Living in Southeast Queensland we are blessed with an abundance of amazing kid-friendly destinations. From shaded bushwalks and idyllic beaches, to world-famous theme parks and secret swimming holes, your family-friendly summer is right here.
National Bridgeat Springbrook and Glow Worms
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Springbrook National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, is home to a stunning waterfall and a magical underground glow worm cave which lights up at night, the kids will love it! Take the family along for an adventure and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
Nerang Murwillumbah Road and Bakers Road, Springbrook
Broadwater Parklands
Opposite Australia Fair you’ll find one of the largest community parks on the Gold Coast. Think theme parks, water parks and playground all in one. With lots of grassy areas, parents can set up a picnic and relax while watching the kids play in the rock pools, the calm water beach and or the giant bouncy pillow. The park also has a special Liberty swing for children of all abilities. There’s so much to do your kids won’t want to leave! The best way to get here is to hop on the tram which runs every eight minutes or catch a bus from the bus station nearby.
Marine Parade, Southport
Snapper Rocks
Home to the annual World Surf Leagues’ Quicksilver and Roxy Pros, Snapper Rocks is a must do on your bucket list. Located on the northern side of Point Danger at the southern end of Rainbow Bay on the Gold Coast, Snapper is a point break forming the first part of the man-made Superbank which extends from Snapper Rocks Point, through Rainbow Bay, Greenmount Point, Coolangatta Beach, and Kirra, for a distance of around two kilometers. The quality of the surf is the best it’s ever been, creating one of the longest, hollowest and best waves in the world.
O’Reilly Tree Top Walk
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Nestled high within the World Heritage-Listed National Park, consisting of nine suspension bridges, 16 metres above ground, The Tree Top Walk is a must do on the Gold Coast! The kids will have a chance to get up and close to the birds and animals which inhabit the tree tops. If you want to challenge yourself with heights, go up to the observation decks constructed in a Strangler Fig, which is the highest at 30 metres above ground. It’s suitable for all ages, so go on, give it a go! Tip: The best time to see birdlife is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Lamington National Park, Green Mountains Section, Canungra
Currumbin Rock Pools
Just a 15-minute drive from Currumbin Beach, this not-so-secret swimming hole is a favourite with the locals. With ledges to leap off, ropes to swing on and shallow areas to swim for the littlies, this little gem is screaming out to be explored! With lots of sheltered grass areas, picnic tables and BBQ facilities, you can make a day of it with the family.
Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Whether it’s feeding the lorikeets or getting up and close with the kangaroos, everyone can enjoy the unique animal experiences at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. With so much on offer, the kids will love the huge outdoor playground along with riding around the sanctuary in the miniature train. If you are looking for a bit of action, test yourself on the Tree Tops Challenge High Ropes course, that’s sure to get your adrenalin pumping!
Gold Coast Highway, Corner of Tomewin Street, Currumbin | currumbinsanctuary.com.au
Tallebudgera Creek
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Framed by Burleigh Heads National Park on one side and Palm Beach on the other, this calm and gentle sparkling creek is a perfect family day out, especially for those with younger kids. With plenty of shady spots at this small beach, you can set up a picnic while you swim, stand up paddle board, kayak or simply splash about having fun. If you want some waves, then Tallebudgera Beach is only a short walk away.
1544 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
