The Gold Coast is awash with wonderful bike trails and tracks for families, think Hinze Dam or Marine Parade in Surfers Paradise. However, one of the most scenic bike tracks is the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve.
This stunning track is nestled among 93 hectares of coastal dunes and is a unique fusion of native vegetation, dunes, open space and ocean views. You’ll have just as much as fun as the kids on it!
Is the Federation Walk track difficult for kids?
As long as your children have a level of skill with changing gears then they’ll be fine. The track is dirt for most of the way but it’s not slippery.
There’s a few gradual hills but as long as they’re able to dismount a bike easily they’ll be fine. If your child is just learning to ride or isn’t confident then this track might be a little out of their league, for now.
Who else uses the path?
Well because it’s a network of established paths and tracks, this beautiful reserve allows for hiking, jogging, cycling, and bird watching. You’ll often come across families and friends under the trees on a blanket watching the waves roll in.
Others are there to watch birds, walk or jog the track. There are some fast mountain bikers so just remind kids to keep to the left of the path. If they’ve got a bell make sure they use it as there’s also a few slower walkers along the way.
Can we buy water or food on the way?
Not really, but you will find ice-blocks and fishing supplies kiosk at the start of the sandy jetty as you get close to The Spit. It’ s not always open so don’t rely on it.
There are also hot meals available at The Seaway Kiosk at The Spit. This way you can bribe the kids with food or an ice-cream at the end if they lose steam during the ride.
Where do we end up?
Well as you weave up the coastline you’ll go under the sand pumping jetty next to the off-leash dog beach. If you continue on you’ll come to The Gold Coast Seaway.
You can walk or bike the entire length and be treated to spectacular views of boats getting air as they come and go out to sea. When the sea is rough kids will either love or loathe getting splashed as the water smashes against the rocks near the Seaway tower.
Families often have picnics along the rock wall and keen fishers often try their luck. It’s fairly windy and exposed so bring a jumper in cooler months.
The essentials:
- Suitable for children with reasonable skill level
- Dirt track with occasion steep hills
- Amazing bird watching potential
- Protected reserve so take rubbish with you
- Keep left and be mindful of other users
- Pack plenty of water and snacks
- Sunblock a must as not much shade on track
Where exactly is this track?
Federation Walk starts in the car park opposite the entrance to Sea World. It is a designated pathway that will lead you all the way through the Coastal Reserve to the Gold Coast Seaway from where you can take in spectacular views of the coastline.
However, you can park at the Southport Yacht Club and bike along the waterfront past the Sheraton Hotel. You’ll eventually come to the track, it’s signposted so there’s no chance you’ll getting lost.
The Friends of Federation Walk take care of the track. And you want to get the kids out and about, they can volunteer to help the organisation with plantings and maintenance.
