The Gold Coast is known for both the green and gold - the bush as well as the beach. Our children are very lucky to have many opportunities to connect with nature during play, exposing them to opportunities to be imaginative, creative and problem solve. Here is my round up of some great nature play destinations across the Gold Coast.
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Gilston Hall Park, Gilston
Gilston Hall Park is a very popular spot with the locals, and it's easy to see why. This beautiful nature play park spread out over many levels will capture imaginations, encourage exploration and lead to many new adventures!
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Pick Your Own Strawberries, Chambers Flat
August brings with it the start of strawberry season and what better way to enjoy those delicious red berries with your kids than heading along to the Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm for some Pick Your Own fun!
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Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach
The Cascade Gardens at Broadbeach has always been a family friendly spot for picnics, bbqs or just a play in the park. Explore the sensory garden, lay out a picnic blanket in the sun by the river, and enjoy a great family outing!
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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.
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Schuster Park, Tallebudgera
Schuster Park at Tallebudgera is a Jungle themed park best suited to children aged 4 and over. With a heavy focus on climbing, each playground piece has a number of climbing nets leading to slides, towers and platforms.
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Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang
Country Paradise Parklands at Nerang features an incredible adventure playground incorporating water play and nature play - with something to do for everyone! This is going to be the hottest playground to visit on the Gold Coast in 2021!
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Sensory Gardens, Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang
Looking for a quiet picnic spot that will keep the kids entertained too?? The Sensory Gardens by Gold Coast Green Living at Country Paradise Parklands in Nerang has been put together by a group of volunteers and is now an all-abilities sensory garden that is open from early til late (basically dawn to dusk) and free for everyone to visit. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and settle in for a nice catch up with friends while the kids explore.
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Gibirrngaan (Black Snake) Park, Maudsland
This nature inspired playground is one of our favourites on the Gold Coast! Gibirrngaan Park (Black Snake Park) has a contemporary dreamtime theme, and is filled with play pieces for kids of all ages. Younger kids will be in their element as they balance along the giant Red Bellied Black snake, dig for dinosaur fossils or explore the playhouse with slide, shop front, and talking teletube. Older kids can climb the net to the wooden birdsnest for views across the park, and then race down the mega slide! Little explorers will love the dry creek bed and giant snake eggs, and the giant ring swing lets both kids and parents…
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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!