BEST THINGS TO DO ON THE GOLD COAST WITH KIDS!

INSIDE: The Best Things to Do on the Gold Coast with Kids. Updated 2024.

Think Gold Coast, think Theme Parks?  

The GC is home of the theme parks including Dreamworld, Seaworld, Wet’n’Wild water park, Movie World.

The Gold Coast is also the location of TWO outstanding reptile and bird parks

• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Fleays Fauna Centre, and

There’s one animal park, Paradise Country near Movie world.

The much loved Outback Spectacular pioneering horse show is here too.

BUT There’s SO MUCH MORE to the Gold Coast than that.

The Gold Coast is Australia’s number one destination for families. It’s a no brainer.

The Gold Coast has it all.

Warm, sunny, glorious weather.

Wide open beaches with golden sand and turquoise waves.

ALL the best Australian theme parks.

And a backdrop of green space to go bush walking, mountain climbing, and shopping in cooler temperatures up in the mountain gallery spaces.

Be sure to pack water, snacks, towels, swimmers, jumpers or jackets in case it suddenly turns cold, and a sense of humour when you head to these Gold Coast parks, playgrounds and activities.

We wish you happy exploring, Gold Coast style! 

Hot tip: Check out our guide to the best healthy & delicious snacks and food for picnics and road trips. (Good stuff guaranteed)

Disclosure: This article, written by a real human (me), without AI input, may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO COST to you. For our Disclosure and Disclaimer statements, and an explanation of our Advertising policy please click here

BEST THINGS TO DO ON THE GOLD COAST WITH KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in AUD, unless otherwise stated

In this snapshot, we list the best:

• things to do in Gold Coast besides theme parks
• Gold Coast attractions you’ve never heard of
• things to do in Gold Coast on a budget 
• free family activities Gold Coast has to offer

Fancy playing a game of skirmish under neon lights?

Or copping a bucket full of water over your head at the best splash pad on the Goldie?

How about swinging through the trees on a Tree Top adventure, like Tarzan, or riding in a duck boat? 

Or experiencing majestic whale watching up close on a boat tour? 

You can do all these things to do in Gold Coast, and more. 

---

RELATED: Best Australian Souvenirs you must buy for family and friends (UNIQUE!) 

No.1: Tallebudgera Beach

OH YES! 

This is definitely the best place to swim on the GC.

Tallebudgera Beach is the Number One beach for families on the Gold Coast – it’s magical

It’s tough to find a car park at the best of times these days, so go early!

Find it between Burleigh Hill and Palm Beach, right next to Jellurgal Aboriginal Visitors Centre. 

No.2: Visit Surfers Paradise Australia

You can’t visit the Gold Coast without going to Surfers Paradise. Locals claim to hate it, BUT it is the hub of lots of fun activities. Ignore the haters and go have a ball.  

No.1: Cavill Mall

Wander around Cavill Mall to see street entertainment, and the local characters. 

Address: Cnr Cavill Ave &, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217. 

You can also:

• ride the AquaDuck
• grab a coffee at Starbucks
• shop for fashion in Paradise centre mall
• Visit Build a Bear Workshop toy store in the Paradise Centre
• grab a gelato cone at Gelatissimo or an icecream at Ben & Jerry’s Surfers Paradise
• stay healthy with a Boost Juice smoothie for the whole family
• grab a snack at Lord of the Fries ! 

No.2: TimeZone Surfers Paradise

Stay and play in one of Australia’s biggest games arcades for the whole family.

Play glow in the dark golf, new laser tag arena, ride bumper cars, join in mini bowling, and there’s over 200 games. 

Find it at Level 1, Paradise Centre.

Open 10am to 11pm daily. 

Hot tip: You can also visit Infinity Gold Coast, a laser experience like no other. 

No.3: Surfers Paradise Beach

This is the Gold Coast’s most famous beach, and entry is right across the road from Cavill Mall.

Bring your swimming costumes, sunscreen, and towels and take a dip between the flags. 

Image credit: Mr TinDC via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

No.4: Surfers Paradise Pedicab Ride

Take a ride in a Pedi-cab in Surfers Paradise.

Oh gosh, this is such a touristy gimmick.

But how fun it is to sit and enjoy the view while someone else peddles.

Especially when the ride is around the glorious touristy beachside town of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

There’s lights, glitter, glam, neon, and a little bit of strange thrown in.

The kids will love it! 

Find the pedicabs near the entrance to Hard Rock cafe Surfers Paradise. 

Image credit: Aquaduck Gold Coast

No.5: Ride the Aquaduck amphibious vehicle.

Travel through the streets before it turns into a boat and takes you on a tour of the town on water.

This Aqua Duck amphibious vehicle goes from land to sea, a one hour tour of the highlights of the Gold Coast, with laughs all the way.

The comedic tour narration is a highlight for kids AND adults!

Click here to book. 

No.6: Surfers Paradise Shopping

Head to the Paradise Centre and Soul Boardwalk for name brand stores, plus eclectic shops selling everything from crystals, thongs, African homewares, Indigenous Australian gifts, jewellery and 

The Chevron Renaissance shopping centre is another stop worth making.

Wander into the shops along the Gold Coast highway to find souvenirs, ugg boots, shoes, fashion and more.

Cavill Mall is the spot for a bit of people watching and a chance to listen to the buskers while you eat ice cream. 

Image credit: Bertknot via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.7: QDeck at Skypoint Tower Surfers Paradise

Incredible 360 degree views of the Gold Coast skyline from inside the 77th floor of the Gold Coast’s highest residential building, Skypoint Tower.  

The Skypoint Observation deck has the best views of the city and hinterland. 

Daredevils can also book a tour and join Australia’s Highest external building climb! 

Yes, you can climb on top of the region’s most iconic residential tower, Q1, right up to the summit, 270 metres above the ground. 

Fun Fact: The Q1 Building is taller than the Chrysler building in New York City, and is structurally the 25th tallest building in the world at 322.5 metres high!

Sadly, kids under 12 can’t climb, so this is one for the teens. 

Address: Level 77, q1 building/9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Things to do at Surfers Paradise for teens?

These are the best attractions in Gold Coast for teenagers. 

No.1: Infinity Surfers Paradise

Teens love the 30 minute adventure that is Infinity illusions. 

Expect flashing lights, neon colours, rainbow light beams, mirrors, music, and black light glowing fun.

Hot tip: Wear white!

Infinity is a funhouse style attraction full of black lights, colourful neon, illusion-based special effects, & music.

It’s a futuristic maze, and you never know which way is up, or down. 

Both of these places are unashamedly tourist attractions but FUN!

Infinity address: Shop 31 Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise 

No.2: TimeZone Surfers Paradise

Fill your pockets with cash and head to Time Zone Surfers Paradise, the indoor family theme park filled with arcade games including:

• bean bag toss
• Connect 4 hoops
• Dizzy Chicken
• Jurassic Park motion rides
• Pinball games
• Super bikes
• Snow boarders
• Ticket games too

There’s interactive activities such as Typhoon, Mini Rider, Let’s Go Jungle, and Virtual Rabbid, & attractions such as Laser Tag, Glow Golf, Bumper Cars, and Mini Bowling.

Hot tip: Buy a Time Play card and get one, two or three hours of fun for the one price. 

Address: Level 1, Paradise Centre, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

No.3: Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Surfers Paradise

Ripleys Gold Coast ODDITY Museum will tickle your funny bone, bombard you with random facts, and scare the bejeezus out of you too.

There’s tonnes of fun & hands-on activities for kids at Ripleys Surfers Paradise!

Ripleys Believe it or Not! museum in Surfers Paradise has 15 themed galleries and tonnes more hands-on interactive exhibits.

Every turn reveals something new, fun or surprising to discover.

Grab yourself a discount entry to the Odditorium if you can, but it’s good fun at any price.

It’s one of the best Gold Coast Surfers Paradise attractions for the whole family.

Be sure to look beyond the obvious!  

If you think a room is boring, look more closely until you find something that catches you unawares. 

Take a sneak peek below for all the details. 

Image credit: Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi via Flickr CC BY 2.0

Want a sneak peek of what’s in store. Here we go!

• Shrunken heads, animal oddities, and rare artefacts from around the globe (over 400 of them!)
• Survive a walk through the Spinning Vortex Tunnel. This is an exercise in winning over nausea.
• Play the Piano Musical Stairs as you walk down!
• Jump for joy in the Interactive Dance Room (our favourite spot!)

MORE attractions at Ripleys Believe It or Not Gold Coast

• Navigate through a web of lasers as you try and beat the buzzer. This attraction raises your heartbeat somewhat.
• see oddities made from food-the Last Supper made from burnt toast, and a portrait of Michael Jackson made from gum balls.
• There’s collections of unusual dresses, fashion, hats, and jewellery – each one special because of the connection it has to a historical event, or what it’s made from.
• Miniatures -Spot the World’s Smallest Car. Plus a tiny jade elephant, tiny story books, and a minute baseball glove, perfectly stitched.
• Touch the Skull Face. He invites you to! 

Image credit: Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi via Flickr CC BY 2.0

• See the Venice Beach snake charmer who trained his pet snake to crawl in and out his nose!
• Touch the Fertility Statues. Or not, if you don’t want to have a baby. These statues are well known for their ability to help couples fall pregnant, or so they say. If this is you, be sure to fill in the form so you can let them know of your success in making a baby!
• See Dame Edna made from Chicken Wire! There’s no end to the display of creative art and craft here too. Dame Edna’s sculpture is one of the best.
• Double Eyed Man. Look for the model of the man with two pupils in each eye. He’s one of only FOUR people in the world who’ve ever displayed this oddity.
• Blue Face Man- Ching Foo of Shensi China, pictured above, was born with a blue face. Believe it, or not?
• Interactive Games & Play -there’s places for kids to crawl, dance, and race, plus puzzles to complete, illusions to wow, and lots of interactive games.

There’s something for everyone at Ripley’s Surfers Paradise.

Hot tip: Beware of mirrors. That’s all we’ll say. 

Ripley’s 7D Moving Theatre

The brand new 7 Dimension theatre lets you see, touch, feel, move, shoot, and engage in a screen adventure like never before.

More Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museums around the world

Robert Riply was a collector, traveler, cartoonist, entrepreneur, anthropologist, curator, sports man, and presenter.

His life was one incredible adventure, travelling the world to find oddities and strange phenomena.

His life’s work enabled him to become a millionaire early on! 

He also coined the term, “Believe it, or Not!”

There are also Ripleys museums in: 

• England
• USA
• Malaysia
• Denmark
• Korea
• Mexico
• Thailand and
• the Netherlands.

Address: Ripleys Believe it or Not in Surfers Paradise is located at Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217.
Telephone: 07 5592 0040
Email: [email protected]
Website: Click here

Opening Hours

• 9am till late, daily.
• 365 days a year.
• New Years Day 9am to 6pm.

During low season, last admission 9pm, out by 10pm
During high season and weekend – last admission 10pm, out by 11pm

Ripleys Tickets 

• Adults $26.90
• Seniors 55+ $22.90
• Students 13-17 $22.90
• Child 3-11 $17.90
• FREE for under 3’s

Ripleys Discount Tickets

• Save $2 per adult, and $1 per child ticket by booking online. 
• Keep an eye on Groupon Gold Coast for Ripley’s Surfers Paradise discount tickets. 

BOOK NOW: Gold Coast Attractions Pass (save up to 40% off normal admission prices on 3, 5, or 7 local attractions) 

How to get to Cavill Mall Surfers Paradise? 

By Gold Coast light rail:  Ride the G Link to the Cavill Ave station (from Helensvale or Broadbeach directions) 

By Bus: Surfside Buslines provide daily scheduled services between major Gold Coast suburbs and Surfers Paradise for nominal fares. One of the closest bus stops either from North, South or West is Ferny Ave App Beach Rd Bus Stop.

By Car: Click here for google map directions

Where to park in Surfers Paradise

Soul Boardwalk parking

• Soul Boardwalk Car Park- (Entry off ‘The Esplanade’). Can stay all day. Covered. Pay on Exit. Min $5.00, Max $15.00 .
• First hour free between 5am and 4pm
• After 4pm, $8.00 flat rate

Bruce Bishop Car Park Surfers Paradise

• Entry off ‘Beach Road’ or the Gold Coast highway
• Can stay all day. Pay on Exit. Covered parking.
• Approx $2.30 per hour
• 5 min walk to Cavill Mall 

Esplanade Street Parking Beachside

• Pay & Display parking available on the Esplanade Surfers Paradise
• Approx. $2.70 per hour 
• Pay when you park. Check time limits and top up as you go. 

No.3: Broadwater Parklands Kids Bike Track Southport 

Try this Super Dooper Fun Bike-Riding Track in Southport at one end of Broadwater Parklands!

If you have your bikes with you, then this Bicycle Track Obstacle Course must be on your list of things to do.

They can ride over obstacles, and around weaving poles, all the while testing and building their balance and bike skills. 

It’s the only dedicated kids bike tracks Gold Coast has to offer for toddlers, preschoolers and primary aged kids.

Located on the waterfront opposite Australia Fair Shopping Centre, this obstacle course bicycle track is one of a kind on the Goldie.

