HOTA is the Gold Coast’s home for all things creative! Formally known as Home of the Arts, HOTA is a cultural precinct bringing people together. Here you can experience shows in the theatres, performances on the outdoor stage, exhibitions in the Gallery, immersive events, workshops and more. With heaps of family events on offer, every day is a great day to visit the HOTA precinct.
If the arts aren’t your thing, the parklands around HOTA are hugely popular. Whether you’re visiting the Farmers Market each Sunday, swimming in Evandale Lake, playing on the playground or relaxing with a picnic under the trees by the river, you’re bound to enjoy a day out at HOTA.
We started at the Outdoor Stage, which is located in the middle of the Precinct. If you’re lucky you’ll catch a live performance, otherwise head towards the toilet blocks located to the left of the stage. Just before you reach them, you’ll find a little rock path leading up a really steep incline – this is your chance to climb the gardens that cover the top of the Outdoor Stage! The views at the top are fabulous, and it only takes about 10 minutes to do the return walk and take in the views.
Once you reach the bottom of the walk on the otherside, stroll along the waterfront towards Evandale Lake. If the weather is in your favour you can go for a swim, otherwise you might like to have a play on the sand. There are showers for rinsing off, toilets nearby and large permanent umbrellas and heaps of trees to sit down and watch. Here you’ll also find a fenced playground, best suited for children 4 and up. It’s shade covered and perfect for burning a little more energy. If you wanted to make a day of your visit, from here you could walk across the Blue Bridge to Chevron Island and do some shopping or grab a bite to eat, or jump on the Hoppo Ferry at the HOTA ferry stop.
We took a walk back to the HOTA Gallery to check out the latest exhibits and the Children’s Gallery. Free to visit (some temporary and special exhibits may have an entrance fee), we spent about an hour here. There are heaps of activities for the kids to do in the Children’s Gallery, and we even chanced a walk through the main Gallery (keeping a tight hold on our 3yo’s hand!). Afterwards we jumped in the lift and headed to the top floor where we took in views of Surfers Paradise and the HOTA Precinct. There are cafes and restaurants here too if you wish to have something to eat. We headed over to the Lawn Bar at the Performing Arts Centre where you can grab light meals and drinks.
There’s so much to do at HOTA Precinct and it’s extremely family friendly. It’s a beautiful spot to spend a sunny day in the great outdoors. Be sure to check it out over school holidays too, as there are often free children’s workshops and performances on.
Need to know:
- Website: https://hota.com.au/
- Facilities: toilets, cafes, swimming, fenced playground, picnic area, Art Gallery, Performing Arts Centre
- Address: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
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