Hinterland Regional Park

Glossy black cockatoos show up here if you're patient enough. Sixty-two hectares of bushland and grassy hills in Mudgeeraba, this regional park runs quietly enough on a Sunday that you'll have the sheltered picnic areas largely to yourself. The fenced dog exercise area is the main drawcard for locals, and the forest walk threads through enough contrasting terrain to feel like a proper outing rather than a lap around the block. The fully shaded playground covers the basics well: flying fox, monkey bars, climbing equipment. Three picnic shelters with BBQs and electricity mean it handles a large group without stress. The one-way loop road keeps things orderly, parking is generous, and the toilet block is on-site. Come weekday mornings for the bird life and the quiet.