BYO Bikes and scooters

The challenge is to navigate the obstacle track on your bike without stopping or falling off!

The kids will need their own bikes – sadly, there’s no hire facility – but if you do have your bikes with you, Roam the Gnome and the boys would say “Go now!”

These bike tracks for kids have:

• poles to weave in and through
• ramps
• wobble boards to cross
• a big dipper to traverse

There’s a four way cross road so kids have to learn to navigate around one another coming and going.

Plus ramps at one end, so they can ride up, around and down, like at a skate park.

Although this also makes for a good parkour spot for toddlers! 

Address: Marine Parade, Broadwater Parklands, Southport QLD 4215 (South Lawn area) Directly opposite Australia Fair shops. Near Maddie and Mike statues.
Telephone: 07 5581 6984 (Gold Coast city council)
Opening Hours:  Sunrise to sunset 
Entry Fees: FREE!

Map of Anzac Park Southport QLD

Toilets: 

• There’s a few toilet blocks throughout the Parklands.
• To find the closest ones for the Bike Track, head south towards the Sundale bridge.
• You’ll see a small building in front of the small carpark. There’s two there.
• There’s also another set of hexagonal shaped toilet booths on the opposite side of the Jumping Pillow (but the wait will be longer!)

Gold Coast Bike Rides for Kids

 The best thing about this bicycle track is that it is located within the huge expanse of the Broadwater Parklands precinct at Southport.

When you’ve finished with the bike track, why not do a family bike ride up and down the riding track along the coastline from Southport to the Spit and Main Beach, or down to Mermaid Beach and Burleigh Geads.

Or you can head north towards Biggera Waters and Paradise point. It’s concreted all the way and has epic views! 

Make a day of it as the Broadwater Parklands playgrounds are GREAT fun. (see Playgrounds, Parks, and Nature section for a full review with pics) 

In a nutshell, there’s: 

• a GIANT Jumping Pillow
• a “Monorail Bikes” playground with a zipline swing (find it between the Bike Track and the Jumping Pillow)
• Rotating pedal swing and other balancing equipment in a small playground on the right hand side of the Jumping Pillow
• The Southport Rock Pools too (see Water Fun Activities below) 

You can fill a whole day here, while enjoying the views across to Seaworld.

Seeing the helicopters taking off up close is a highlight for kids. 

If you prefer to keep costs low, we suggest bringing your own snacks and drinks in an Esky.

There’s an abundance of picnic tables, free BBQ’s, and grassy spots in the shade so you can save your dollars for more non-food fun!

Both Coles and Woolworths supermarkets can be found across the road in the Australia Fair Shopping Centre, along with a Food Court.  

Find lots of yummy restaurants and cafes across the highway in the Southport precinct too.

You won’t starve!

Hot tip: While you are here, take a drive up to Main Beach and the Spit towards Seaworld. This is a popular nature spot with locals to enjoy a bit of weekend beach time. 

No.4:  Paradise Jet Boating 

THIS is the most fun you can have on the Broadwater of the Gold Coast with kids!

Paradise jet boat tours are a thrilling, bouncing, hi-speed race across the water in a super fast boat.

Hang on to your seats!

No.5: Tabatinga Indoor Play Centre at Seagulls, Tweed Heads

Seagulls Club at Tweed Heads is home to Tabatinga indoor play centre.

On weekend nights, you can book your kids into Tabatinga and enjoy dinner at the club kids-free!

THIS is a top spot for kids, with awesome food options for adults, indoor playgrounds, bumper cars and more. 

It has a glow-in-the-dark putt putt golf AND a black light ‘balladium’.

Book a visit today.

This place is an unexpected surprise.

Image credit: Michael Lynch via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

No.6: Glow Worms Natural Arch Springbrook  

Visit the Glow Worms at Natural Arch after sunset, via Nerang Murwillumbah Road.

There’s plenty of free parking at the top of the walk, and the round trip down to Natural Arch waterfall is not arduous for kids or family members.

Allow an hour or 90 minutes for a return trip. 

You can go any time of the day, as the glow worm cave is dark inside. 

Book a tour here.

If you head to Natural Arch from Nerang, keep an eye out on the right hand side of the road for the entrance to the natural swimming hole at Springbrook National Park forest reserve.

(Directions here– it’s just past Pocket Road, on the same side of the road). 

Park and take a swim!

Address: Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park, Bakers Rd, Natural Bridge QLD 4211

No.7:  Seaworld

THIS theme park (unlike the others that were built on hardy land out in the sticks of the hinterland) is breezy and cool.

Don’t miss Shark Bay to see sharks and giant manta rays gliding past.

Try and spy the Polar Bears, and enjoy a laugh with the jumping, hopping mad Penguins.

Castaway Bay Sea World

But the most fun is Castaway Bay!

This interactive adventure playground is the spot we can’t escape!

The Battle Boats ride, with over eighty water cannons, is as much fun off it, as it is on.

Look out – there’s no staying dry if there’s kids about! 

Climb through the five levels of the Sky Fortress through nets, tunnels, down slides, and up and down platforms. I guarantee you will lose your kids, who will quickly leave you behind as you navigate and pull adult sized arms and gangly legs through tiny spaces.  A huge awkward laugh-a-minute experience for the whole family.

Bring your swimmers, towels and a change of clothes and finish a day at Seaworld at the triple splashpad waterpark area. 

Seaworld is our family’s favourite theme park on the Goldie. 

Check latest prices:  3 day pass discount tickets for Seaworld, Movieworld and Wet N Wild

Image credit: Sherry Kang via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.8: Dreamworld Gold Coast

The perennial favourite theme park of all who visit the Gold Coast. 

Australia’s biggest theme park has 7 lands with attractions, rides, and fun activities. 

Main Street

Australia’s knock off of Disneyland Main Street, this is the spot to catch the Dreamworld Express train, ride Mick Doonan’s MotoCoaster, or the Sky Voyager, the flying experience  (like Soaring at Disney)

Corroboree 

The everlasting favourite, the Vintage Car adventure where you can drive your very own vintage car is here.

It’s also the place to see Australian native animals, like bilby’s, squirrel gliders, wombats, dingoes, and kangaroos, and cuddle a koala.

There’s plenty of Indigenous Australian culture to learn here too, with shows on stage, films, weapons demonstrations, yarning circle, traditional music and fire making. 

ABC Kids World & Wiggles World 

The best part of Dreamworld for the little kids!

• Banana’s in Pyjama’s fun maze
• Giggle and Hoot Pirate ship
• Play School Art Room
• Big Red Car ride
• Big Red boat ride
• Dorothy’s Tea Cup ride
• ABC Kids World Fun Spot
• Play School wheel with your fave Play School characters.

Dreamworks Experience 

THIS area is Dreamworld’s newest and most fun area for older kids and teens.

There’s family friendly coasters, bumper cars, Dronkey flyers, a Puss in Boots Sword Swing, and a MAD jungle jam with air connons, foam fountains and lookout towers. 

Gold Rush Country

The scary part of Dreamworld – with BuzzSaw and Giant Drop!

Not for the faint hearted. 

Ocean Parade 

MORE fun for older kids – the Claw, Shockwave, Tail Spin and Hot wheels rollercoasters will have you leaving your stomach in your mouth! 

Tiger Island

The only place you can meet tigers on the Gold Coast. 

check it out. 

For overseas visitors, ABC Kids World and Wiggles World will be much loved by children under 7.

Whitewater World Gold Coast

Whitewater World is Dreamworld’s very own waterpark – separate entry fees apply.

Download a Dreamworld Map PDF here. 

No.9:  Currumbin Sanctuary Gold Coast

Currumbin Sanctuary is a top day out for families with kids under 12.

Arrive at 9am and plan to spend the whole day.

It’s shady and cool here, (unlike many of the other theme parks on the Gold Coast) and there’s lots of places to sit and rest for a while.

Download the map to plan your day

Firstly, this Gold Coast wildlife sanctuary is NOT just birds.

While Currumbin Bird Sanctuary might be best known for it’s twice-daily Rainbow Lorikeet feeding sessions, there’s so much more to do.

Anyone who is visiting the Gold Coast with kids, should put Currumbin Sanctuary on the itinerary.

It’s the best value, nature experience on the Gold Coast where you can meet all kinds of native Australian wildlife close up.

No. 1: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Animals

Check out the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary animals. You can pat kangaroos and cuddle and have a photo with a koala

You can also meet other native Australian animals including: 

• Wallabies
• Wombats
• Bilby
• Echidnas
• Emus
• Dingo and Tassie Devil
• Turtles and frogs
• Snakes, Goannas, Lizards and Australia reptiles – all behind glass!
• Pelicans

Hot tip: Buy a combo entrance ticket including a photo with the koalas! 

NEW – Free Flight Bird Show

See eagles, kookaburras, owls, galahs and more.

Watch them soar above your heads at the new Free Flight Bird Show!

Boss Hogg Crocodile Show

Get up close with ‘Boss Hogg’, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s resident male saltwater crocodile – reaching almost 5 metres in length and weighing about 800 kilograms! 

Don’t miss the Crocodile show.

Hot tip: Go early to find your place around the crocodile enclosure near the middle of the fence, in front of the feeding platform. You might be the lucky one who is picked to feed him!

No.2: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Bird Feeding Times

The lorikeet bird feeding at Currumbin Sanctuary is the thing I remember most from childhood!

Share this experience with your kids too.

Currumbin Bird Feeding times happen every day at 8am and 4pm.

These feeding sessions have been happening for more than 70 years, like clockwork.

Hold a plate of sweet syrup-covered bread and the birds will come to you. They may even land on your shoulders, eat out of your hand, or sit on your HEAD!

With no entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary required, this amazing experience is free to watch. Pay a gold coin donation for feeding.

No. 3: Visit the Lost Valley at Currumbin Sanctuary

Discover a lost world at Currumbin Sanctuary.

Opened on Boxing Day in 2017, this wetlands exhibit features animals including:

• capybara
• cassowary birds
• cotton top tamarins (cute!)
• red pandas
• birds of the Lost Valley
• reptiles of the Lost Valley
• tree kangaroos

No. 4: Laugh with the Lemurs

The highlight is checking out the cheeky antics of the pair of funny Lemurs running around like crazy

Follow them as they play their way around the park with their keeper close by.

Found only on the African island of Madagascar and some tiny neighbouring islands, these cute creatures have a big personality.

Say hi to them in the Lost Valley!

No. 5: Visit the Animal Hospital at Currumbin Sanctuary

A visit to the Sanctuary is not complete without a visit to the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary hospital where you can witness the amazing team operate on sick and injured animals.

Visit the animal hospital to see all the good work they do in animal care and wildlife conservation too.

There’s some hands-on activities for kids including a chance to play Vet with dress ups, and stuffed toy animals to attend to!

No. 6: Blinky Bill Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Show

Blinky Bill’s Studio Adventure show is a fun, interactive, fast paced musical show, that will have the audience singing and dancing, and send imaginations soaring.

Plus, you can meet Blinky Bill after the show and have your photo taken.

(If you are brave enough. This is as close as Jack wanted to get!)

No. 7: Ride the Currumbin Sanctuary Train Locomotive

Built in 1964, and taking families on a fun trip around the Sanctuary ever since.

Stay on board the steam train, and you’ll eventually travel THROUGH the kangaroo enclosure!

Read the history of the Currumbin Sanctuary train ride here.

Our tip is to avoid the morning crowds by riding the train at the end of the day to carry weary kids all the way home, tra la la la la.

No. 8: Aboriginal Show at Currumbin Wildlife Park

Immerse yourselves in Indigenous Australian culture, song, dance and storytelling
Celebrate local Gold Coast Aboriginal culture too.

Watch the Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers tell their stories through dance and music.

Show daily at 3.30pm.

Brought to you by Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

For more information on the Jellurgal troop download PDF Brochure.

No. 9: Ride Blinky Bill Slide

Ride the see-through slide !

Be prepared to hang around Blinky Bill’s Home Tree and Slide for a while as the kids race down, and climb back up again. Over and over and over.

This is the spot to find all the Australian reptiles, snakes, lizards and nocturnal animals too.

No. 10: MORE Currumbin Sanctuary Shows

Find a seat in the audience at one of these shows:

• the Big Fang Theory show
• the Pelican and Eel Show,
• the Australiana Show where you can watch and listen as the “Gun Shearer” shares a yarn and a few laughs while shearing a Marino woolly sheep. Meet his working dog, and step up for a turn to hold a snake after the show too!

No. 11: Currumbin Wildlife Reserve Experiences

There’s plenty of additional activites you can do at this Gold Coast wildlife park for a fee. 

• Segway rides
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Treetop Challenge
• Echidna encounter
• Dingo Walk
• Behind the Scenes
• VIP Koala experience
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Night Tour

Click here for details and to buy tickets (not included in entry fee)

No.12: Croc Shock! Tree Top Challenge  

The Tree Top Challenge at Currumbin Sanctuary is the most fun you can have here. 

Big kids will LOVE the TreeTop adventure challenge, that allows you to zipline OVER the crocodile enclosure! 

Treetop Challenge is privately owned, and tickets must be purchased separately. (Not included in park entry fee) 

Open daily, 9am to 5pm. 

Buy tickets here (includes entrance to wildlife reserve AND tickets for tree top adventure) 

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Cafe.

