The Coombabah Lakelands Conservation area protects 1200 hectares of wetlands and eucalypt forest, right in the middle of the northern Gold Coast suburbs. While many residents know about the mangroves (or is it that they know about the mosquitos?), not many know about the hundreds of kangaroos that also call this place home.
Accessed by the visitor entrance off Rain Tree Glen Road, the public access areas in this section of the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation area are great for bike rides, trail walks, koala spotting and kangaroo watching. On our visit however, we were there for the kangaroos!
While kangaroos can be spotted in the conservation area at all hours of the day, if you plan your visit for around 4pm, you’ll be rewarded with a sight like no other. The grassy open fields become bathed in the glow of the afternoon sun, and hundreds of kangaroos come out to graze on the grass! Here you will see joeys peeking out of their mother’s pouches, younger kangaroos learning the ways of their mob, females munching on the grass, young bucks fighting over the ladies and the wise old men carefully watching over everyone.
Visitors are welcome to wander around the fields and see the kangaroos, however warnings are in place advising against approaching the kangaroos for your own safety. Feeding the kangaroos is also heavily discouraged – they are more than happy munching on the green grass in the fields. Getting out of the car and seeing what lay in front of us, I was gobsmacked at the simple beauty of it, and felt so lucky to have this so close to home. The look of joy on everyone’s faces as they walk past so many kangaroos is infectious.
The walking trails are suitable for all fitness types, and families with active children will have a great time riding or walking through the forest. Be aware though, there are no toilets, picnic stations or rubbish bins on site, so I would strongly suggest against planning on a picnic or lengthy stay.
A visit to the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation area won’t take long, but should definitely be experienced. Young and old will marvel at the beauty of our local wildlife, and it was a perfect way to finish off the day. After visiting, why not head to Harbour Town (a 5 minute drive down the road) for an early dinner with the family?
Need to know:
- Address: Access the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation area via Rain Tree Glen Road. Be aware that Shelter Road does not connect through, as it is closed to public access in the middle. Best kangaroo spots are marked with a blue cross on the map below.
- Opening hours: 6am – 6pm (gates are closed at 6pm, you don’t want to be locked in!)
- Cost: free
- What to bring: insect repellent is useful, particularly after rainfall. Closed in shoes are suggested too, as there are a lot of bindies and kangaroo droppings on the ground.
