Getting our kids outdoors
17/02/2021 By Kristy Lohrisch - Nature Play QLD

10 Things to do on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is known for its beaches and theme parks, but it has so much more to offer! We’ve put together 10 things you can do on the Gold Coast with the whole family.

Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is located in Burleigh and is the Gold Coast’s only dedicated Aboriginal cultural centre. The centre is fully owned and operated by the local Aboriginal community. You can go on a guided tour to learn about the Aboriginal history and culture of the Gold Coast, attend Welcome to Country and dance ceremonies, or join the Jellurgal Little Explorers tour during school holidays. There is also a great program for school classes.

https://www.jellurgal.com.au/

David Fleay Wildlife Park

Also located in Burleigh Heads, is David Fleay Wildlife Park.  Dedicated to showcasing Queensland native species, you can have a chat with one of the dedicated wildlife rangers or choose to explore the park at your own pace. It’s also the only place you’ll see the brindled nailtail wallaby thought to be extinct for over 30 years!

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/david-fleay/about

Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and is part of the beautiful Scenic Rim. Here you can explore amazing rainforests, discover majestic waterfalls and discover amazing wildlife, with over 500 species!

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook/about/culture

Currumbin Rock Pools

Located in the beautiful Currumbin Valley, Currumbin Rock Pools has everything you need for a great family day out. There is plenty of shade, ample picnic tables, and best of all, the rockpools! Test your bravery and climb the rocks, but be careful not to jump into the water from too high!

https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/thegoldcoast/currumbin-rock-pools-27208.html

Join the NaturallyGC Junior Wildlife Defenders Program

Empowering young people to take action in preserving our natural environment. Grad your educational booklet and complete the challenges that prompt child-led nature or conservation-based topis. Some of the tasks include on ground action, drawing, design, art, building, photography, quizzes and getting crafty. This program is run by the City Of Gold Coast and Green Heroes.

https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/council/naturallygc-junior-wild-defenders-55664.html

Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Tour

We are lucky enough, along with New Zealand, to be the only place in the world to find glow worms! You can take a guided tour around the glow worm caves of Mount Tamborine to discover the amazing formations these little critters can create. By booking a tour you are contributing to the conservation of these rare and wonderful creatures.

https://www.glowwormcavetamborinemountain.com.au/

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

Located in Benowa, you’ll find a place where you can completely immerse yourself in the wonder of nature. It’s free to visit the gardens, where there’s an experience for everyone – smell and touch plants and flowers at the Sensory Garden, explore our local plants in the Mangroves to Mountains walk, visit the native Butterfly Garden or smell the roses in the Rose Garden.

https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/thegoldcoast/botanical-gardens-24658.html

Beach Day

You can’t live in or visit the Gold Coast without visiting some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. For a family-friendly day out, check out Tallebedgera Creek. This is the perfect spot for swimming, picnicking, kayaking or some fishing.

https://www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/attractions/p-56fbabbec3da9d9a7b8b057d-tallebudgera-creek

Mt Barney

Located n the Scenic Rim Region, Mt Barney has some amazing hikes, waterfalls and creek to be discovered. Mt Barney Lodge offers some great kid-friendly activities such as Bush Kids, Bush Tucker Tracker, Kids Night Adventure and the Kids Only Adventure Camp (KOAC). But don’t worry, there is plenty of things for the adults to do to!

https://www.mtbarneylodge.com.au

Greenmount Beach Headland

This is a wonderful nature walk that gives you the best views of the crystal clear waters of Greenmount Beach. Head around the point and keep your eye out for lots of wildlife, you might even be lucky enough to spot a water dragon!

https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/thegoldcoast/greenmount-52992.html