The Sanctuary Cafe is situated at the entrance to the Sanctuary.

Pick up a coffee for you, and a commemorative Koala-shaped cup filled with lemonade for the kids.

Grab Morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea, and eat in style by the Lorikeet feeding zone, with a few pesky ibis on hand to eat your scraps too!

Click here for all dining options on site. 

Wild Island Adventure Playground

My kids LOVE the Wild Island Adventure playground at Currumbin Sanctuary.

There’s:

• hide-and-seek tunnels
• a giant fort to climb with rope bridge ladders, stepping bridges and tunnel nets
• a huge silver slide
• a massive spider web scramble net, and
• a flying fox.

NEW – Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone

Recently revamped and now even better, this playground at Currumbin Bird Sanctuary has a new water splash pad area!

The Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone offers kids up to the age of 12 a range of timed water jets, streams and waterfalls to run through.

Hot tip: A Currumbin Playground for Toddlers 

Just across the train track, to the left of Wild Burgers food store, there’s another fenced playground for toddlers and preschool kids too.

Currumbin Sanctuary Events 

FestEVIL at the FANGtuary!

Looking for some ghoulishly good fun to have with the family on the Gold Coast on Halloween?

Scare yourselves silly at the fun kid-friendly FestEVIL at the FANGtuary!

Deck yourself out in your most spine-tingling costume and swoop on into Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to celebrate FestEvil at the Fangtuary from 6-9 pm.

There’s fang-tastic activities for kids (and the kids at heart).

• Hop aboard the ghost train for an eerie, edge-of-your-seat ride through the Sanctuary at night.
• Keep your eyes peeled for any ghosts of course, and see if you can, sneak a peek at what our resident animals get up to after dark.

There’s tricks and treats for the kids to enjoy, plus a whole lot of activities on offer like:

• special Halloween-inspired shows
• a SpecDracula Blinky Dance Party, and
• a kids disco with Sunny Skye.

Christmas at Currumbin Sanctuary

During the festive season, bring the family and enjoy dinner at the Sanctuary markets from 4pm, before you jingle all the way into the Sanctuary and board the Santa Express.

• Have your photo taken with Australian wildlife
• watch Blinky Bill’s Christmas Party Show and
• say hello to Santa!

Festive fun for the kids, and in-park entertainment for the whole family.

Entry to the Sanctuary $15 per person, $10 per National Trust Member.

Kids under 4 free (must be ticketed).

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary History

The sanctuary was opened as the “Currumbin Bird Sanctuary” by Alex Griffiths in 1947 as a scheme to stop the local lorikeet population destroying his flower plantations.

Since then, and now for over 70 years, the Sanctuary has been conserving native wildlife and nurturing the local indigenous heritage while attracting visitors from all around the world. 

The wildlife hospital opened in 1989 and employs local wildlife vets to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife from around the city and Northern NSW. 

It was officially renamed as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in 1995, and added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2009, as a ode to it’s place as being of “great importance to the evolution of the state’s history of conservation”

Read the whole history and more fun facts here. 

Where is Currumbin Sanctuary? – Location, Tickets, Opening Hours

Address: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223. It’s at the Southern end of the Gold Coast, just 5 minutes drive from Gold Coast International airport. 
Telephone: (07) 5534 1266
Website: Click here

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Opening Hours 

• Daily, 8am to 5pm.
• Closed Christmas Day and Anzac Day.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Prices 

Currumbin Bird Sanctuary prices start from: 

• Adults $49.95
• Children 4-14 $39.95
• Concession $39.95
• Family – 2A + 2C $149.95
• Family – 2A + 3C $172.00
• Online specials available from time to time.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Tickets

Buy tickets here.

You can also buy Currumbin San

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Discount Tickets

Keep an eye out for Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary deals as locals hardly ever pay full price. You don’t have to either.

• Search Groupon for Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary groupon deals
• RACQ members can access discounted entry. Click here for details.
• Haven magazine occasionally advertises a d

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Annual Pass

Become a National Trust member today, and enjoy:

•  free entry to CWS all year round
• entry to all National Trust properties around Australia
• discounts on food and merchandise, AND
• the awesome National Trust magazine.

How to get to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Australia

By Bus: Surfside Buses run along the Gold Coast highway from Southport, Surfers paradise and Broadbeach all the way through Burleigh and Palm Beach to the Sanctuary. See Translink for details. 

By Car – From the south
Travel along the Pacific Highway onto the Gold Coast Highway at Coolangatta. Then follow the Gold Coast Highway to Currumbin and turn right at the traffic lights onto Tomewin Street.

From the north
Travel south on the Gold Coast Highway to Currumbin. Turn left at the lights onto Tomewin Street.

On the M1 Motorway
Travel on the M1 Motorway, take exit 95 to Stewart Road. Turn left onto the Gold Coast Highway, then turn right onto Tomewin Street.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Parking

• Dedicated car park on Tomewin Street
• Open from 7.30am until 5.30pm (except on event days).
• Car park fees apply.
• Free for Annual Pass holders. 
• Alternatively there is free street parking.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Map

Facilities at Currumbin Bird Park

Public toilets: Yes, throughout park. Baby change facilities available.
Disability access: Yes
Closest ATM: In Sanctuary Cafe
Dogs: No

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Accommodation

The closest accommodation to Currumbin Sanctuary are the Sandcastles Apartments, or Jellyfish on Currumbin. 

Rocks Resort is a divine 10 minute wander along the Currumbin beachfront from the sanctuary. This would be our pick!  

No.10: Thunderbird Egg Park Crystal Fossicking

Don’t miss this place.

Head to Tamborine Mountain for a day. 

Wander the art gallery walk, check out the national park bushwalks, see the paragliding, and visit Thunderbird Park to:

• dig for hidden treasures from prehistoric volcanic lava in the world’s largest Thunderegg Mine.
• head up into the tops of the trees on the Treetop Challenge climbing and zipline adventure
• play laser skirmish in among the trees
• feed the lorikeets
• play adventure minigolf 
• take a dip in the rock pools

Hot tip: Book a night or two stay at Cedar Creek Lodges to get the most out of this beautiful place. 

Address: Corner Tamborine Mountain Rd &, Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain

No.11: Best Gold Coast Trampoline Parks 

The best indoor activities on the Gold Coast must include the trampoline parks. 

No.1: Bounce Gold Coast Trampoline Park

Take the kids to BOUNCE Inc Trampoline Park &  X-Park Parkour Zone.

But be warned.

One hour is never enough! 

No.2: Springloaded Banora Point

Where can you find a Trampoline Park that isn’t JUST a Trampoline Park?

Imagine if you could find all this in ONE place:

• A trampoline park with a ROPE SWING into a giant pit of foam blocks?
• A trampoline park with it’s own GYMNASTICS equipment?
• A trampoline park with a enormous PARKOUR area?

Find all this AND MORE, at SPRINGLOADED Indoor Trampoline Park at Banora Point. 

Springloaded trampoline park is our favourite place to hang out in school holidays.

There’s SO much to do here, and the staff are simply awesome.

Call it what you will:

• a flip out zone
• a trampoline land
• a jumpoline park, or
• a jumpy place

Springloaded Tweed Heads / Banora Point is the best combination of all!

(And definitely Roam the Gnome’s favourite.)

Springloaded Banora Point has just had an upgrade.

The inflatable slide has been replaced. 

They now have a new, very bouncy, Sprung Floor on the lower level.

Along with new fixed parkour equipment with:

• swinging bridge walk
• nets
• monkey bars
• poles to climb and more.

(Pictured above)

There’s:

• the SLAM zone with two lanes of basketball slam dunk fun
• PERFORMANCE trampoline zone where kids can wall walk!

Equipment at Spring Loaded Tweed Heads 

Kids love: 

• the GIANT FOAM PIT to land in after a bouncy run up
• the gymnastic’s beam to test your upper arm strength before you sink into the foam pit

There’s a super fun SWING ROPE into the giant foam pit too.

Plus: 

• Giant vinyl blocks of all shapes and sizes to build with, jump over, and roll upon in the OBSTACLE RUN on the air floor
• Gymnastic BEAMS to balance upon

The PARKOUR ZONE is there to challenge your obstacle-negotiation skills and speed of jumping, climbing, and running

It’s the best trampoline park for kids 3 and up, because there’s SO MUCH variety!

Little kids aren’t shoved into a mini-bounce area which gets old after about 5 minutes.

Here, kids of all ages can move from activity to activity, and NEVER get bored.

One of the most fun things to do at Springloaded is run on the tumble tramp, and fall or dive into the foam pit at the end. 

Check out the TRAPEZE ROPES and RINGS in the gymnasium zone and swing along like Tarzan in the jungle.

The trapeze rings are a hoot! 

Obstacle Course

NB: Inflatable slide is no longer a permanent fixture. 

Springloaded Cafe

There’s a small onside CAFE with drinks, a few snacks and lollies, should you need to top up and refresh half-way through.

You are welcome to BYO snacks and water bottles too.

Address: Cnr Leisure and Woodlands Drive, Banora Point NSW
Telephone: 07 5524 4900
Website: Click here
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Click here

Opening Hours at Spring Loaded Trampoline Park 

Casual Bounce Sessions for the General Public – Weekends

• Saturday 10am – 5pm
• Sunday 10am – 5pm
• Adult Gym and Slam Session, Fridays 6 – 8 pm 

NSW School Holidays

• Monday to Sunday  10am – 5pm
• Public Holidays 10am – 2pm

Gymnastics, Trampoline & Parkour Classes at Spring Loaded 

During school terms, there’s regular trampoline, Banora point gymnastics and parkour classes running from Monday to Saturday. 

These Springloaded classes are SUPER POPULAR, with up to 50 odd kids engaged in athletic pursuits at one time. 

Book early to secure your place. Discounts apply if you pay in full before the term starts. 

Active Kids vouchers accepted for all classes. 

Springloaded timetable

Kinda Gym, Junior Parkour for 3-5 year olds, and Mums & Bubs classes run during the term in the early morning.

Call for details. 

There’s classes from 3.30pm every afternoon of the week too. Check the website above for current class times. 

Spring Loaded Prices

Springloaded prices are subject to change. Please check with venue before you go. 

The Springloaded Banora price for the general public: 

• $16.50 per person per hour for kids 5+.  $10 per hour for consecutive hours.
• Kids under 5 cost $15 per person for one hour, or $20 pp for two hours.

The Springloaded price for free-range sessions if you are enrolled in classes at Springloaded Banora Point is: 

• $12 per hour for first hour. $10 per hour for consecutive hours. 

Super Sessions at Springloaded Banora 

• Super Session – the last 2 hours of every day is $20.  ($18 if you are enrolled in classes) 
• Friday Night session at Springloaded – $20 for 3 hours or $15 if you enrolled in classes 

Springloaded Tweed Heads offers birthday parties, and vacation care.

Birthday parties are for two-hour sessions and cost $200 for 10 kids.

$15 pp. extra.

BYO food and drink. 

How to get to Spring Loaded Indoor Trampoline Park at Banora Point

Spring Loaded Park  is located at the Salvation Army Banora Point headquarters, on the corner of Leisure and Woodlands Drive, Banora Point.

Note: This is no Bounce Tweed Heads or Air Factory Tweed Heads.

Springloaded in Banora Point is the ONLY Trampoline Park near Tweed Heads.

No.12: Things to do on a rainy day on the Gold Coast

No.1: Gold Class Cinema Gold Coast

Treat the kids to a flick in Gold Class at one of the Gold Coast movie cinemas.

Find Gold Class movies at:

• Reading Cinemas at Harbour Town
• Event Cinemas Australia Fair
• Event Cinemas Robina Town Centre
• Event Cinemas Westfield Coomera
• Event Cinemas Pacific Fair 

No.2: Planet Chill Ice Skating

Get out of the heat and into the cold at Planet Chill ice skating rink at Paradise Resort Gold Coast. 

This is one of the best family activities Gold Coast has for all ages from 2 up. 

Hot tip: Did you know you can meet Batman and Robin? YOU CAN! 

No.13: Best Putt Putt on the Gold Coast

There’s a few places to pick up sticks and play a round of mini golf on the Gold Coast.

Book a session at:

• Putt Putt Golf Mermaid Beach – the original putt putt course on the GC 
• King Tutts Putt Putt (indoor-outdoor mini golf, with excellent theming!
• Lilliputt Mini Golf at Robina Town Centre – it’s a fave for dinosaur fans
• Holy Moly Golf Club Surfers paradise – the Gold Coast’s newest mini golf course with a difference!  Fun theming for adults as well as kids. 
• Thunderbird Egg Park Mt Tamborine

Tabatinga Tweed Indoor play centre (mentioned above) has black light glow in the dark mini golf where you putt putt around the neon course in the dark! 

No.14: Movie World Gold Coast Theme Park

Lots of people ask us ‘Is there anything to do for toddlers at Movie World?’

Yes! 

Plenty. 

Update coming soon.

Image credit: Friends of the GCRBG

WHERE TO SHOP ON THE GOLD COAST FOR SOUVENIRS AND GIFTS AND MORE! 

Wondering where to shop on the Gold Coast? 

Here’s our top shopping centres on the Gold Coast.

