Staying local doesn’t have to mean same-same. Families travel from across the globe to visit Queensland, and our gorgeous little corner is crammed with some of the most unique activities for kids. Here are our favourite kids activities Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Tangalooma Resort, Moreton Island
You can hand-feed a dolphin, try sandboarding or quad biking, snorkel a wreck or experience the majestic whale migration from June to October. Yep, Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island is an adventure paradise for families, all within easy reach of Brisbane.
Jump on the ferry at Pinkenba (you can leave your car at the terminal), and a smooth 75-minute catamaran over to Moreton Island is all it takes. There are so many unique activities for kids at Tangalooma to justify staying at the resort for a few nights. Wild dolphin feeding at dusk is a must-do. The quad bikes are super fun (little kids can ride on the back), the snorkelling is fantastic, and it’s a beautiful place to enjoy together.
Quad biking at Tangalooma Resort Moreton Island
Heron Island
This is a bit of a drive north, but the extra few hours on the Bruce Highway are so worth it when you reach the unique and magical marine environment of Heron Island. Drive to Gladstone and catch the ferry for a truly magical few days immersed in the Great Barrier Reef.
Because you access the reef straight off the beach, this is the ideal reef destination for those with little kids. There are no day boat trips required, nothing to book—just step out of your cabin and into the water. Heron Island is tiny, and everything is accessed on foot, so it’s safe for kids to explore. There are plenty of eco-activities, such as bird-watching walks and marine biology talks. But the highlight is visiting during turtle nesting season (November to March) when baby turtles hatch from the dunes and run to the ocean nightly. It is one of the most unique and incredible activities for kids (and grown-ups!) you can find.
Girl watching a sea turtle at Heron Island, Queensland
Thunderbird Park & Cedar Creek Lodges
Thunderbird Park is chock-full of kids activities that they (and you!) may never have done before. And it’s all nestled in the beautiful rainforest of Tamborine Mountain.
DigIT is the latest adventure drawcard at Thunderbird Park, Australia’s first mini excavator park! Prepare yourself for real excavator machinery and construction-inspired activities for kids where they are IN the driver’s seat! This will undoubtedly be one of your favourite Gold Coast kids activities of all time.
Also popular is the TreeTop Challenge, which has a gentle kids’ course and an Adventure Park high ropes course. Experience adrenaline-pumping action as well as rainforest views as you fly amongst the treetops of Tamborine Mountain.
For one of the most unique Gold Coast kids activities, there is also the Thunderegg Crystal Mine. Here you can fossick for your own hidden treasures from prehistoric volcanic lava. Don’t forget your mining permit as you go.
Thunderbird Park has even more kids activities – including bird feeding, mini golf, and laser skirmish in the rainforest.
Stay at Cedar Creek Lodges, which adjoins Thunderbird Park, for the ultimate rainforest experience, with a wonderful range of camping, glamping and self-contained lodges.
Treetop Challenge at Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain
Luxury activities for kids
Prefer the finer things in life? There are times when we need Gold Coast kids activities with a side of luxury, and these places does not disappoint.
JW Marriott Gold Coast
The five-star property of JW Marriott Gold Coast in the heart of Surfers Paradise, has 223 beautifully redesigned rooms and suites with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean right around to the Gold Coast hinterland.
Families can happily spend hours in the Marriott’s famous water attractions and kids activities Gold Coast. These include a heated freshwater resort pool, slides, hot tub, and the ever-impressive saltwater lagoon surrounded by rocky grottos and waterfalls. Kids will love the four-metre-deep lagoon, with its reef and hundreds of tropical fish to explore. Relax in one of the cabanas dotted around the pool’s lush tropical gardens, and enjoy delicious food from the restaurant and bar. And don’t miss the buffet breakfast… it’s one of the best on the Coast!
Snorkelling in the saltwater lagoon pool at JW Marriott Surfers Paradise
Westin Brisbane
The Westin Family Package is something every family needs to experience just once. This hotel offers a five-star luxury package perfectly blended with activities for the kids.
Experience the luxury of a swim-up bar in the Nautilus pool while the kids play with the inflatables. Savour incredible food from celebrated Australian Italian Chef Guy Grossi in the on-site family-friendly restaurant. The Family Package includes complimentary breakfast, an in-room teepee with books for the kids, and a Westin Family Travel Journal to keep the kids busy. Adjoining rooms can be booked at a 25% discount to the first room.
Enjoying the swim-up bar at The Westin, Brisbane
Keep Reading
6 reasons to visit Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park this year
The Gold Coast family resort that is heaven for kids and paradise for parents
Best family friendly resorts on the Gold Coast
Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids events, attractions & things to do with kids, schools and education, school holiday guides, health & wellbeing for families, parenting and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.
