Looking for affordable things to do with the kids? Discover five nature discovery centres on the Gold Coast and nearby, where little explorers can learn about marine life, koalas, Aboriginal culture, local wildlife and the natural environment. With four free experiences and one low-cost option, these are lovely family outings that combine a little learning with plenty of exploring.
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Jabiru Island Park & Phil Hill Environmental Reserve, Paradise Point
Jabiru Island Park and Phil Hill Environmental Park is a great place for a family outing that is all about getting back outdoors. Come prepared to get wet and sandy, pack your lunch and bring the bikes. There is so much to explore!
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Hinze Dam Visitor Centre & View Cafe
While Hinze Dam is best known as the Gold Coast’s water supply, many are surprised when they visit and take in its stunning hinterland setting, with onsite View Café taking prime position to capture the breathtaking vistas. Add to this the state of the art information centre, dam wall walk, picnic grounds, pathways, fishing coves and mountain bike trails, and you’ve got yourself a great spot for locals and tourists.
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Turnock Park, Chinderah
A lovely riverside playground in Chinderah with plenty to discover! Turnock Park has themed play equipment for ages 2–13, nature play, climbing, slides and hidden surprises, plus picnic shelters, BBQ facilities and toilets. And with Cubby Bakehouse right across the road, it’s an easy spot to pair with something to eat.
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SEALIFE Sunshine Coast
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is home to sharks, rays, penguins, seals and plenty of underwater exhibits, with an ocean tunnel, animal presentations, sensory room and indoor playground to explore.
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SparkLab, Queensland Museum
SparkLab at Queensland Museum is a hands-on science experience where kids can experiment, build, test and make things for themselves. With more than 40 interactive exhibits covering everything from light and sound to movement, water and air, it’s a fun addition to a day at the museum.
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The Historic Rivermill
Spend a family day at Historic Rivermill, where you can feed the turtles, meet the animals, explore the playground and enjoy horse riding beside the river. Add a picnic beneath the trees or lunch on the restaurant deck, and make a day of this relaxed riverside family experience.
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Boomerang Hills Putt Putt, Mudgeeraba
18 holes of putt putt, lush Hinterland scenery and a little friendly competition — Boomerang Hills in Mudgeeraba is a fun family day out, with breakfast and lunch available onsite to make a morning of it.
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Paradise Point Parklands Playground
Paradise Point Parklands is home to a fantastic playground with a huge climbing tower, slides, toddler play, an in-ground trampoline, balancing challenges and plenty of imaginative and discovery-based play — all set amongst leafy, shaded parklands.
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Summerland Farm, Alstonville
Spend a day at Summerland Farm in Alstonville, where kids can explore the Adventure Park, cool off in the water play area, meet the farm animals and hop aboard a tractor for a tour of the working farm. Add in delicious local produce, a beautiful farm setting and plenty of space to explore, and you've got a lovely family day out in the Northern Rivers.