No.1: Friends of the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens Shop

Check out the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens shop before you leave.

Their collection of gorgeous merchandise available for sale at the Friends Centre includes:

• Local wildlife and Australian native landscape books
• giftware including pottery (check out the gum leaf plates!)
• Wood turned gifts 
• stationery 
• handmade craft items
• mugs and cups embellished with Australian native flowers 
• cards
• local honey
• honeycomb candles
• bush food flavours

Image credit: Kgbo via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

No.2: Robina Town Centre

Robina Town Centre has a giant TOY SHOP called Toymate Superstore – pop by for bargains galore.

When you are shopping at Robina Town Centre, there’s an indoor playground called Tree Top Play 

It’s on the first floor, opposite the entrance to Toymate.

No.3: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

Head to the Gold Coast’s premier shopping centre.

Kids LOVE the new EMF Junior indoor play space with ball pits and fun activities galore.

Plus, keep an eye out for all the fun events for kids during school holidays (like the Pacific Fair Easter Egg hunt pictured above)

Shop at all your faves including:

• Zara
• Uniqlo
• Culture Kings
• Adairs
• Adidas
• Bonds
• General Pants Co
• H & M

All the high end labels have stores here too. 

Image credit: Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi via Flickr CC BY 2.0

No.4: Ripleys Believe it or Not Surfers Paradise Shop 

Pick up a souvenir of your time at Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium souvenir and gift shop on the premises.

Exit the museum through the Ripleys gift shop.

Find: 

• Science Kits
• Posters 
• Replicas of exhibitions
• Postcards and Stationery
• Ornaments and quirky gifts
• Musical instruments
• Books 

Leave yourself at least 30 minutes to browse as there’s all kind of strange treasures here. 

No.5: Currumbin Sanctuary Gift Shop

Situated at the entrance/exit to the Sanctuary, The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary souvenir shop has TONNES of fun Aussie souvenirs.

Look out for the CWS t-shirts on sale, or pick up a new soft toy to add to your collection.

Nature’s Gift Store is both the main gift shop and the location of the Photography Counter where you can view and collect your photos of your day.

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary shop open to visitors to the Sanctuary and the general public from 8am daily.

If you visit, there’s also  other gifts shops scattered around the Sanctuary including:

• Spirit of the Outback gift shop outlet
• Wild Things & Candy Store
• General Store (next to Close Encounters stage)
• Kangaroo Outpost

BEST GOLD COAST MARKETS 

No.1: Surfers Paradise Markets Gold Coast

Best of the beach markets at the moment for Gold Coast souvenirs and cute stuff.

My kids love the ‘walking goannas’ made of foam.

They make a super fun souvenir for the kids to remember their trip. Look for the lady who makes them by hand.

They are one of a kind, and a unique souvenir from a Gold Coast family holiday!

Search the Surfers Paradise craft market stalls to find these awesome gifts and souvenirs too:

• A 3D model of your hand in coloured candle wax from Wax Hands Surfers Paradise
• Wearable art, silk scarves, and mandalas from Heavenly Earth art
• Have your name engraved on a piece of rice, hung on a necklace by Name on Rice 
• Caricature drawing of your family by Rodolfo
• Build your shell collection with beautiful sea treasures from She Sells Shells

Pick up a local artwork and stock up on natural handmade soaps from the region, and enjoy the views of the surf while you wander. 

Address: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, QLD, Australia

• The twilight markets located on the Esplanade at the beach end of Cavill Mall
• Markets operate all year round

Open Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 9pm along the Surfers paradise esplanade. 

Hot tip: Carrara markets is another fun family market, especially for kids. There’s lots to do. 

WHERE TO EAT ON THE GOLD COAST WITH KIDS 

No.1: Coffee at the Gardens – Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Cafe

Wondering where to eat at the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens? 

The cafe at the Friends Centre offers guests a menu featuring:

• freshly ground organic coffee
• loose leaf teas
• hand blended cacao hot chocolate
• Chai lattes
• Real Fruit Smoothies
• Organic milk shakes
• A selection of gluten free cookies and cakes

Snacks and light meals are available every day.

Image credit: Jit Bag via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.2: Misono Japanese Steakhouse Marriott Surfers Paradise 

Misono Japanese Restaurant at the Marriot Surfers Paradise is not just a restaurant. 

It’s a sight to see and an experience to remember, and is the largest teppanyaki restaurant in Australia. 

Kids will be mesmerised by the circus-like skills of the chefs and egg omelette flying through the air.

If they are lucky, the kids might even be asked to open their mouths to catch the deliciously cooked omelette straight from the pan! 

Check out the Misono menu here. 

Hot tip: Upgrade to Misono’s famous Hibachi Chicken Fried Rice! 

Open Friday to Sunday from 5:30 p.m. Bookings are essential by phoning 07 5592 9770

Address: Surfers Paradise Marriott Hotel, Level 3, 158 Ferny Avenue,Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast.

Image credit: Broadwater Parklands Great Lawn

No.3: Where to eat at Broadwater Parklands Precinct – Broadwater Parklands cafes

• Join the queue at the Broadwater Parklands Cafe (The Fish Shak) for your mid-morning cup of coffee, and snacks from 11am. Sit on the great lawn in the sun to enjoy it. 
• Cafe Catalina is a family friendly cafe to the left of the Southport rock pools serves made-to-order breakfast and lunch, but you can also stop in for coffee and cake. We like the view across to Palazzo Versace and Marina Mirage.

Image credit: Bex Walton via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.4: Sushi Train Gold Coast

If you’ve never taken the kids to a Sushi Train restaurant before, then take them while  you are here.

There’s so many branches and spin-off’s, it’s a bit of a ‘choose your own adventure’ when deciding on which one to visit.

We recommend Sushi Train Miami One. 

They have sushi, sashimi, and vegetarian options. 

Their menu has a whole bunch of hot Japanese dishes including curry, edamame beans, rice bowls, salads, ramen, soba noodles, miso soup, rice, and tempura udon. 

There’s a kids meal served on a train platter, including a drink, jelly, sushi rolls, spring rolls, and chicken karaage. 

Check out their dessert menu too. 

There’s no sushi quite like sushi that arrives on a toy train to your table!

Open 11am to 9pm daily (Sunday closes 8.30pm)

Address: Shop 6&7, Miami One Shopping Centre, 1930 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami QLD 4220

No.5: Sheraton Mirage High Tea 

Take your teenage daughters to high tea at one of the Gold Coast’s most beautiful and exclusive hotels. 

High Tea at Pearls Bar includes barista made tea or coffee, or for a little extra, a glass of sparkling.

Available 11am to 4pm daily

After you’ve eaten all the goodies, and soaked in the view, pop across the road for a look around the extravagantly indulgent Marina Mirage, THE shopping centre for those with cash to spare!  

(For an affordable indulgence, pop in to my favourite stationery shop Kikki K while you are there!)

Address: 71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4217, Australia

Telephone 07 5577 0004 to book.

No.6: QT Hotel on the Gold Coast – Bazaar buffet

This hotel is seriously “cutie”!

Bright colours, Palm Spring mid century aesthetic, coastal views, cute as design, and fun bubbly atmosphere. 

Head to QT Gold Coast for breakfast at Bazaar, a buffet like you’ve never met before. 

Think global flavours and street food delights from Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

You don’t need to stay to visit, so pop in for a munch. 

Address: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

No.7: Currumbin Sanctuary Markets every Friday

Open from 4pm to 9pm, bring the whole family to enjoy a scrumptious feast of street food eats, including:

• dumplings
• gyros
• burgers
• curries
• paella
• tacos and
• crepes.

Bring cash.

Hot tip: Go early. It’s popular with locals and gets packed. The food here is GOOD!

No.8: Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club

The Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club is PERCHED right on the edge of the sea.

You can’t get any closer.

It’s the perfect whale watching spot from July to October!

No.9: Best Affordable Family Restaurants on the GC 

Eating on the Gold Coast with kids in tow is an adventure.

There’s plenty of fast food joints (Guzman y Gomez is our favourite takeaway) and pizza places.

But if you are looking to find the best kid friendly restaurants Gold Coast has to offer with delicious food for mums and dads too, try one of these: 

No.1: Aztec Broadbeach Mexican Restaurant

Our number one family-friendly restaurant in Broadbeach is the Aztec Mexican 

There’s also Montezuma’s in Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads, with the same menu. 

Address: The Aria, Building shop 11/17 Albert Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218

No.2: Harajuku Gyoza Broadbeach

Harajuku Gyoza in Broadbeach Mall serves beer and the freshest dumplings, made on site.

(The kids can watch through the windo!)

For dessert – wait for it – try NUTELLA GYOZA.

Don’t miss it.

Address: 2/26 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218 (Broadbeach Oasis Mall)

No.3: Southport Sharks Buffet

Southport Sharks is a popular local’s club with kids menus and the Wobbygongs kids club!

Kids can choose what they’ll eat, head off to kids club, and return to the table when dinner’s up.

Then they can head back to the play room while you eat dinner in peace. 

It’s a win win!

Address: corner Musgrave & Olsen Ave’s, Southport – playroom.

No.4: Pancakes on the Rocks Surfers Paradise

Pancakes on the Rocks has food to suit the fussiest of eaters.

It’s NOT just pancakes.

The menu will surprise you!

But yes, there’s pancakes – try the Bananarama pancake stack.

It’s one of the most popular on the menu. 

Address: Shop t1.31/4 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

No.10: More Gold Coast Restaurants for kids

Or try one of these family friendly Gold Coast restaurants and cafes. 

• Bumbles Cafe Budds Beach Surfers Paradise – awesome kids menu!
• Max Brenner Chocolate Cafe at Robina Town Centre
• Cav’s Steakhouse in Labrador, a popular spot for local families
• Gold Coast Surf Clubs – try Kurrawa Surf Club, Currumbin Beach Surf Club, and Rainbow Bay Surf Club (check out the Nipper’s meals menu there – all meals for kids under $10!). 

Image credit: Govindas

No.11: Family Restaurants in Surfers Paradise

As the unofficial capital of the Gold Coast, many families book accommodation close to Surfers Paradise and need to find family friendly restaurants nearby. 

Here’s the top choices of places to eat in Surfers Paradise with kids:

• Govindas Surfers Paradise – vegetarian delights at this much loved humble cafe restaurant (pictured above)
• Steampunk Surfers Paradise – an unexpectedly good spot for kids and families 
• Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co – famous burgers and the best fries in town
• Northcliffe Surf Club – good kids menu
• Gelatissimo – the top spot for gelato after dinner
• Clock Hotel Bistro and Bar 
• Four Winds Revolving Restaurant – the only one of it’s kind on the GC
• Charlies Cafe and Bar – right in the middle of Cavill Mall. Go for dinner, stay for hot chocolate. 
• San Churro Chocolateria – churros and chocolate, a winning combo. 

Image credit: Kgbo via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

No.12: Best Restaurants with Playgrounds for Kids on the Gold Coast  

Looking for restaurants with playgrounds on the Gold Coast?

Here’s a list of the BEST Gold Coast restaurants with playgrounds, both indoors and outdoors.

Or play rooms. 

Or inflatable jumping castles and the like…

Take a look below. 

Check out the family and kid friendly restaurants below.

They are organised by suburb or area of the Gold Coast.

The Central zone, Northern Suburbs and Southern suburbs as a general guide. 

Hot tip: Pancakes on the Rocks in Surfers Paradise doesn’t have a playground, but it’s another winner with kids. Who doesn’t like pancakes, and free kids drawing books at the table?  

No.1: Robina Town Centre Lakeside Restaurants

Pick your favourite restaurant on the Promenade in front of the outdoor fenced playground, so you can keep an eye on the kids while you are dining at lunch or dinner.

Choose to eat from:

• Yum Cha Robina
• Zeus
• Sushi Break
• Max Brenner Chocolate Bar
• Grill’d
• El Camino Cantina
• TGI Fridays

The kids LOVE the playground here, so you won’t have to eat in a hurry. 

Image credit: Benowa Tavern

No.2: Benowa Tavern 

There’s lots of delicious kids meals at the Family Bistro, and a super fun outdoor playground under shade sails.

The indoor play area has a big screen TV, and three two-player PAC man arcade games. 

Every Saturday, kids can enjoy the free jumping castle too!

For eats, mums and dads can enjoy Chicken Schnitzel, Chicken Parmigana, Beer battered fish and chips, Angus Beef burgers, Cajun spiced salmon, pizza and pasta of the day.

Check the menu here.

Delicious tavern food to fill you up at decent prices. 

Address: 117 Ashmore Rd Benowa, QLD, 4216
Telephone: (07) 5557 9090

Image credit: Burleigh Town Tavern 

No.3: Burleigh Town Tavern Gold Coast

This family style restaurant and tavern has a huge outdoor playground.

Plus there’s a games room with Playstations. 

Keep an eye out for special events, including Retro Cruise nights with food trucks and music, Tuesday Trivia nights,

Sunday Funday brings out the jumping castle, and face painter from 12pm to 3pm, plus kids eat for 3 with every main meal purchased. 

Address: Cnr Tsipura & Township Drive, West Burleigh
Telephone: (07) 3558 3302

No.4: Dog and Parrot Tavern Robina

Looking for a family restaurant in Robina? 

