World Wildlife Day is celebrated in Australia on March 3rd, recognising the world's wild animals and plants, and to raising awareness of their importance. Here on the Gold Coast, we’re blessed to have incredible native plants and animals all around us, and plenty of amazing opportunities to get up close and personal. Here are 7 FREE ways to experience the Gold Coast’s native plants and animals in recognition of World Wildlife Day.
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Tweed Regional Museum, Murwillumbah
Tucked away in Murwillumbah you’ll find the Tweed Regional Museum which showcases the natural and social history of the Tweed area. This is a small but modern museum, filled with fun and engaging exhibits, including two permanent and one that changes seasonally. It’s FREE to visit, and a great spot to spend a morning with the kids.
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Coombabah Lakelands Conservation area
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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Where to swim on the Gold Coast
Suffering through another Gold Coast summer without a swimming pool at home? Don’t worry!! Aside from the obvious beaches, there are so many amazing options, whether it be swimming pools, splash zones or swimming enclosures. I’ve rounded up a great list of both paid and free options to keep your cool this summer!
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Alexander Clark Park, Loganholme
Alexander Clark Park at Loganholme is a huge parklands filled with recreational options. The Australian themed playground is the real highlight of this space and provides lots of fun for families.
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Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens
Tamborine Mountain Botanic Garden's family-friendly discovery trail, Sooty Owl’s Creekside trail will intrigue, surprise and educate children and adults alike.
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Reedy Care Op Shop, Cafe & Playground – Reedy Creek
Reedy Care Op Shop is more than just a second hand goods store - it's also a great little community spot with plenty on offer for families! Drop in for coffee & cake while the kids play in the playground, visit on a playgroup day to make new friends, or pick up a couple of bargain priced toys, clothes and books for yourself or the kids.
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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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Burleigh Op Shop & Coffee Kiosk
The Burleigh Op Shop is a great little spot to stop for a coffee and catch up with friends. While there are no bells and whistles here, you can get a great coffee, the playground is fenced, and it's a nice shady spot to sit and chat while the kids play!
