Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, David Fleay’s is a small wildlife park with a difference! Check out the Nocturnal House, koalas, various species of wallabies, cassowaries, dingoes, emus and kangaroos. There are reptile shows and animal feedings to watch as well. The mangrove boardwalk is a great pram friendly stroll too.
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Gold Coast Butterflies Butterfly House
Little minds are mesmerised by brightly coloured, tiny fluttering wings, so what better place for a little outing than the Gold Coast Butterflies Butterfly House!? At the Gold Coast Butterfly House you can spend time learning about the plants that provide natural habitats for butterflies and caterpillars, wander around the greenhouse spotting butterflies and even get up close and personal with the different life stages of the butterfly – egg, larva, pupa and adult.
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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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Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
The Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm caves are a great opportunity for the family to get up close and personal with thousands of tiny little glow worms! Usually only seen at night, their purpose built sanctuary on Tamborine Mountain means you can support glow worm conservation and see them during day light hours.
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush, 27-hectare outdoor space connecting wildlife and nature with the community. There is so much to see and do: Cuddle a koala, pat a kangaroo or book a hospital tour - whether paid or free, there are so many opportunities to interact with the animals and see the Sanctuary in action up close. Don't miss the Extinction Trail where you can get up close with dinosaurs, and the Wild Island water park and playground!
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Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast
Planning a trip to Australia Zoo? I've summarised some top tips that will help to make your visit with toddlers, so much more enjoyable!
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Gold Coast Motor Museum & Stanley’s Barn, Upper Coomera
You don't need to be a car lover to appreciate the Gold Coast Motor Museum - anyone who enjoys a great view, history and an incredible meal will feel right at home here! Next door to the museum, you'll find Stanley’s Barn - where an award-winning chef prepares culinary treats for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Very family friendly, the restaurant is set beside a huge lawn - be sure to request a table on the patio! The kids can run around on the grass and visit a few farm animals during your visit.
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The Barn, Mudgeeraba
The Barn at Mudgeeraba is one of the best Italian dining options, that caters to families and has an idyllic setting in the foothills of Springbrook. You'll find a welcoming little barn that has been transformed into a restaurant, with a huge outdoor deck and beer garden that feels like you are sitting in the bush. The best part for those looking for a kid-friendly venue? The animal pen!!!
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Harley Park & Ian Dipple Lagoon, Labrador
Harley Park is located on the Broadwater at Labrador, and is a bustling hive of activity any day of the week. With a swimming lagoon, pelicans, picnic facilities and two playgrounds, this is a very popular family destination.
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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!