The Dog and Parrot pub in Robina is one Robina restaurant with a playground. 

Kids can play on the outdoor playground, OR in the indoor games room with PlayStations. 

On Sunday nights, kids eat free from 5.30pm. 

There’s kids entertainment every Friday and Saturday nights too, and special events such as the Easter Saturday kids party with free show bags, glitter tattoos, colouring competitions and crafts for the kids. 

Keep an eye out for $5 kids meals on offer during special events too. 

Adults are well fed with wood fire pizzas, racks of ribs and seasonal dishes to make you swoon. 

Address: 2 Scottsdale Drive Robina 4226
Telephone: Call 55757955 to book

No.5: Lonestar Tavern

Head to Lonestar Tavern in Mermaid Waters for a family meal, and a fab kids menu.

If you are lucky, it might be a FREE movie night – Kids tonight eat free, and there’s free popcorn too!

Plus, every Tuesday kids eat free (with any main meal purchased). 

Visit during school holidays and you may just find $5 kids meals for everyone! 

From time to time, they also host family shows such as Dinomania.  Tickets are reasonable, making it an affordable night out. 

OR it could time for the ULTIMATE Disney Trivia night! 

There’s both indoor and outdoor kids playgrounds, and a playroom with Playstations for the teens too. 

Open 10am to 4am daily. 

Address: Cnr Markeri & Sunshine Blvd, Mermaid Waters
Telephone: (07) 5572 2000

No.6: Currumbin RSL

Known as ‘the best little club in the world’, Currumbin RSL sits next to the beautifully stunning Currumbin Creek.

The best thing about this family friendly restaurant in Currumbin is the indoor Kids Club open 7 days, and the outdoor play area.

Plus, kids eat free Wednesday!

AND there’s a gelati card with 8 different flavours to try. 

For parents, there’s Pasta night Tuesdays, Burger and Beer nights on Wednesday and Thursday steak nights, plus lots of free entertainment and music. 

Keep an eye out for upcoming school holiday workshops.

There’s low cost activities for kids with meals included. (Book tickets in advance for these) 

Hot tip: Check out Currumbin Community Markets when it is held. 

Address: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin.
Telephone: (07) 5534 7999

No.7: Junior Club Twin Towns & Club Banora Kids Zone

Stop by Juniors Twin Towns to enjoy a meal at their outdoor beer garden, with plenty of room for kids to play. 

There’s a free fun park at Club Banora and they hold a free kids day on the last Sunday of each month from 12pm to 3pm. Kids of all ages welcome to join the fun.

The children’s outdoor play area is open 7 days a week and has:

•  Putt Putt Golf,
• Totem Tennis
• Table Tennis
• a sand pit,
• playground toys and more.

There’s also a separate sparkling Olympic size pool if you want to make a day of it. 

Address: Cnr Leisure Drive & Fraser Drive, Banora Point NSW.
Telephone: 07 55 362277

No.8: Dune Cafe Palm Beach

Right next to the amazing Pirate Park playground in Palm Beach Parklands. 

While not technically connected, they might as well be.

Dune Cafe in Palmie is great for coffee, and lunch. 

Pick up your coffee and goodies and wander the 100 metres to the park picnic tables, or if you have older children, eat here first, then wander over. 

Take a look at the Dune Cafe menu here. 

Address: 945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4223
Telephone: 07 55 210 951

No.9: Frenzy Food Court  at Southport Sharks

The best thing about dining at the Southport Sharks buffet is Wobbygongs kids club.

Kids can choose their dinner from the menu, head off to play, come back to eat, and then go back to play!

Image credit: Nerang Hinterland hotel 

No.10: Hinterland Hotel Nerang

The Hinterland hotel in Nerang looks after little visitors with yummy meals that include a drink and dessert, and activity packs to keep the little ones busy.

Be sure to stop by for $15 roasts on Sundays, $10 steaks on Tuesdays or $15 pasta nights on Thursdays. 

Plus on Mondays, KIDS EAT FREE! 

There’s a huge undercover playground for kids to explore while you enjoy a meal and drink, plus interactive screens for kids to keep them occupied for longer! 

Check out the kids menu with all the family favourites including nuggets, cheeseburgers, fish and chips, pizzas and all the special treat desserts.

Address: 53 Station St, Nerang
Telephone: (07) 5557 1699

No.11: Oxenford Tavern 

Families love the carpeted indoor playroom, with fort, slides and tunnels.

But it’s the food that brings you back.

$15 Steak night Mondays

$20 Parmy nights (including chips and salad)

AND most importantly, kids eat free with a main meal purchase on Thursdays.

Check it out! 

Address: 179 Old Pacific Hwy, Oxenford
Telephone: (07) 5573 1224

No.12: Eagle Heights Hotel Gold Coast

Eagle Heights Mountain Resort has a HUGE area for kids to run around with views and a lovely country atmosphere.

Plus, they bring out the big new JUMPING CASTLE for kids on weekends too, and the brightly coloured beanbags to lounge on!

Look out for special events too, such as Easter Sunday fun where there’s the jumping castle, free face painting, and free entry. 

There’s FREE ice cream every Wednesday night with every chicken schnitzel or parma ordered. 

Address: 1683 Tamborine Oxenford Road, Mt Tamborine.
Telephone: (07) 5545 3388  (call to check on jumping castle operating times before you go)

 

BEST GOLD COAST PLAYGROUNDS

Looking for the best playground on the Gold Coast?

Here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know about the best playgrounds on the Gold Coast and where to find them.

From North to South, and East to West, we’ve listed the best Gold Coast playgrounds for toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids.

BROADBEACH PLAYGROUNDS

No.1: Broadbeach All Abilities Playground

The BEST Broadbeach park & playground for families on the Gold Coast is the All Abilities Playground.

This much-loved Broadbeach Park is just 100 steps from the newly renovated Kurrawa surf club, and a five minute walk from Broadbeach Mall and the Oasis Shopping Centre

Read all the details below, including how to get there. 

It’s the ultimate playground because there’s parking close by, public toilets within the perimeter, water bubblers, tonnes of shade, and is fully fenced all the way around with child-proof gates to enter, to keep little ones away from the busy road.

The only thing missing is a stylish coffee cart for parents to buy their daily brew! 

But this playground is so good, and so big, we forgive the coffee-cart oversight.

We’ve learned to BYO, or pick up one on the way.

Plan for at least an hour here, maybe two if you have food.

Find a central spot, lay out your brightest picnic mat beacon for the kids to hone in on, and set up camp.

The All Abilities playground in Broadbeach is a fenced playground with equipment for both the able bodied, and also children who have disabilities.

This all inclusive playground on the Gold Coast aims to make play equitable, so all children can join in without barriers.

There’s THREE zones (The Hill, Sandcastle, and Under the Sea) where the kids will be compelled to try all the play equipment.

Broadbeach Park All Abilities Playground Areas – The Hill 

• the two giant silver slides, under shade (older kids LOVE these)
• the monster rope net maze
• to race each other on the double-lane flying fox, featuring an all-abilities chair with straps in one lane
• to do a 360 degree loop on the spider-web swing

The Sandcastle

• dig and build in two large sand pits and three sand tables (raised to enable wheelchair access)
• a wobble platform that rocks back and forth
• take a running race throughout the seashell-themed sand “castle”

It’s wheelchair-navigable too with a ramp leading to a central turret look out.

Under the Sea

• climb the artistic sculptures, balance along the sea snake serpent, and clamber over the colourful concrete beach ball seats
• drive the open-faced Submarine complete with multi-height steering wheels for imaginative play fun
• row of swings, including an all-abilities swing for children with disabilities
• two person carousel swing

On a 10,000 step mission?

Fast-track your steps by giving the kids a push (or 10) on the carousel-style roundabout swing.

All Abilities Swing? 

Yes, there’s more than one.

• One in the general swing section
• another on the swing carousel, and
• a third on the flying fox.

The sway bridge wobble platform is also wheelchair accessible

So is the sand ‘castle’, the pathways, and the submarine.

Accessible toilets are available onsite, not far from the action.  

Purpose-Built Special Needs Playground on the Gold Coast

This is the first purpose-built inclusive playground to be created on the Gold Coast, and we look forward to many more.

Look out for the little artistic touches throughout the park.

There’s more than one ‘fishy’ seat, an the underwater diver keeping his eye on things, and sea creatures including a stingray, fish, and mermaid.

These touches were developed by six interactive community art projects, created by 70 special education students from six local schools, and local artists.

Fun Fact: Stage One took out the State prize in the 2011 Inclusive Community Champion Awards, coordinated by the Spinal Injuries Association

Address: 167 Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach QLD 4218. Just south of Kurrawa Surf Club.
Opening Hours:  Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fees: FREE!

Kurrawa playground facilities

Toilets: Public toilet block on site

• In the amenity block, there’s an adult-sized, height adjustable change bench and hoist.
• This change room was developed especially for people with high physical support needs and their families.
• Access to the change room requires a Master Locksmith Access Key

Picnic tables and electric bbq’s: nearby
Dogs: No

How to get to Kurrawa Pratten Park

By G link:

• Catch the G link light rail train from Helensvale direction (past Gold Coast University Hospital, Surfers Paradise, & Southport).
• Disembark at the Broadbeach terminal station (Broadbeach South) next to Pacific Fair, or Broadbeach North station.
• From Pacific Fair, cross the road and walk up Margaret Avenue towards the beach. The playground is 300 metres to your left, opposite the Oracle building. 

By Bus:

• Surfside buses provide all day bus services up and down the Gold Coast highway, from the M1 and Gold Coast train stations, and stop at Broadbeach. 
• Click here for the Translink journey planner.

By Car:

• Click here for google map directions from your location

Kurrawa Parking

• Lots of nose-in paid street parking along Old Burleigh Road
• Or park in the Kurrawa surf club car park
• Or the Margaret Ave car park.

You can also park in the Oasis car park for up to 3 hours for free, and enjoy lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Broadbeach Mall before you leave. 

No.2: Cascade Gardens playground

The playground at Cascade Gardens is a locals favourite, with a pony roundabout merry-go-round that toddlers LOVE!

Plus, a fort, slides, swings… all under shade sails. 

Looking for an escape into nature? This is a park with big established trees, perfect for climbing!

BYO picnic – there’s multiple undercover picnic tables and loads of grass for the kids to run around on. 

A Liberty Swing for children with disabilities is on site too. 

Address: 2690 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218

Image credit: Winston Wong

SURFERS PARADISE PLAYGROUNDS

No.1: Macintosh Island Park

The lovely thing about this Macintosh Island playground Surfers Paradise is the natural landscape, the pretty bridges, and the rock waterfalls. 

Do look out for BigFoot’s Cave! 

There’s also swings, slides, forts, seesaws and more under the shade sail.

Address: Main Beach Parade, Main Beach QLD 4217

No.2: Hollindale Park Main Beach

There’s a small but eye catching playground at Main Beach, just north of Surfers. 

Toddlers will like the animal rockers. 

Older kids love the cacophony of the nets, climbing rails, loops, hoops and more here.

It’s a climber’s dream! 

Address: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217 (next to Main Beach Pavilion and near Lifeguard Tower 40) 

BURLEIGH PLAYGROUNDS

No.1: Justins Park Burleigh Heads playground

This Burleigh Heads playground has one of those egg-spinner rides!

It’s the key piece of equipment, unlike anywhere else on the GC. 

Plus, it has the best views of the ocean anywhere along the coastline. 

Address: 167 Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach QLD 4218

No.2: North Burleigh Playground

This Burleigh playground for kids is surfer themed.

There’s surfboard rock climbing! 

And a jeep to ‘drive’. 

But the highlight is trying to balance and stand upright on a giant ‘thong’ rocker.

It’s not easy!  

Address: Corner of Fifth Ave & The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

TALLEBUDGERA PLAYGROUNDS

No.1: Tallebudgera Surf Club Playground

Let the kids play lifeguards at the Tallebudgera Surf Club playground.

Themed around Surf Life saving, there’s loads to do across TWO undercover play spaces with both big and small forts.

Hot tip: Visit Tallebudgera Creek beach next door, one of the best beaches for kids on the Gold Coast. 

THIS ONE IS CURRENTLY UNDER RENOVATION. WE SHALL UPDATE WITH NEW PICS WHEN IT IS COMPLETED.

Address: 1509 Gold Coast Hwy Palm Beach QLD 4221

PALM BEACH PLAYGROUNDS

No.1: Pirate Park Palm Beach

The Pirate Park playground in Palm Beach is Gold Coast’s best playground for creative storytelling and imaginative play.

Hot tip: This Palm Beach park is the spot for a Pirate Party!

Address: 945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221

No.2: Laguna Park Palm Beach

If you are visiting the Gold Coast with kids, you need to know about Laguna Park playground.

Laguna Park fenced playground is down the southern end of the coast, in the suburb of Palm Beach but not beach side.

It’s hidden among the houses.

Which makes it one of the best kept secrets of the Gold Coast things to do for kids.

This is one of the two best parks in Palm Beach. 

First of all because it’s fully fenced, and keeps kids away from the lake next door. 

(The other is Palm Beach Pirate Park. It’s one of the best Gold Coast playgrounds too, and you can hit both in one day.)

