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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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!
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Green Frog Hollow Cafe, Logan Village
Are you looking for a new Sunday drive destination for the family?? I've found just the spot! Green Frog Hollow Cafe keeps the whole family happy, with great food and drink, live music (in the barn, on the back of an original Bedford truck!), space to run and an abundance of water dragons to excite the kids! What are you waiting for, let's go!
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Shark and Ray Gardens
Ever wanted to get up close and personal with a shark or stingray? Hidden away just north of the Gold Coast is a place where dreams come true for those obsessed with all things sharks and marine life! Providing a very unique experience, your visit to the Shark and Ray Gardens is guaranteed to be both educational and fun!
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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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O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards & Mount View Alpacas
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 option that’s a bit different to the usual? O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards has you covered! Enjoy a wine tasting at the Cellar Door, dine overlooking the grape vines, or pre-order a gourmet picnic hamper to enjoy beside Canungra Creek, the options are endless. But the latest addition to the property which differentiates them from every other vineyard around is the chance to hang with your very own alpaca!!
