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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Hosanna Farmstay, Stokers Siding
Hosanna Farmstay is well loved by many families, with the 100-acre family and dog friendly campsite located in the hinterland of the Tweed Valley regularly booked out. But did you know that they also offer a great options for locals (especially those not too keen on camping!)? Day visitors are welcomed at Hosanna Farmstay and you get to join in on all the fun without camping requirement!
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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.
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Mount View Alpacas, Canungra
Looking for something unique to occupy the kids? Got out-of-town visitors and want to take a day trip? Or simply looking for a date night (well date day) option that’s a bit different to the usual? Mount View Alpacas is located at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard, filled with alpacas just itching to be hand fed, cuddled or walked.
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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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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!