Palm Beach Laguna Park playground is HUGE.

Ride Monorail bikes around and under the giant rope-web fort at this fully fenced playground, along with regular play equipment such as forts, slides and swings, and magic mirrors.

Kids can build their balance skills too, on wobbly spinners, and balancing poles. 

There’s another Pirate Ship here too, with bridges, and ropes to climb. 

Much loved by the local community, this HUGE space is full of children making new friends and enjoying one another’s company while parents and grandparents chat. 

It’s divided up into four sections.

Check out each section below. 

Palm Beach Laguna Playground Fort

The Laguna Park fort is a HUGE three storey climbing playground.

There’s:

• a twisty slide
• dual slides for racing
• tunnels, and
• climbing stairs to get in, up and around.

The fort straddles the monorail track.

There’s viewing platforms for kids to watch their friends from up high. 

It’s also OCEAN themed! 

Check out the Surfboard climbing wall on one side. 

Next to the fort, you’ll see a pyramid climbing structure too. 

If you stand with the fort behind you, you’ll spot this Pirate Boat playground to your right. 

Walk the rope bridge and you’ll spy a pirate boat.

And a skull and cross bones flag! 

Kids can climb the chain link ladder to get to the upper level lookout.

Or hide out behind the cannons to stop unwanted guests! 

The highlight for most kids (and parents) at this local GC playground is the pedal power monorail ride.

Newly updated, these monorail cars have been resigned to stop stray fingers from getting stuck underneath. 

There’s two cars, and each car seats two.

Kids may need a push to get going, and they love nothing more than mum or dad helping them out to beat the other team. 

More Laguna Park Playground Equipment 

Scattered around the park are MORE things to do.

No.1: Activity centres

There’s a paddle wheel game. 

And a sand balance centre. 

Plus, wall activities including these three. 

No.2: Seesaws

This four person seesaw is good for kids under 5. 

No.3: Toddler Rockers

And toddler wobble cars (and a pelican too!)

Hot tip: Did you know you can feed wild pelicans on the Gold Coast? 

It’s not far from here, at Tweed Heads. See the section on Animals, Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries below for details. 

No.4: Stand up spinner

One for the young at heart too! 

No.5: Toddler playground

There’s a small climbing fort for the younger kids too

No.6: Swings and zip line

Swings for big kids and toddlers, and a short slide bar too

Laguna Lake Park Liberty Swing & Accessibility

Children of all abilities can access Laguna Park playground.

(Pick up the key before you arrive.  Details here.)

There’s also this all abilities swing too. 

Where is Laguna Park on the Gold Coast? – Location, Opening Hours

Address: 130 Laguna Ave, Palm Beach QLD 4227

NOTE: Laguna Avenue is kind of a ring road. The playground road entrance is on the part of the road that runs almost parallel to the GC highway, not the bit that joins Second Ave. 

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset

What to bring: Bring your mossie spray and sunscreen. 

Laguna Park picnic tables

BYO bbq or picnic supplies and enjoy lunch in one of the Laguna Park picnic areas.

There are three tables inside this hut, plus bench seating. 

There’s a water bubbler just outside the hut too. 

There’s also seating platforms and bench seating throughout the park for impromptu gatherings or picnic eats and snacks. 

Laguna Park BBQs

Yes, there are BBQ facilities.

FREE of charge!

BYO paper towel and cleaning stuff in case you arrive before council does. 

Is there hot water at Laguna Park Palm Beach Gold Coast?

Yes. 

BYO mugs and teabags. 

Laguna Park picnic area

Outside the fenced playground, there are MORE undercover tables, chairs and BBQ facilities. 

Beware the lake if you have small children with you. 

The only downside to this park is that the toilets are at least 50 metres walk from the playground.

That’s a big walk for toddlers who are busting.

They are not always open either, if council are running late. 

Just a heads up. 

How to get to Laguna Park Palm Beach QLD

By Car: Click here for google map directions

By Bus: You can get here by bus. Catch the bus to Palm Beach and alight on Thrower Driver. (Ask the bus driver for the closest stop) 

Parking at Laguna Park Palm Beach

There’s lots of free parking all along the lakefront, as you drive in off the Laguna Avenue.

(Pictured above) 

Laguna Park map

CURRUMBIN PLAYGROUNDS

No.1: Kropp Park Tugun

This hidden playground is found by following the bike path and the Currumbin Oceanway, over the pedestrian bridge from Teemangum street towards Pacific Parade. 

(Don’t mistake the small green, yellow and orange playground next to Sandcastles resort. Keep walking)

This Tugun playground has the ultimate Gold Coast view, yet it’s mostly known only to locals who love it for birthday parties, and rock pool treasure hunts, and intimate weddings.

If you are visiting Currumbin Bird Sanctuary, finish your day with a play here. 

Also accessible from the car park at the end of Pacific Parade Tugun. 

Address: Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223

Image credit: J PK

No.2: Tugun Park

You can see this one from the Gold Coast highway near the Gold Coast airport as you travel north. 

In fact, there’s two playgrounds along this road.

But the main one has a GIANT yellow slide, (and a smaller one too) and is themed around kings, queens, knights and castles!

Address: 414 Coolangatta Rd, Tugun QLD 4224

TWEED AND COOLANGATTA PLAYGROUNDS

No.1: Kirra Beach playground

Kirra playground has views of the best surfing break on the Gold Coast

(Keep an eye out for Mick Fanning here)

There’s a car park right there, plus BBQ’s and picnic areas too. 

Address: 34 Musgrave St, Coolangatta QLD 4225

No.2: Queen Elizabeth Park Playground

Coolangatta is our favourite place on the southern end of the coast.

This Coolangatta playground is on the beachfront opposite the shopping mall.

Address: Opposite The Strand & next to Coolangatta Surf Club,  Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225

No.3: Ray Pascoe Park Playground Tweed Heads

The hanging see saw ride at this playground is the centrepiece, but there’s a fort and swings too. 

This playground also has a special nature experience.

You can feed wild pelicans at this playground. (BYO whiting, or pick some up small fish pieces from the fish shop across the road)

Follow the locals lead and be gentle.  Remember these birds ARE wild. 

Hot tip: Order some fish and chips takeaway and eat it in the park here. It’s super peaceful, and a lovely retreat from the hectic life of the GC. 

Address: Opposite Scales Fish and Chips shop, 73 Kennedy Dr, Tweed Heads NSW 2485

SOUTHPORT PLAYGROUNDS

No.1: Broadwater Parklands playgrounds

When the kids are waterlogged and can’t take any more, head to the JUMPING PILLOW.

Walk to your right, past the Great Lawn, until you find it.

There’s a monorail playground too, a zipline, an enclosed swimming area, and lots of free standing play equipment too. 

Address: Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215

How to get to Broadwater Parklands Southport Gold Coast

By G link:

• Catch the G link light rail train from Broadbeach or Helensvale directions.
• Disembark at the Broadwater Parklands station.

By Bus:

• Surfside buses provide all day bus services up and down the Gold Coast highway, from the M1 and Gold Coast train stations, and stop at Broadwater parklands in Southport. 
• Click here for the Translink journey planner.

By Car:

• Click here for google map directions from your location (Use “Maddie and Mike” statues as your guide to the off street car park next to the Gold Coast bike track.) 

Broadwater Parklands parking (South end of park)

• If you are lucky, you might find a spot on the Gold Coast Highway right next to the kids bicycle track in Southport.
• If not, drive southbound on the Gold Coast Highway past the bike track (you’ll see it) and take the first left you can into the Carpark at the Southern end of the Broadwater Parklands (before the bridge.) It’s paid parking but you can pay with a credit card.
• The main carpark is located next to the Rockpools. Entry opposite Nind Street. You’ll see the big Broadwater Parklands sign. Drive around past the pool until you find the main carpark. Paid parking applies. Credit cards can be used.

PACIFIC PINES PLAYGROUNDS

No.1: Parklake Park playground

Slide down the GIANT slippery dip at the Parklake Park Pacific Pines Playground.

There’s three different play areas, on three levels, including swings, rockers, multiple forts, a ‘car racer’, hide and seek huts, and a cricket pitch next door.

Plus, ducks and baby turtles if you are lucky! 

Address: Greenway Blvd, Maudsland QLD 4210

Image credit: Zack Gutteridge

No.2: Pacific Pines Central Park

The train depot playground equipment is unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Kids can climb into the red train, and race each other down the duo slides. 

There’s web climbing nets, and a giant pyramid, plus a super cute cubby house for toddlers. 

Watch out for the crocodile under the swing bridge!

Address: 149 Pacific Pines Blvd, Pacific Pines QLD 4211

Image credit: The Earl

COOMERA PLAYGROUNDS

No.1: Forest Green Playground

This Pimpama playground has a different aesthetic than the norm.

This nature inspired play area is made from tree logs.

There are logs to weave in and out, balancing logs, a fort made from logs, and log bridges. 

Plus, there’s a GIANT silver slide.

Great if you are in the area, after a Dreamworld or Movie World day out. 

Address: Melville Dr, Pimpama QLD 4209

LABRADOR AND PARADISE POINT PLAYGROUNDS 

No.1: Paradise Point Parklands

There’s a couple of cool pieces of playground equipment at the Paradise Point Parklands that we’ve not seen anywhere else!

Paradise Point parklands playground has an old-school ‘horse’ carousel spinner ride.

Plus multiple forts, climbing equipment, nets, and more. 

All in a seaside carnival theme. 

The kids will have a blast!

Paradise Point Playground

The northern end of the Gold Coast is unlike the rest of the coast.

It’s chilled and laid back, and reminds me of the Gold Coast we loved when we first lived here.

The Paradise Point Parklands is a gigantic open-field of space for kids to run around, ride bikes and scooters, and play. 

Kick a ball, or watch the boats sail by.

Paradise Point Esplanade Park play equipment

The play equipment includes:

• the CUTEST old-school pony carousel roundabout
• a bright orange climbing net structure
• fort cubby and slides
• a semi-circular monkey bar contraption that moves!

• a free standing bucket swing

• toddler rockers 
• a multi-person seesaw, and a regular seesaw

• a row of swings, including an accessible swing

To one side, there’s ship-themed playground.

At the rear of the fort, find multiple slides, tunnels and stairs to climb.

Plus a wobbly bridge!

MORE Things to Do at Paradise Point Parklands 

The Paradise Point Parklands will keep kids busy for hours.

Make a day of it.

There’s BIG undercover picnic areas with multiple tables and free BBQs, a boat ramp, and fitness equipment too.

Bring your swimmers.

There’s a well maintained, netted swimming area in front of the parklands, complete with life guard, and a jetty.

Sailing for Kids at Paradise Point Park

When facing the water, walk to your right and across the road that leads  into Ephraim Island, and you’ll find the Runaway Bay Yacht Club Junior Training Facility.

This place offers regular sailing lessons for kids.

Paradise Point parklands – Location, Opening Hours 

Address: Paradise Point Parklands is on The Esplanade, Paradise Point, QLD 4216
Telephone: Council – 1300 465 326
Website: Click here
Opening Hours: Dawn to dusk
Entry Fees: Free

Where to eat in Paradise Point?

The Paradise Points shops include:

• restaurants
• cafes
• fish and chip takeaway joint
• a chemist, and
• a supermarket, all within a 200 metre casual stroll. 

Plus, lots of coffee options.

How to get to Paradise Point Parklands

By G link and Bus:

• Catch the G-link to Southport station.
• Walk 2 minutes to the Southport Bus station.
• Catch the route 711 or 719 to Bayview St, near Falkinder street opposite the park.

By car:

• From Surfers Paradise, drive north on the Gold Coast Highway (state route 2), then along Marine Parade through Southport, and onto Bayview Street through Hollywell.
• At the roundabout, continue straight onto the Esplanade and the park is on your right.
• Click here for google map directions from your location

There’s lots of street parking in front of the Paradise Point playground.

Although watch out for the music lovers gathering one Sunday a month. Then it’s hectic!

Where is Paradise Point?

Facilities at Paradise Point Park

Toilets: Refurbished amenities block including baby change table. Showers also.
Picnic tables: Yes
Electric BBQs: Yes
Dogs: Yes, off leash area.

Image credit: Maria Bitunjac

No.2: Harley Park Labrador

There’s multiple play areas at Harley Park in Labrador.

The main one is fenced, with a BOAT playground, fort, climbing nets and swings.

Further up to the left (facing the water) there’s another play area with a long free standing zipline, and a fun but unusual rubber net climbing fort. 

Toddlers LOVE to play and drive the little ‘boats’ (Pearl and Nemo) sitting on the sand in front of Ian Dipple Lagoon. 

Hot tip: Stay to watch the pelican feeding out front of the Charis Seafoods on the stairs. 

Address: Near Charis Seafood, 376 Marine Parade, Labrador QLD 4215

HELENSVALE PLAYGROUNDS

No.1: Lions Park Playground Helensvale

There’s a super high slippery dip at the Lions Park playground in Helensvale.

Plus awesome parkour equipment, AND separate toddler equipment too.

It’s a local’s secret. 

Address: 1a Discovery Dr, Helensvale QLD 4212

No.2: Westfield Helensvale Playground

Westfield Helensvale shopping centre on the northern end of the Gold Coast has an epic indoor outdoor playground for kids of all ages, with a monster sized slide.

