Macintosh Island Park
A serene island park in Surfers Paradise, teeming with peacocks and water birds, offering playgrounds, BBQs, and beach access.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, ideal for walks
Macintosh Island Park
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, ideal for walks

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene island park in Surfers Paradise, teeming with peacocks and water birds, offering playgrounds, BBQs, and beach access.
"Pleasantly surprised by how big, beautiful, and serene this park was."
🐦 Don't Feed the Birds!
Signs are posted; please respect wildlife and refrain from feeding the animals.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
With BBQ facilities and scenic spots, it's perfect for a leisurely picnic.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peacocks and Waterfowl
Throughout the park
Witness peacocks strutting freely and a variety of water birds in their natural habitat. A true wildlife spectacle!

Central Pond and Green Spaces
Center of the park
A large pond surrounded by lush greenery, offering a serene atmosphere for walks and relaxation.

Playgrounds and Picnic Areas
Various locations
Well-equipped playgrounds and numerous BBQ facilities make it ideal for family gatherings and outdoor dining.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife Encounters
Family Fun & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Macintosh Island Park in Surfers Paradise is pretty fabulous for a public park. Tons of wildlife, shade and this odd quirky gem.
🐦 Don't Feed the Birds!
Signs are posted; please respect wildlife and refrain from feeding the animals.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
With BBQ facilities and scenic spots, it's perfect for a leisurely picnic.
Suggetion on things to do alone on the GC that doesnt cost much? Just saw the same post on the Brisbane sub so i decided to ask here
Child friendly places at Surfers?
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the park's paths and enjoy a stroll around the pond.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Convenient parking is available on-site, making access easy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐦 Don't Feed the Birds!
Signs are posted; please respect wildlife and refrain from feeding the animals.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
With BBQ facilities and scenic spots, it's perfect for a leisurely picnic.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the park's paths and enjoy a stroll around the pond.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Convenient parking is available on-site, making access easy.
🏖️ Beach Access Nearby
Cross the bridge for quick access to the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Macintosh Island Park is widely praised as a surprisingly large, beautiful, and serene oasis in Surfers Paradise. Visitors love the abundant wildlife, especially the peacocks and water birds, and the well-maintained facilities like playgrounds and BBQs. While the presence of the tent community is noted, it's generally described as tidy and unobtrusive. It's considered a top park on the Gold Coast for picnics and leisurely walks.
"First time I’ve been here and I’m embarrassed to say I never knew anything about this Park. I mean… Who doesn’t want to see peacocks roaming around and geese that are obviously in family packs? Wild birds that have made themselves at home in this Park. A hidden lake and water features are obviously a drawing card for these birds… we even saw a ‘lone’ Curlew. It was limping but otherwise quite unperturbed with the other birds about. Hoping it had a Mate that wasn’t too far away. So many little hidey holes around… noticed the Gold Coast Tent community were residents of the Park as well. If anything, their areas were kept very clean and tidy… a sign of the times, something the authorities should be sympathetic towards but can also understand people not coming here as it’s confronting to see a lot of the Tents. I wasn’t bothered, would probably feel safer here than some other well known Parks. Plenty of seating around, BBQs, water, toilets. Saw a 10yr Olds’ Birthday party in full force by the little stream that runs thru the park. Plenty of Parking and plenty of ‘shade’ for the tourists and locals. Can even get your feet wet in the water ways…..
Would love to come back and stay for a few hours. Also….don’t feed the Birds’! Signs are in the Park to let you know."
Sooty
"Road the E-Trike Tours family E-trike here fitting a scooter , my toddler, and her snacks + a picnic ! A lot of fun 😀"
Melissa Chiem
"I simply loved this place. The highlight for me was getting an opportunity to feed the birds and interact with them!
There are quite a variety of birds, including peacocks, water birds, and of course, pigeons whom you could feed out of your hand!
The beach is a stones throw away, which you can reach by simply crossing the bridge. Lovely place to visit with family and friends.
Free parking is available on site."
Thushini Goonewardene
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Macintosh Island Park is conveniently located in Surfers Paradise. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of free parking available on-site. For those without a car, it's a pleasant walk from many accommodations in the Surfers Paradise area, or you can consider local bus routes that service the vicinity.
While specific bus routes might vary, Surfers Paradise is well-serviced by public transport. Check local Gold Coast transport schedules for the most direct routes to the park's vicinity.
Yes, Macintosh Island Park is a well-known landmark in Surfers Paradise, often mentioned in local guides for its green spaces and wildlife. Its central location makes it relatively easy to locate.
Absolutely! The park has paths suitable for cycling, and it's a popular spot for recreational cycling. You might even see people using e-trikes here.
For first-time visitors, approaching from the main Surfers Paradise beachfront and walking inland towards the park is a scenic route. The bridge access to the beach is also a key feature.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Macintosh Island Park is a public park and offers free entry to all visitors.
Macintosh Island Park is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering ample daylight hours for exploration and enjoyment.
There's no need to book in advance as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during its open hours.
The main restriction is regarding feeding the wildlife, as indicated by park signage. Otherwise, it's open for public enjoyment.
The park features paved paths and ample seating, making it generally accessible. Specific accessibility details can be confirmed on-site or through local council information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of birdlife, including peacocks, water birds, geese, and pigeons. You might also spot Curlews.
Yes, Macintosh Island Park has at least two playgrounds, making it a great spot for families with young children.
Absolutely! The park is equipped with public BBQ facilities, perfect for a family picnic or gathering.
The park is generally considered safe, with plenty of seating and well-maintained areas. Some visitors have noted the presence of the Gold Coast Tent community, whose areas are kept tidy.
While there are water features and a pond, swimming is generally not advised. However, you can get your feet wet in the smaller waterways.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around the central pond with the water birds, the peacocks in their natural setting, and the lush greenery offer excellent photographic opportunities. The bridge connecting to the beach also provides scenic shots.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for wildlife photography, especially for bird enthusiasts. The peacocks and various water birds are often unperturbed, allowing for close-up shots.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones.
While visitors have noted the presence of the Gold Coast Tent community, it's important to be respectful and avoid intrusive photography. Focus on the natural beauty and wildlife of the park.
The central pond, the peacocks, and the bridge leading to the beach are popular subjects for photos. The park's mature trees also provide beautiful backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit