Family-Friendly Adventures on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a fantastic destination for families eager to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities. With its golden beaches, lush parks, and scenic nature trails, this

region offers endless options for fun and relaxation. Families can unwind by the sea,

have picnics in beautiful green spaces, or connect with nature through exciting

adventures. Let’s dive into some of the best outdoor experiences waiting for you on the

Gold Coast.

Beach Outings

The Gold Coast is famous for its breathtaking beaches, making a beach day an essential family activity.

Tallebudgera Creek: Has to be a personal favourite. A popular spot for all ages, with calm, clear water, a small beach, and lots of shade. The Palm Beach side of the creek is

patrolled by lifeguards, and the Burleigh Heads National Park side is more secluded.

Tallebudgerra Creek

Currumbin Creek: Currumbin Creek sits at

the mouth of the Currumbin River and is an

ideal beach for families with young children.

It’s also a favorite spot for couples, friends,

and families with older kids, as the calm

waters are perfect for activities like stand-up

paddle boarding, kayaking, and more. There

is also a café that has amazing coffee, treats, light meals and live music on the weekends. Another bonus for families is the pirate

themed park at the entrance to the beach

Currumbin Creek

The Spit: (Sea world Drive) For stunning, calm aqua waters, head straight to Sea World

Drive. If you're a beach lover, you'll recognize this as the route to ‘The Spit.’ Once you

pass Sea World on your left, you’ve discovered a hidden gem—golden sand beaches!

Along the left side of the road, you'll find secluded stretches of peaceful, pristine beach.

If you're looking for more spots to unwind with the little ones, continue up the road, and

once you reach The Spit, turn left and follow the road for 500 meters to discover even

more serene water areas. These beaches are not only perfect for children, but many also

offer plenty of shade thanks to surrounding foliage, making them ideal for kayaking and fishing. It’s also a fantastic place to spot dolphins enjoying the water!

Harley Park: What makes Harley Park so special is its stunning location RIGHT. ON. THE. WATER.

With breathtaking views, it’s the perfect spot to spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy

some fish and chips. If you’re there around 1:30 pm, you can even watch Charis Seafood

staff feed the local pelicans—a real treat!

When the pelicans aren’t being fed, Ian Dipple Lagoon offers a calm, wave-free swimming spot, ideal for little ones, and is sheltered by a large sandbank. Shower and toilet facilities along the shore make packing up a breeze. In the evening, the lagoon is floodlit, making it

an excellent spot for dinner-time fish and chips.

When getting ready for your beach adventure, here are some tips to keep in mind. Pack

plenty of water to stay hydrated. Bring sunscreen to protect your skin—consider using

a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, especially for kids. A beach umbrella

can provide shade when needed. Don’t forget some beach toys, a good book, or a frisbee

to keep the family entertained.

Parks & Picnics

Another delightful activity for families is enjoying a picnic in one of the Gold Coast’s

beautiful parks. Parks like Kurrawa Park and Broadwater Parklands offer ample green

space for children to play, fly kites, or enjoy the playground facilities.

A picnic allows family members to unwind and savor delicious food. Parents can

prepare lunch at home or grab takeout from nearby cafes, such as seafood from the

famous Harbour Town outlets. Pack a blanket, some fresh fruit, and consider including

a few card games or outdoor toys to engage everyone during your meal.

Kurrawa All Abilities Playground is arguably the most popular fully-fenced

playground on the Gold Coast—and it’s easy to see why! Spread across a vast area,

shaded by large trees and packed with exciting play features, it’s a dream come true for

kids. Start by exploring the slide hill—a giant hill you can climb or take a ramp up, then

race down on the slides. The metal slides are covered by shade sails to keep things cool.

Nearby, there’s a fantastic swing set that can accommodate up to five children at once.

Right next to the slide hill, you’ll find two flying foxes: a standard swinging seat and a fully harnessed one for those needing extra support. A basket swing and interactive panels

are also located here.

On the opposite side of the playground, discover the nautical-themed area, featuring a submarine and sandcastle tower—both fully wheelchair accessible. You’ll also find a

Sway Fun boat and a fully harnessed swing spinner here, making it a perfect space for toddlers through to primary schoolers. The playground includes a fully accessible toilet

block and multiple seating options throughout. While there are no picnic tables or

shelters inside the fenced area, there are plenty of picnic spots just outside the fence.

Bim’bimba Park, meaning "Place of the Soldier Bird," is located at the heart of

Gainsborough Greens in Pimpama and was awarded Queensland’s 2020 Best Park and Playground Design. This park offers a range of spaces for all ages, including a large amphitheatre, toddler play area, playground, teen hangout, and basketball court, all

connected by bike-friendly paths. Highlights include a metal music gong, animal

sculptures, and a spinning wheel.

The park’s layout encourages exploration, with plenty of spaces for imaginative play.

However, much of the equipment is focused on climbing, which may be challenging for toddlers, though there's a designated toddler space. For little climbers, this park is a

paradise, offering ample opportunities for climbing, balancing, and hanging.

Shade is provided by growing trees and sails over the toddler area and mega slide, but

it's best to visit outside peak midday sun. Picnic shelters and water taps are scattered

around, and while there's no on-site café, there is a sneaky McDonald's across the road

offering refreshments.

Frascott Park: Offers great value with two playgrounds, a dog park, open fields, and a bike-friendly pathway, making it a popular weekend spot. Despite the crowds, there's plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the park.

The newer Safari-themed playground near the Mattocks Rd entrance is the main attraction, featuring two play structures—one for older kids and one for toddlers. It’s a favorite for birthday parties, so it can get busy, but you can always bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the space. Highlights include a huge slide, flying fox, safari jeep, and elephant spotting for little ones.

The second, older playground near Yodelay

Street is quieter and more shaded, making it

ideal for younger children. It’s fully toddler-accessible, with bridges to climb, a slide,

merry-go-round, swing set, and spider net.

For dog lovers, there's also a dog agility

off-leash area, perfect for watching dogs play

while you relax.

Nature Walks

For families wanting to immerse themselves in nature, the Gold Coast boasts several trails showcasing the area's stunning landscapes and wildlife. Coombabah Conservation park being one of my favourite spots to visit. Also the Burleigh Head National Park, has scenic walks suitable for all fitness levels.

Make nature walks engaging for children by organizing fun activities. Challenge kids to find different leaf shapes, spot various bird species, or keep an eye out for unique insects. Bring along a camera to capture family moments or encourage the kids to maintain a nature journal, documenting their discoveries, a magnifying glass can be another fun nature activity.

Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area is home to 274 animal species, including seven listed as 'vulnerable' or 'near threatened,' such as the koala, powerful owl, and grey-headed flying-fox, plus 24 protected migratory bird species.

With various trails to choose from, the area is perfect for short or long walks, with flat tracks and boardwalks suitable for all fitness levels. It’s also ideal for bike riding or trail running. It’s a great spot for birdwatching or getting up close to native wildlife.

Take the Kangaroo Trail to see kangaroos grazing and socializing, or walk the Koala Trail for a chance to spot a koala in the trees. The Melaleuca Boardwalk Circuit offers a stunning experience through the wetlands.

There are plenty of shady spots for picnicking, but remember to bring your own water and picnic blanket, as there are no toilets or drinking water available. Note that dogs are not allowed in the area.

Burleigh Heads National Park: Explore a forest oasis in the heart of the Gold Coast on Burleigh Head National Park. This track skirts the rocky coastline from Tallebudgera Creek to the southern edge of the Burleigh Heads township. If little legs need a rest, take a seat at the viewing platform at The Cove.

Tell the kids to keep an eye out for the six-sided basalt columns, just like the ones Moana and Maui climb to get to the entrance of the Realm of Monsters (look closely next time you watch the movie!). With its calm waters, Echo Beach is the perfect spot to get your feet wet or build a sandcastle before heading back to the car.

Just keep in mind that the Oceanview walk can be closed for safety before, during and after extreme weather, so always check park alerts before you go.

Safety and Practical Tips

It’s essential to prioritize safety during your outdoor adventures. Wear comfortable shoes that suit walking on different terrains, whether sand or grass. Bring along necessities like a first-aid kit, insect repellent, and healthy snacks to keep everyone energized.

Before you head out, always check the weather forecast to avoid unpleasant surprises. While a cloudy day can still be enjoyable at the beach, sudden showers might interfere with plans.

So, gather your loved ones, pack your essentials, and prepare to uncover all the wonderful adventures that the Gold Coast has to offer. Exciting experiences await your family!