Gold Coast – Breakfast - Good Vibes Markets @ Sunshine.

With an unmatched collection of award-winning beaches, world-heritage listed rainforests and many top-notch attractions and experiences for all, the Gold Coast is undoubtedly an incredible place to explore. And with so much fun to be had, we make sure our pup (Shari) doesn’t miss out on all the adventures. There are a number of off-leash dog beaches, parks, accommodation providers and even cafés that cater to both humans and our beloved canines on the Gold Coast.

Our first stop was breakfast at Bumbles, on Budd’s Beach, which is only a short walk from Surfers, but it feels like miles away. There’s a relaxed sleepy feel to this riverside suburb with the cars driving slower than the surf side hustle. Bumbles Cafe is a quaint cafe right on the water of Budd’s Beach. Built out of a refurbished house, the place makes you feel right at home with various rooms to sit and eat, each with their own unique design. While we were waiting for our meals local residents were arriving by jetski, boats, paddle boards and kayaks, parking on the beach and crossing the road to where they must religiously visit each morning, grab the morning paper, nod to the barista signaling “the usual”, and plant themselves in their favorite seat amongst other regulars.

One of the best breakfasts in Surfers Paradise, well Shari (pup) thought so. They also make a cracking cuppa and offer high tea on the weekend. You can have their homemade honey with dough breads are served for breakfast. They keep their own bees on the roof. 

The refurbished house, as previously stated, consists of several rooms. Each one has a totally different decoration and it makes you feel like you are visiting your friend’s house. One room is like a dining room which has been decorated elegantly, one is like a living room with a cozy vibe and another one is like your home library. What a lovely find with peaceful surroundings, beautiful interiors and friendly staff. The coffee was great and food delicious and such a nice change from the bustle of the beachfront just a few blocks away.

Our next stop was Pizzey Park, Miami. This off-leash area is our favourite because it has a great enclosed agility area which is safe for dogs of all sizes to play in. The lakeside area of this Miami dog park is also perfect for man’s best friend to have a scamper and sniff around and swim. The bonus is you can enjoy a walk around the lake, with the pine trees as a backdrop with your pup following you in and out of the water. Shari (pup) goes berserk as soon as she gets there and can't wait to jump out of the car. 

All those lovely smelling trees and shrubs she jumps out as soon as we open the door. Dog beaches are all very pleasant but Pizzey Park offers an alternative forested setting for doggie exercise sessions, complete with freshwater lake and a fully fenced agility area. It’s refreshing being around responsible dog owners keeping their dogs happy, healthy and socializing.

After a couple of hours letting our pup run around with other friendly dogs we drove down to our favourite markets at Burleigh Heads. The market scene is still thriving on the Gold Coast because the locals love to spend their weekends uncovering and searching for unique finds, chilling out listening to live music with a nice brew of coffee.

The Village Markets had their monthly ‘Rack Sale’ for pre-loved clothing. The Village Markets celebrates creative, foodies and small businesses from the local community. With a soft spot for start-ups, this is where you’ll discover the next best thing before anyone else. We were able to park the Ute under a shady tree just near main music tent where some good vibes were echoing over the markets. One of the nicest ways to start a lovely Sunday is by getting out bright and early and visiting a morning market. This is a great place to potter and find unique gifts.

Kim loved the Trevena & Co. Artisan Eco Activewear with watercolor designer patters on fabric which is better for the environment. Self taught artist Aimee Trevena Fergusson combines her passion for creativity and sustainability into artistic eco-friendly products.

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Scenic Drive From Bundaberg - Woodgate, Queensland. Australia

Another great drive from Bundaberg is a short drive to The Burrum Coast National Park, with its uninterrupted coastal views, beautiful hidden gems for swimming, stand-up-paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and breathtaking walking trails, The Burrum Coast National Park is divided up by the town of Woodgate and Walkers Point.  The Kinkuna section is north of Woodgate and covers over 13900 ha while the Woodgate section is much smaller with more of an opportunity for beach side camping. 

Woodgate Beach offers 16km of pristine white sand beaches, calm blue waters and that quiet, peaceful seaside town vibe. In days gone by it's been a horse paddock, rice and pineapple plantations and a wine production area but today Woodgate Beach is famous for its troops of kangaroos grazing on residents front lawns and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Nature thrill seekers with some horsepower behind them will enjoy varied Four Wheel Drive tracks on offer which lead to secluded picnic spots and camping areas and in the Kinkuna section you can pitch your tent for the night right on the ocean with the stars as your ceiling. Woodgate is a fisherman's paradise with prawning, crabs and some great hidden fishing spots, just ask some of the locals to point you in the right direction. There is a lovely path along the Woodgate Beachfront that is highly accessible to prams, scooters, skateboards, bikes and everything in between. The path goes all the way along the Esplanade, and even further in both directions. Serenity Cafe is a wonderful place you can visit for breakfast with your family the next time you’re in Woodgate. The food they serve is amazing, and the cafe has a wonderful atmosphere.

We headed just to the north of Woodgate to Theodolite Creek. Theodolite Creek, a spot understandably popular with locals and tourists alike and you can feel totally relaxed at this creek side, shaded by woodland of swamp paperbarks, blue gums, pink bloodwoods and weeping cabbage palms. Sheltered from prevailing south-easterly winds, the day-use area has sweeping views of peaceful Creek.

It was clear that we were not the only ones taking advantage of this fine and sunny day. Parked up 4WD's, with their empty tinny trailers, were evidence that a few keen fisherman, jet skiers, kayaks, SUP’s everywhere, everyone were already enjoying the water. The added bonus is being able to swim with you pup.

The morning pleasures of Theodolite Creek were enough to satisfy our needs, we decided to see what else Woodgate Beach has more to offer, but this time in the opposite direction.  We headed south 10 kms to the tiny holiday town of Walkers Point which lies on the northern bank of the Burrum River, a stream of considerably more significance and clout than Theodolite Creek.

The road back to from Walkers Point took us past a turn off onto this short track through the scrub which leads to direct beach access. Low tide here exposes broad sweeps of firm wet sand.  Just take not vehicle use north of the access track back towards the main township is prohibited.

Driving Conditions

There are two entrances to this beach south of the Woodgate Township. The northern entry, off Walkers Point Road, runs down on a broken, rutted wooden board track that’s easy enough, but care is needed if towing a trailer.

The beach is wide and flat heading south, the sand fine, muddy and although firm, sticky in places. As the beach bends around into the wide mouth of the Isis, the sticky spots become more common and the sand a little softer. Locals warn not to continue too far towards the river-mouth as it is much softer and bogged vehicles are common in the muddy sand. Around here, dead trees have washed onto the shore block access and it’s probably wise to pay attention to their warning.

The southern access is softer and follows a sandy track to Burrum Point Camping area in Burrum Coast National Park. It’s not overly hard, but taking it easy and going in 4WD high with lower tyre pressures will help prevent track damage.

Camping

Within Woodgate there are two caravan parks, although the NRMA Woodgate Beach is the better and closer of the two to the beach access. The caravan park is right across the road from the beach and has a small cafe and general store at the front. Burrum Point campground can only be accessed by 4WDs and is a basic, sandy and shady camp site set amongst the bush. There are drop toilets and basic cold showers with sites suitable for camper trailers or off-road caravans, as well as tents.

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