The Coombabah Lakelands Conservation area protects 1200 hectares of wetlands and eucalypt forest, right in the middle of the northern Gold Coast suburbs. Visit in the late afternoon to see grassy open fields bathed in golden sunlight and hundreds of kangaroos grazing on the grass!
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Daisy Hill State Forest & Koala Centre
Daisy Hill State Forest and Koala Centre is a fabulous, free centre that you can visit to learn more about our endangered koalas. Packed with interactive displays, here you can learn about what they eat, where they live, their social aspects and also how we can care for them. Situated within the Daisy Hill State Forest, this is a great spot for a picnic with friends - visit the koala centre, ride your bike, play in the bush, and enjoy time in nature.
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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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David Fleay Wildlife Park, Burleigh Heads
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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Summer Land Camels, Harrisville
Summer Land Camels is Australia's largest wild camel training centre and dairy operation, located in the Scenic Rim, just 80 minutes from the Gold Coast. Here you can feed and pat the camels, take a Camel Ride and do a Farm Tour too.
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The Farm Byron Bay
The Farm Byron Bay is one of those spots that has everything, and can easily keep you occupied for a few hours when you visit. With a working farm, playground, plant nursery, sustainable market garden, restaurant, bakery, gelato stall and florist, there is plenty here to explore.
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Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Byron Bay
Formerly known as the Macadamia Castle, the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary It's now owned and operated by the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, a not for profit who invest every dollar spent at the Sanctuary into conservation, rehabilitation and the future of Australian wildlife. Here you'll find a range of animals, from kangaroos and koalas, to farmyard goats, a bird aviary, a baby chick house and a reptile display.
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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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Marine Discovery Centre, Hastings Point
The Marine Discovery Centre is located within the North Star Holiday Resort complex at Hastings Point, and is one of Australia’s largest, privately funded museums. It has world class marine and coastal science displays focused on the local Hastings Point ecosystem, and you have the opportunity to get hands on with rockpool inhabitants.
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Towri Sheep Cheese Farm, Allenview
Towri Sheep Cheese Farm is a hidden gem, located in the Scenic Rim at Allenview, only a one-hour drive from the northern Gold Coast. Here you'll find a boutique sheep dairy, with interactive milking demonstrations, farmer talks, sheep feeding, a coffee van and cafe, as well as live music and a beautiful atmosphere in the garden perfect for a relaxing family picnic.
