Harley Park is located on the Broadwater at Labrador, and is a bustling hive of activity any day of the week. With a swimming lagoon, pelicans, picnic facilities and two playgrounds, this is a very popular family destination.
-
-
David Fleay Wildlife Park, Burleigh Heads
Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, David Fleay’s is a small wildlife park with a difference! Check out the Nocturnal House, koalas, various species of wallabies, cassowaries, dingoes, emus and kangaroos. There are reptile shows and animal feedings to watch as well. The mangrove boardwalk is a great pram friendly stroll too.
-
Gold Coast Butterflies Butterfly House
Little minds are mesmerised by brightly coloured, tiny fluttering wings, so what better place for a little outing than the Gold Coast Butterflies Butterfly House!? At the Gold Coast Butterfly House you can spend time learning about the plants that provide natural habitats for butterflies and caterpillars, wander around the greenhouse spotting butterflies and even get up close and personal with the different life stages of the butterfly – egg, larva, pupa and adult.
-
Ipswich Nature Centre, Queens Park, Ipswich
Queens Park in Ipswich might be a bit of a drive from the Gold Coast, but it is worth it for the perfect weekend drive. Here you'll find a free (gold coin donation appreciated) nature centre packed with native animals to see, a great cafe and a huge playground.
-
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush, 27-hectare outdoor space connecting wildlife and nature with the community. There is so much to see and do: Cuddle a koala, pat a kangaroo or book a hospital tour - whether paid or free, there are so many opportunities to interact with the animals and see the Sanctuary in action up close. Don't miss the Extinction Trail where you can get up close with dinosaurs, and the Wild Island water park and playground!
-
Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast
Planning a trip to Australia Zoo? I've summarised some top tips that will help to make your visit with toddlers, so much more enjoyable!
-
DRU Animal Rescue, Burbank
Do your kids love animals? DRU Animal Sanctuary is the ultimate day out that they won’t forget, and you’ll be helping to support an incredible animal rescue organisation at the same time! Horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and ducks – DRU has them them!
-
Coombabah Lakelands Conservation area
The Coombabah Lakelands Conservation area protects 1200 hectares of wetlands and eucalypt forest, right in the middle of the northern Gold Coast suburbs. Visit in the late afternoon to see grassy open fields bathed in golden sunlight and hundreds of kangaroos grazing on the grass!
-
Daisy Hill Koala Centre & Forest
We recently visited Daisy Hill State Forest and Koala Centre, which was where I spent many a weekend and school holiday hanging out with friends and family. With free access, this place is a gem for all ages to learn about koalas and their conservation.
-
The Historic Rivermill
One of our favourite Gold Coast adventures is a visit to the Historic Rivermill! Nestled in the picturesque Mt Nathan Shire, it’s only 10 minutes inland from Nerang and a VERY popular spot with families. The Rivermill is part café, part animal farm and part museum (a small one), meaning it’s a great way to spend a few hours and occupy a variety of age groups.
