian is a freelance writer living on the Gold Coast.
Published February 8th 2012
Paradise Point is the northern Gold Coast's answer to Byron Bay. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but if you don't mind the fact that there is no surf beach, camping ground or tavern, and only two or three streets of eateries and retail, it's almost as good.

Looking out from Paradise Point Parklands across the Broadwater

Seriously though, Paradise Point should not be overlooked when searching for a place to spend the day with the family. The location of this suburb has helped it to retain a charming village atmosphere and the lack of large scale developments in the town centre evokes bygone days.

Paradise Point boat harbour

A mix of international and modern-Australian restaurants and cafés are situated across the road from the Paradise Point Parklands and Broadwater. As well as indoor dining, many of these eateries take advantage of the temperate climate providing undercover alfresco dining on the sidewalk with views across the park to the water. The choice of fine dining, café meals, or takeaway food provides something for all budgets and taste buds. There are several ice-cream parlours and most eateries offer coffee to go, so grabbing a treat for yourself and the kids and heading over to the park and very popular play area is a great way to enjoy family time together.

Alfresco dining is very popular at Paradise Point

The one kilometre long Esplanade Park borders the Esplanade road on one side and the Gold Coast Broadwater on the other. Several jetties, a pier, and a long stretch of sandy shoreline provide access for people with boats, jet skis, and kayaks to take five on the shore and there are plenty of places for dad (or mum) to throw in a line for a catch of whiting or flathead.

Paradise Point Pier

A short distance from the Broadwater, on the languid Coomera River, Paradise Point has its own popular boat harbour and boat ramp.

Paradise Point boat ramp

The three large play-grounds, and a few smaller play areas along the park, are each designed with unique features to provide a challenge for different age groups, and the many wide cemented paths are a great place for young wheeled enthusiasts to perfect their riding techniques. There are plenty of sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables and BBQ facilities, and also countless trees providing sun shade and great places to spread a picnic rug.

One of the unique play-grounds and undercover BBQ area with alfresco dining beyond

At the south end of the parklands is a large netted swimming enclosure, complete with a sandy beach to spread a towel while the kids build sandcastles.

Paradise Point has a large enclosed swimming area and sandy beach

Paradise Point Parklands features in the Summer Fun Parks Alive programme, with interactive activities and live music on selected days over summer. The Paradise Point Art and Craft market, on the fourth Sunday of every month from 7am till 2pm, boasts beautifully made art, crafts, and local produce.
Dogs are allowed in the parklands on a leash, but are not permitted in the alfresco areas of the eateries for hygiene reasons.


So whether you pack a picnic, bring some snags, or enjoy a café meal, make sure you grab the kid's bikes, scooters and swimmers and make a day of it at Paradise Point.
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Why? A cheap day out for the family
When: Anytime
Where: Paradise Point
Cost: Free
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