Macintosh Island, Surfers Paradise, Australia
Tucked between Surfers Paradise and Main Beach, Macintosh Island feels like a hidden pocket of calm right in the heart of the Gold Coast. With its winding walking paths, shady fig trees, and resident peacocks strutting about, it’s the kind of spot locals escape to when the buzz of the city gets too loud. Families spread out picnic rugs by the creek, kids giggle at the playful water dragons, and joggers loop across the little bridges that connect the island to the beach. It’s part park, part sanctuary. A slice of nature that makes you forget you’re only minutes from the ocean and high-rises.