Federation Coastal Reserve Walk

Situated on the Gold Coast’s iconic Spit, this dynamic walk takes you through patches of rainforest on a spectacular coastline through Federation Reserve from Philip Park near Seaworld to the seaway.

Federation Reserve is a 3 kilometre strip of coastline covering 93 hectares of natural habitat, supporting a subtle mix of littoral rainforest, native grasslands, and pockets of wetlands.

A network of trails runs through the reserve for bushwalking, birdwatching, running and bike riding.  The Federation Walk project was initiated by the community to conserve and enhance the reserve as a natural public space. 

Federation Walk is a 3.5-kilometre pedestrian walkway starting at the information board in Philip Park.  Look for the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve signage opposite SeaWorld, under the fig tree at the entrance to the Philip Park carpark.  Once parked, you’ll see the walk welcome board at the information stand which marks the trail head of this delightful walk.

The walk continues through patches of rainforest where regular community planting days are held.

It is one of the few remaining areas with an established dune system on the Gold Coast and with plentiful and varied sources of food and materials, was home to the Yugambeh people for over 20,000 years.

Birdlife is abundant so look out for the grey-brown Bush-stone Curlews with their strange stares as they slowly stalk in search of insects.

Of course, you’ll cross paths with many Australian Bush turkeys (known also as bush or scrub turkeys) busy building mounds from the foliage.  You’re likely to see the more common birds including the Ibis, Butcherbird, Cormorant, Magpie, Lorikeet, Pelican, Tern and Dove.

Quiet walkers and birdwatchers may also sight Rainbow Bee-eaters, Double-barred finches or the elusive Tawny Frogmouth. Keep an eye out for the harmless Eastern Water dragons and Carpet Pythons.

After leaving the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve, the walk continues under the sand bypass jetty and along the pathway to the southern training wall of the Gold Coast Seaway.

The tip of the walk is at the end of the Gold Coast Oceanway from where you can take in spectacular views of the coastline.

Track Length: 3.5-kilometre (60 minutes one way). 

Track Difficulty: Easy wide flat sand and gravel path.

Facilities: There is a carpark and information board in Philip Park Carpark at the southern end of the walk.  At the northern end point there are toilets, bubblers, shaded benches and picnic tables as well parking at The Spit.

By Michaela Lyons