Helensvale Westfield playground is the the best shopping centre play area on the Goldie for sure.

Address: 1-29 Millaroo Dr, Helensvale QLD 4212

No.3: The Surrounds Playground Helensvale

A brand new playground in Helensvale at the Villa World estate, this playground has:

• three giant slides and a huge fort
• rock climbing walls
• swings
• a smaller fort with tunnels to climb through
• a rope log balance beam
• swaying bridge
• in ground trampoline jumpers
• climbing nets
• a zip line
• a ‘jeep’ to ride in
• an ORB ball to climb! 

It’s the best of the playgrounds in Helensvale now. 

Address: Country Club Dr, Helensvale QLD 4212

BENOWA PLAYGROUNDS

No.1: Gold Coast Botanical Gardens Playground

Visit the beautifully revamped nature playground at the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens in Benowa – it’s now one of the prettiest playgrounds on the Gold Coast.

This nature playground is one for the those who love timber and natural surrounds.

Plus, there’s trees to climb, a pond to fish, geese and ducks, boardwalks, AND a cafe on site. 

Beloved by nature-loving locals, this playground and park is one of the best nature play areas for bush school style adventures but it’s one that most visitors, and plenty of Gold Coasters have NEVER HEARD OF. 

This awesome nature playground in Benowa features:

• Timber log climbing frame
• Toddler fort with slide and climbing net
• Swing set with baby swing
• Giant fort for older kids with climbing poles, slide and scramble nets.

The whole playground is shaded from the hot sun at the Botanic Gardens Gold Coast.

If you are looking for free things to do on the Gold Coast with kids, put it on your itinerary.

Nature Play at Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Benowa QLD

Kids can also play in among the tree forest to the right of the playground (facing away from the carpark).

There’s ducks to feed, and green space galore for a game of soccer or “duck, duck, goose”.

Stroll the wooden boardwalks around the lake to see the fish and explore plant life, and smell the roses in the Rose Garden.

There’s a sensory garden where kids can smell and touch the flowers, and a native Butterfly Garden.

Image credit: QORF

Kaialgumm Games Trail at Gold Coast Botanic Garden

If your kids love technology, try this. 

The Kaialgumm Games Trail takes you to six sites where you can use the QR reader on your smart phone or tablet to find out more about Aboriginal culture and traditional indigenous games and how to play them.

Kaialgumm means “chief in hunting”.

Find out who is that leader in your team.

Gold Coast Botanical Gardens Opening Hours and Location

• Open year round
• From 5am to 7pm each day.

Entry Fees: Free

Address: 230 Ashmore Road, Benowa.  Opposite Benowa State High School.

Visitor Centre (Friends Centre): The Centre is a hub for visitors, community groups and botanical workshops. Open daily between 10am and 2pm.
Website: Click here

Public Toilets: Yes, including baby change table. Toilet block is to the left of the playground.
Picnic tables: Yes
Electric BBQs: Yes
Dogs: No

How to get to Gold Coast Botanic Gardens Playground

By bus: 

• From Broadbeach, take the 741 route to Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre, or from Southport, take the 737 route.
• From Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre it is just a 450 metre walk west to the Botanic Gardens entrance.

By car/taxi: 

• Direct access to the gardens is available from 230 Ashmore Road, Benowa.
• The Gardens are just a 10 minute taxi ride from Surfers Paradise.

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Parking

There’s plenty of free parking in the Botanical Gardens Gold Coast car park near the playground.

Drive around the loop about 3/4 of the way, and turn left when you see the playground ahead.

If this area is full, find further parking on the loop road. 

Image credit: HOTA Gold Coast

GOLD COAST ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, AND LIBRARIES

No.1: HOTA Home of the Arts 

HOTA is the name for the Arts & Culture complex on the Gold Coast.

Formerly known as the Arts Centre, there’s an art gallery, atmospheric movie theatres, a concert hall, a bar, and a delicious restaurant/cafe. 

HOTA hosts:

• musicals
• artist in residence events
• music events
• art exhibitions
• foreign films
• Symphony Orchestra performances
• cabaret shows
• comedy
• live shows for kids (Bluey!)
• Party in the Park
• the Gold Coast Film Festival
• Bleach* and
• theatre productions from around Australia and overseas.

Both indoor, and on the newly developed outdoor stage with seating under the starry sky.

They are a big support to local homegrown acts emerging in the space. 

Take a look and see what’s on. 

Address: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Image credit: SurfGlassy via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.2: Surf World Museum Currumbin

If you’ve got a budding Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater or Steph Gilmore in your family, head to the Surf World Museum in Currumbin (opposite Currumbin Bird Sanctuary)

Full of fascinating exhibits and extensive displays of surfing memorabilia, you’ll see things including:

• surfboards
• surf artwork
• surf movie posters and
• historic photos

Any wax head will be in surfing heaven.

Address: 35 Tomewin St, Currumbin.

ANIMALS, WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND ZOOS ON THE GOLD COAST 

Wondering where to see Animals on the Gold Coast?

No.1: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Here’s a guide to the 17 epic things to do at Currumbin Bird Sanctuary with kids.

Did you know there’s also a chance to zipline OVER the crocodile enclosures? 

No.2: David Fleay Wildlife Park

Head to David Fleay’s to see emus, kangaroos, snakes, lizards, and crocodiles in a natural bushland setting.

Think of a much more low-key version of Currumbin Sanctuary, without the hoards. 

Good for a morning excursion with little kids.

Address: Loman Lane, Burleigh Heads QLD

No.3: Paradise Country

Paradise Country is an Australian homestead where you can meet native Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, emus and wombats, as well as farmyard animals.

Toddlers and preschoolers LOVE the Pigs Playground, and the Scraps and Taps water play area too. 

No.4: Pelican Feeding Gold Coast

There’s not one but TWO places to feed pelicans on the Gold Coast:

• one in Labrador and
• one in Tweed.

Head to Charis Seafoods to watch the fishmonger feed these majestic birds after lunch.

Or take some fish scraps to Ray Pascoe park in Tweed Heads on Kennedy Drive, and meet these creatures in a little more low key way.

No.5: SuperBee Honey World Currumbin

Enjoy the bee presentation and tour at this tourist attraction opposite the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary entrance. 

It’s a chance to meet the bees, learn about the bee keeping process, and see the buzzy creatures up close (behind the safety of glass!)

Then stop by the shop to pick up some delicious local honey, and bee inspired souvenirs and gifts. 

Superbee Honeyworld is open:

• Sun – Sun 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Mon – Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Address: 35 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223

No.6: Gold Coast Horse riding 

Visit either Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat, or the Gold Coast Equestrian Centre to spend time with the ponies.

There’s also horse riding on offer at Thunderbird Egg Park on Tamborine Mountain. 

No.7: Glow Worms Natural Bridge

Head to Springbrook National park to see the glow worms at Natural Arch.

Do a day trip to find them along Nerang Murwillumbah road. 

No.8: Carrara Market Petting Zoo Farm

The Baby Animal Farm at Carrara markets is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

It’s a chance for kids to get up close and personal with farm animals, including baby alpacas, goats, lamb, chicks, piglets, ducklings, geese and guinea pigs .

$5 entry, $1 feed cups.

Address: Cnr Gooding Drive & Manchester Road, Carrara

BEST PLACES TO SWIM ON THE GOLD COAST

No.1: Best Beaches on the Gold Coast for kids 

The best beaches on the Gold Coast for kids are:

• Rainbow Bay (it’s protected) 
• Burleigh Heads Beach
• Surfers Paradise beach
• Currumbin Beach, and
• Nobby’s Beach. 

and of course, as mentioned above, Tallebudgera beach (also called Tallebudgera Creek beach, or Tally) 

No.2: Currumbin Rock Pools Currumbin Valley

Until instagram came along, Currumbin Rock Pools next to Currumbin Creek Road in the Gold Coast hinterland was a local’s secret.

Tourists visiting the Gold Coast simply didn’t know they existed.

But even today, with bigger crowds and better facilities and access, if you want an authentic experience of nature or a chance to swim in a turquoise-coloured pool of mountain dew water, head on out.

It’s about 15 minutes drive from Currumbin Beach.

Currumbin Rock Pools have been a local institution for an afternoon swim since I was a teen. 

Bring fluffy towels. The water is icy!

Entry is free, and if you go early, you’ll beat the crowds.

Read all the details below, including how to get there. 

Check out the video above to see Currumbin Rock Pools in full glory. 

Swimming at Currumbin Rock Pool

Suitable for both young and old, the freshwater hole at Currumbin Rock pools is calm and flat water, and you can wade in from the rocky beach end.

It’s great for day trips when you don’t want to be sizzled by the sun on the beach. 

When you arrive, follow the pathway down to the left side, to reach the pebbly beach area.

The water is varying depths, so keep a close eye on toddlers and little kids. 

It’s a refreshing dip on a hot day! 

MORE Things to do at Currumbin Valley Rock Pools

One of the best reasons to visit Currumbin Rock Pool is to enjoy nature and the natural environs of the GC.

Listen out for the Australian native bird calls! 

Parkour and Rock bouldering fun! 

My eight year old and his mate LOVED the craggy rocks!

Bounding up and down the rocks is a great opportunity to build motor skills and balance development. 

The boys thought it was just the coolest spot for a bit of (practice) rock bouldering and nature-based rock jumping fun!  

Fun Fact: Parkour is the activity or sport of moving rapidly through an area, typically in an urban environment, negotiating obstacles by running, jumping, and climbing.

The Currumbin Valley rockpools are a fabulous spot for a bit of nature play or ‘bush schooling’ adventures, especially during the weekdays when it’s less busy.

Grab a bunch of friends and spend the morning. 

The tree vines make excellent steps for toddlers and preschoolers (and awkward mamas!)

Water play for kids

The creek bed on the western side of the rock pool is shallow and slow moving, with lots of little stones for skimming.

Kids love to dam the water with stone cairns too, and a good few hours can be spent in this area alone.  

Currumbin Rock Pool “rapids”

BYO “black bean seed pods” to use as boats on the ‘rapids’.

Or race some sturdy leaves down the bends!

Hidden Dangers at Currumbin Rock Pools Gold Coast

Lifeguards DO NOT patrol here and the water in the rock pool can be deep in places.

There are also hidden rock shelves under the water in some places.

It’s very popular for teens and adults to jump from the high ledges, but it’s risky.

There are accidents regularly, sometimes resulting in permanent injury or disability when someone slips or makes a wrong calculation on a jump. 

Use Caution and Care

While we never want to spoil anyone’s fun, please take extreme care and caution.

Jumping into the water from the rocks at Currumbin Rock Pools is at your own risk. 

Murky stirred up water may hide dangers!

BE CAREFUL. 

Picnic Tables and BBQ’s at Currumbin Creek Rock pools

There’s:

• undercover picnic tables at the top near the facilities (and a few more down by the lower entrance to the base pool),
• free gas bbq’s, and
• a toilet block (can be a little stinky) 

Hot tip: BYO toilet paper. It’s a good idea if you are travelling with the kids – when we were there, all four rolls in the toilet were soggy.  Eeewww!

BYO picnic rug and try to nab a patch of grass.

 It does get busy so we’d suggest early morning or late afternoon for your visit.

(Not like when we were kids and no-one came here!)

Currumbin Rock Pools Cafe

BYO picnic, or buy lunch at Currumbin Rock Pool Cafe across the road (about 100 metres east of the entrance sign).  

There’s an eat-in area and they offer takeaways too:

• coffees
• delicious cake
• ice-creams, and
• savoury food too.

While you are waiting for your order, have a look at the little Currumbin Valley Art Gallery attached.

Cafe is located at 1206 Currumbin Creek Road.

Currumbin Rock Pools Location and Opening hours

Address: Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Valley QLD (see map below) 
Telephone: 1300 GoldCoast (1300 465 326) – Gold Coast City Council Parks and Recreation
Opening Hours:  Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fees: FREE!

Directions to Currumbin Rock Pools 

By Car: You’ll need a car to get here. 

• From the M1 highway, take the Tugun exit
• Drive for 19 minutes along Currumbin Creek Rd.
• You’ll pass the Currumbin Eco Village on your left, Currumbin Valley Pottery on your right, and the Murwillumbah turn off (Tomewin Mountain Rd) on the left.
• 4km on, you’ll find the Rock Pools on your left.

Click here for google map directions. 

Currumbin Rock Pool parking

There’s a few dedicated car park spaces on the left hand side of the road as you approach.

If these are full,  you’ll need to parallel park along the road.  

250 metres further up the road is the Currumbin Valley primary school.

You can utilise the spaces there if it’s a weekend. 

Currumbin Rock Pools Map

Facilities at the Rock Pools at Currumbin Valley

Public toilets: Yes
Picnic tables: Yes
Electric BBQs: Yes
Dogs: On leash only

It’s a long way to go to find it’s crowded with tourists and visitors.

It’s pot luck to visit without crowds. 

No.3: Mt Cougal National Park Gold Coast 

Did you know there’s MORE rock pool fun (and way less people) just 6km past Currumbin rock pools in Currumbin Valley on the Gold Coast.

The Cougal Cascade!

