What is the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area?
This hidden gem is part of an estuarine corridor extending from Lake Coombabah to the Broadwater and Southern Moreton Bay.
It’s a conservation park that is an important wetland in Australia and part of the Coomera River catchment. Native wildlife is in abundance in the 1200-hectares of wetland, eucalypt forest, salt marsh and mangrove swamp habitat.
The lake is fed by Coombabah Creek which rises to the west in the Nerang Forest Reserve. The Ivan Gibbs Wetlands Reserve and Lakeside Country Club golf course are both located to the south of the lake.
Why is this area so significant?
The Coombabah wetlands are significant because they are the most southerly lake and coastal swampland representatives in the bioregion, and because the area provides significant wildlife value and refuge habitat.
The conservation area includes tidal marshlands and mangroves along part of the lakes edge. The Melaleuca boardwalk allows viewing of the wildlife.
The mangroves are home to frogs, crabs and fish that attract native and migratory birds. There are guided bushwalking and canoeing activities as part of community conservation and environmental workshops to promote local conservation.
Is there anything for kids to do here?
There are plenty of nature-based activities on offer, as you make your way through some of the walking tracks keep an eye out for kangaroos lazing about and koalas lounging in the trees above you.
The area is ideal for short walks, bird watching, animal spotting, plant identification and an opportunity to appreciate an ecologically significant area.
From the boardwalk, you can see across to the Coombabah Lake’s western shore, undeveloped Gold Coast mangrove fringe and lake habitat.
The Myola Boardwalk is worth doing, and if you’re lucky you might see a small plane take off from the Southport Flying Club airport that is located inside the parklands area.
What aren’t we allowed to do at Coombabah Lakelands?
- Dogs are strictly prohibited
- No camping is allowed
- No fires are to be lit
- Motorbikes are not allowed
The essentials
- Gates are open from 6am to 6pm
- Great bird watching opportunities
- Insect repellent essential
- No toilet facilities
- Bring your own water
Just be mindful that there are no amenities and you’ll have to take your rubbish with you.
The Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area can be accessed at Rain Tree Glen via Pine Ridge Road and Shelter Road off the Gold Coast Highway, Coombabah.
