Macintosh Island Park - Image 1
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Macintosh Island Park

4.6
·782 reviews·Main Beach, Australia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings

Serene atmosphere, ideal for walks

CrowdLow
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Macintosh Island Park - Image 1

Macintosh Island Park

Best Time

Mornings

Serene atmosphere, ideal for walks

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(782 reviews)

"Pleasantly surprised by how big, beautiful, and serene this park was."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐦 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peacocks and Waterfowl

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

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

Playgrounds and Picnic Areas

Various locations

Well-equipped playgrounds and numerous BBQ facilities make it ideal for family gatherings and outdoor dining.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wildlife Encounters

Macintosh Island Park is a haven for diverse birdlife, including peacocks and water birds. Remember not to feed the animals, as signs clearly indicate. It's a peaceful escape, even with the presence of the Gold Coast Tent community, whose areas are noted for being tidy.

Family Fun & Facilities

This park is a gem for families, offering playgrounds, BBQs, and ample seating. It's perfect for picnics and casual strolls, with easy access to the beach via a nearby bridge. Free parking makes it a convenient outing.

Best Times

When
Mornings
Why
Serene atmosphere, ideal for walks
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Lively with families and events
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

With BBQ facilities and scenic spots, it's perfect for a leisurely picnic. Reddit

reddit.com

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

reddit.com

Child friendly places at Surfers?

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Explore the park's paths and enjoy a stroll around the pond. Reddit

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Convenient parking is available on-site, making access easy. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🐦 Don't Feed the Birds!

Signs are posted; please respect wildlife and refrain from feeding the animals. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

With BBQ facilities and scenic spots, it's perfect for a leisurely picnic. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Explore the park's paths and enjoy a stroll around the pond. Reddit

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Convenient parking is available on-site, making access easy. Reddit

🏖️ Beach Access Nearby

Cross the bridge for quick access to the beach. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(782 reviews)

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

Abundant wildlife sightings
Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Excellent family facilities (playgrounds, BBQs)

What People Dislike

Occasional concerns about wildlife feeding

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Macintosh Island Park is a public park and offers free entry to all visitors. Reddit

Macintosh Island Park is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering ample daylight hours for exploration and enjoyment. Reddit

There's no need to book in advance as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during its open hours. Reddit

The main restriction is regarding feeding the wildlife, as indicated by park signage. Otherwise, it's open for public enjoyment. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can expect to see a variety of birdlife, including peacocks, water birds, geese, and pigeons. You might also spot Curlews. Reddit

Yes, Macintosh Island Park has at least two playgrounds, making it a great spot for families with young children. Reddit

Absolutely! The park is equipped with public BBQ facilities, perfect for a family picnic or gathering. Reddit

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. Reddit

While there are water features and a pond, swimming is generally not advised. However, you can get your feet wet in the smaller waterways. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Macintosh Island Park is a fantastic, free option for families visiting the Gold Coast. With two playgrounds, ample BBQ facilities, and plenty of open space for running around, it's an ideal spot for a relaxed family outing. The opportunity to see peacocks and other birds up close is a big hit with children. Plus, the easy access to the beach means you can easily combine a park visit with some sandcastle building and wave-watching. Don't forget to pack a picnic to make the most of the facilities! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Macintosh Island Park is a dream. Entry is completely free, and there are free parking facilities available. You can save money by packing your own food and utilizing the public BBQ areas for a delicious and affordable meal. It offers a beautiful natural escape without costing a cent, making it a perfect addition to any itinerary focused on value. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Macintosh Island Park a delightful subject. The resident peacocks offer unique opportunities for wildlife shots, and the variety of water birds in the central pond are a constant draw. The park's lush greenery and mature trees provide beautiful backdrops, especially during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon. The bridge connecting to the beach also offers scenic perspectives. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Wildlife Encounters at Macintosh Island Park

Macintosh Island Park is a vibrant sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife, most notably its resident peacocks and a variety of water birds. Visitors often express delight at seeing these creatures roaming freely, with some even having the chance to interact closely with them, such as feeding pigeons from their hands. The park's central pond and waterways create an ideal habitat, attracting geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. It's a place where nature feels remarkably close, offering a peaceful escape from the urban bustle of Surfers Paradise. Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and adhere to the 'do not feed' signs to ensure their well-being. Reddit

Family-Friendly Amenities and Activities

This park is a true gem for families, boasting at least two well-equipped playgrounds that are sure to entertain younger visitors. Beyond the play areas, the park offers abundant green space perfect for picnics and casual strolls. The presence of BBQ facilities makes it an excellent choice for a relaxed outdoor meal, and many families have been observed enjoying birthday parties and gatherings here. The proximity to the beach, accessible via a short walk across a bridge, adds another layer of fun for families looking to combine park time with seaside enjoyment. Reddit

The Unique Community Presence

A notable aspect of Macintosh Island Park is the presence of the Gold Coast Tent community. Visitors have observed that these residents maintain their living areas with a commendable level of cleanliness and tidiness. While this might be a confronting sight for some, many reviewers found the areas to be well-kept and felt the community members were unperturbed by park visitors. It's a reminder of the diverse realities within urban spaces, and the park offers a space where different communities coexist. Reddit

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