The elusive Currumbin Rock Pools ‘water slide’ can be found at Cougal Cascades at Currumbin Valley,.

Take the kid-friendly 1.6km walking track at Mt Cougal National Park to the Cougal Cascade waterfall.

(It’s paved with bitumen the whole way, so not such a natural experience for bush walkers!)

Mt Cougall National Park entrance

You’ll find lots of places to dip your toes in along the rocky water courses.

While we probably wouldn’t make a specific journey here to Mt Cougal National Park Rock Pools, it’s good as an add-on “make a day of it” stop if you are already at the Rock Pools.

Bring swimmers, towels, and a shaker of salt, just in case you become tasty to a leech or two. 

Find all the details of this natural wonder, and how to get to Mt Cougal below. 

Mt Cougal National Park bridge

There’s a really easy, flat paved pathway that meanders through rainforest, over a bridge, and all the way to a semi-restored Old Timber Mill.

Carry a bottle of water.

The walking track is 1.6 km long

Mt Cougal Old Timber Mill

The Mt Cougal sawmill is a great place to let the kids run off a bit of steam in the bush, with the added bonus of a bit of Gold Coast history.  

Read the information panels as you pass.

Mt Cougal Banana Plantation

This area was once a Banana plantation!

Not that you’d ever believe it today.

Mt Cougal Sawmill hut

There’s some old sawmill equipment in the old hut.

As well as LOTS of moss covered logs that the kids love to clamber over.

Watch out for biting ants.

Hot tip: BYO Stingose, just in case. 

Mt Cougal Cascades Track 

On the right side as you walk up, you’ll see quite a few access points to get down to the running water.

The first access path takes you down to the impressive sheer cliffs of the Mt Cougal waterfalls, alt. called the Cougal Cascades (if you dare).

Climb down the trail carefully. 

Mt Cougal swimming holes

Or wander up the path a little to find about 3 or 4 other access points that get you down to more sedate areas where children and families can take a little dip, or play on the rocky banks.

Do watch out and take extra care on the slippery rocks with the kids.

The nearest public phone is back at the Currumbin Rock Pools, and mobile reception may not be super strong here. 

Mt Cougal Cascades afternoon light

If you are there in the mid afternoon, the LIGHT is spectacular.

Golden rays penetrate the trees above and create all kinds of magical illusions! 

Nature Play at Mount Cougal National Park

This is one of the best spots on the Gold Coast for a bit of nature exploration for kids.

Toddlers, preschoolers and older kids love to leap from rock to rock, build rocky dam walls and direct the water where they want it to go, and build rock cairns and cubby houses.

Bring LOTS of snacks and water.  

You aren’t going anywhere fast with views like this. 

Where to eat at Mount Cougal Falls

BYO picnic food, and plenty of water.  

There’s no shops anywhere near here!

The closest cafe is the one opposite Currumbin Rock Pools.

Hot tip: Check out our guide to the best healthy snacks and food for picnics and road trips. There are fantastic ideas in here that you’ll love. 

Where is Mount Cougal? Location, Opening Hours 

Address: Very end of Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley
Telephone: 137 468
Website: Click here
Opening Hours:  Daylight hours
Entry Fees: FREE!

Toilets: Yes
Picnic tables: Yes
Dogs: No

How to get to Mt Cougal National Park (Springbrook National Park)

By Car:

• Exit the Gold Coast Highway at either Duringan Street or Thrower Drive and follow the signs inland to Currumbin Creek Road (State route 95).
• Alternatively, exit the Pacific Motorway to head west on Stewart Road and turn left onto Currumbin Creek Road at the T-intersection.

Mount Cougal Parking

The Cougal Cascades car park and picnic area is at the end of Currumbin Creek Road.

Approximately 18km from the Stewart Road intersection.

Parking is free. 

Hot tip: Take all your valuables with you (cameras, phones, wallets etc) as the isolated area of the car park has been known to attract thieves as it’s out of the way, and presents an opportunity. 

No.4: Southport Rock Pools Broadwater Parklands 

What do you do when you want to visit some rock pools and the closest natural ones are more than an hour away in the Gold Coast hinterland?

You head to Southport Broadwater Parklands and find the artificial rock pools for kids there.  

The Rockpool water park is the next best thing, and a fabulous and safe, if crowded, alternative when you are out and about with kids.

Did we mention it’s FREE?

The best thing about the Broadwater Rockpools?

Why, it would have to be the TIDAL WAVE of water that surges from overhead and drenches you from top to toe.

You can see the excitement building as the kids and a few brave adults start to gather below the spout, knowing that it won’t be long till water is unleashed and you cop a soaking.

But there’s plenty of calm in amongst the chaos.

The rock pools water playground and creek bed is never more than knee deep, with water fountains spurting at unexpected moments to take you by surprise.

The water swirls gently in and out, around aquatic marine-themed sculptures, and pools in areas to form shallow tidal baths just deep enough to soak in. 

Kids LOVE to explore this place.

The Southport Rock pools are manned by lifeguards during opening hours.

But equally as important, there’s concrete seating benches under shady umbrellas so mums, dads and grandparents can keep a super close eye.

The Broadwater Parklands rockpools are not gated, and there’s LOTS of people on weekends and school holidays.

Hot tip: don’t let your kids out of your sight.

There’s too many directions in which they could go – a logistical nightmare in finding them again.

SOUTHPORT ROCK POOLS truly is the BEST splash pad for kids on the Gold Coast.

This water park and splash pad is the only one of it’s kind on the Gold Coast.

Bring swimmers, towels and snacks.

The kids won’t want to leave the best water playground Gold Coast has to offer. 

Address: 56 Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215  (at the Southport Swimming Pool end, next to the main carpark)

Phone: (07) 5581 6984
Opening Hours: The Rockpools are normally open from 7am – 7pm from December to March, and from 9am – 5pm from April to November.

How to get to Southport Rock Pools

Walk, catch a bus or train to the G:link light rail, then get off at Southport station and walk to the Southport Rockpools.

By Bus and G Link:

• Bus routes 704, 713 and 719 stop at Broadwater Parklands
• Find G:link timetables here.

By Train:

• Catch the train to Helensvale station
• Then transfer to the G:link light rail, then get off at Southport station and walk to the Southport Rockpools

By Car: 

• Click here for google map directions from your location
• Paid parking is available behind Southport Rock pools. Pay at the machines by coins or card. 2 hour limits apply. Access at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
• Display the ticket on your dashboard. Parking inspectors patrol the area regularly and have no qualms in issuing fines to those without a valid ticket.
• You can also find limited paid street parking along the Gold Coast highway on the left hand side as you travel south.

Lockers: Locker hire can be found next to the cafe.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed at the rock pools. Dogs on leashes are permitted around the rest of the parklands.
Smoking: No smoking is permitted within the rockpool area or within 10 metres of the playgrounds.
Free Wifi: There’s free wifi at the Rock Pools, the Great Lawn and Mini Lawn areas. Wireless will be available from April to November between 7am and 7pm and from December to March between 7am and 9pm. Sessions are 30 minutes in length or 50 megabytes (mb), with a 15-minute cool off period.

Image credit: Qld Matt via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0

No.5:  Enclosed saltwater swimming area, Broadwater Parklands

This swimming area has lifeguards. Find it in front of the jumping pillow at Southport Parklands. 

No.6: AquaSplash Gold Coast (extra cost)

Aqua Splash operates from September through to Easter, this inflatables park on the Broadwater is an awesome way to burn pesky holiday calorie

AWESOME GOLD COAST EVENTS AND FESTIVALS 

There are plenty of family activities on the Gold Coast happening each weekend, from markets and shows, to multicultural days, movie screenings, art exhibitions, craft workshops and more. 

Check the local newspaper and MyGC for details.

What’s happening on the Gold Coast this weekend? Check these below.

No.1: Broadwater Parklands Events

Plus, there’s always something happening at Southport Broadwater Parklands, particularly on weekends.  

• Monster Truck rides
• pedal car rides
• Food Truck Feasts
• outdoor cinema events
• a concert sound stage, and
• community festivals.

Click here to see what’s coming up!

No.2: HOTA Events

Details coming soon… 

No.3: Surfers Paradise Events

Click here for what’s on Surfers Paradise this week. 

Wondering what to do in the Gold Coast when it’s school holidays and the kids are bored? 

No.4: Active and Healthy Gold Coast

Check out Gold Coast City Council’s FREE Active and Healthy Programs for kids and adults. 

There’s everything on offer from Pop Up Playgrounds with Sparky Do Dah, yoga and tai chi, nature explorations, tie dyeing, craft workshops, and more. 

No.5: What’s happening on the Gold Coast these School Holidays?

Check out the Active and Healthy Gold Coast website for details. 

Image credit: Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

No.1: School Holidays at Gold Coast Botanical Gardens Benowa

Every school holidays, the Friends of Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens and the Gold Coast City council run children’s workshops to introduce them to nature and conservation.

Kids can join in activities such as:

• “Botanica Christmas Arts and Crafts” using things found in nature
• “What Bird is That?” and
• “Grow that plant”. 

There’s a take home element to the workshops too.

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Events Booking

Bookings are essential. Call 0449 651 674. 

Cost is $5 per child.

Wear covered shoes, and bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle for outdoor activities.

Meet at the Friends Centre.

You can also check the Gold Coast Active and Healthy Program for more school holiday workshops here. 

Visit the website below to find out about upcoming events throughout the year.

BEST GOLD COAST DAY TOURS 

Coming soon… 

WHERE TO STAY ON THE GOLD COAST

Best Gold Coast Accommodation for Families

What are the BEST family resorts Gold Coast has for kids?

No.1: Seaworld Nara Resort Main Beach

The best family resort on the Gold Coast is Sea World Resort & Water Park on the Spit.

While the location is a little bit further out, it’s right next door to Seaworld and you get priority access to the park during your stay.  They can also arrange transfers to the other theme parks – Movie World, Wet n Wild, Paradise Country and Dreamworld. 

The highlight? 

The AMAZING water park playground and splash pads with spectacular views of the Broadwater.

Nowhere else has views quite like it.

It’s what makes a relaxed holiday too – blue skies, shimmering water, cocktails by the pool, and happy kids. 

Check latest prices here

No.2: Turtle Beach Resort Gold Coast

Turtle Beach Resort Mermaid Beach is our top pick of family resorts if you want to hang with locals, and pretend you are a Gold Coaster for the week. 

There’s three pool precincts, four spas, two saunas, putt putt golf, a beauty spa, AND a private pool for adults.

This is just a fraction of what’s on offer at this family hotel on the Gold Coast.

Check latest prices here.   

No.3: Diamond Beach Resort Broadbeach

Diamond Beach Resort at Broadbeach is another great family hotel on the Gold Coast.

This is one for families looking for a low key stay, with lots of other families and kids for your kids to play with! 

Check latest prices here.

Image credit: Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa

No.4: MORE of the Best Places to stay on the Gold Coast with kids

You can also try: 

• Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa – the ultimate family staycation
• Big 4 Holiday Park Gold Coast – top spot for theme park explorations
• NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort – for kids, big and small
• Paradise Country Farmstay – one for the animal lovers, where you can wake up with the farm animals 
• Nobby Beach Holiday Village Gold Coast – pools, waterslides, and right near Nobby Beach coffee shops! 
• Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park – right across the road from the world famous Tallebudgera Creek beach! 
• Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites – one for those who like the southern end of the GC
• Paradise Resort Gold Coast – one of the fun hotels on the GC for kids, newly renovated, with an ice skating rink, indoor playground, & water park
• Broadwater Tourist park
• Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise – another one of their world famous stable of top quality hotels 
• Q1 Hotel – the most super fun hotel for design lovers who love a Palm Springs aesthetic
• Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff – beautiful pools for families
• North Star Holiday Resort Hastings Point (awesome water park, and hairdresser on site!) 

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN CITIES TO VISIT WITH KIDS?

Click the links in blue below for our Ultimate Family Travel Guides.

• Best Things to Do in SYDNEY with Kids

• Best Things to Do in MELBOURNE with Kids

• Best Things to Do in CANBERRA with Kids

• Best Things to Do in AUSTRALIA with Kids

• Best Things to Do in BRISBANE with Kids

• Best Things to Do in MULLUMBIMBY with Kids

• Best Things to Do in BRUNSWICK HEADS with Kids 

• Best Things to Do in BYRON BAY with Kids

• Best Things to Do in TOKYO with Kids

• Best Things to Do in LONDON with Kids

• Best Things to Do in EUROPE with Kids

• Best Things to Do in ROVANIEMI with Kids – Santa in Lapland Finland

• Best Things to Do in ROME with Kids

• Best Things to Do in PARIS with Kids

• Best Things to Do in HELSINKI with Kids

• Best Things to Do in SMALAND with Kids (Sweden) 

• Best Things to Do in BALI with Kids

• Best Things to Do in NEW ZEALAND with Kids

• Best Things to Do in ROTORUA with Kids

• Best Things to Do in AUCKLAND with Kids

• Best Things to Do in NAPIER with Kids

• Best Things to Do in TAUPO with Kids

• Best Things to Do in NEW YORK with Kids

• Best Things to Do in LOS ANGELES with Kids

• Best Things to Do in SINGAPORE with Kids