Looking for something a little different to do with the kids? There are some wonderful places around the Gold Coast and nearby where children can learn about local wildlife, explore the natural environment and discover more about the world around them.
From getting up close with koalas and learning about marine life to exploring interactive nature displays and discovering the cultural significance of our local landscape, these nature discovery centres offer a great mix of education and adventure.
Best of all, most are completely free to visit, or at a minimal cost, making them a great option for families looking for an affordable day out.
Marine Discovery Centre, Hastings Point
Located within North Star Holiday Resort at Hastings Point, just south of the Gold Coast, the Marine Discovery Centre is a fascinating place to explore the underwater world and learn more about our local marine environment.
The centre features interactive digital displays, marine artefacts and exhibits exploring the coastal ecosystems of the Hastings Point area. There is plenty for curious little minds to investigate, including a submarine-style diving simulator, where children can steer their way through an underwater adventure.
Visits also include an engaging presentation with one of the centre’s eco-guides. Depending on the session, children can look at marine creatures under a microscope and get hands-on with some of the inhabitants of local rockpools, including sea stars, sea cucumbers and sea urchins.
It’s a particularly great experience for children who enjoy asking questions, touching things and learning about the creatures that live beneath the surface. I’d also recommend combining your visit with a trip down to Hastings Point creek and headland to explore the coastline in person.
Location: North Star Holiday Resort, 1 Tweed Coast Road, Hastings Point NSW
Cost: $13 adults, $9 children (3–12 years), or $39 for a family of four.
Opening: General public sessions are held on Saturdays from 10am–12pm, with additional sessions during school holidays. Bookings are available online.
Read more about our visit to Marine Discovery Centre
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Burleigh Heads
Set at the base of Burleigh Headland, alongside Tallebudgera Creek, Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre offers families an opportunity to discover more about the traditional custodians of the Gold Coast and the cultural significance of the landscape around us.
Owned and operated by the local Aboriginal community, the centre shares the history, culture and connection to Country of the Yugambeh-speaking people.
Inside, visitors can browse the art gallery, see traditional artefacts and learn more about Aboriginal culture through the informative displays. There is also a gift shop featuring locally designed and handcrafted items, along with coffee and ice cream.
For families wanting a more hands-on experience, keep an eye out for the Little Explorers school holiday program. Designed for children aged approximately 5–12 years, these sessions combine an Aboriginal art workshop with a guided walk around Burleigh Headland. Children learn about traditional painting symbols and their meanings before creating their own artwork to take home.
The guided walk takes families through parts of Burleigh Head National Park and along Tallebudgera Creek, stopping at significant sites to hear local history and Dreaming stories.
It’s a wonderful way to help children see a familiar part of the Gold Coast through a different lens and learn more about the people and culture connected to this place.
Location: 1711 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Cost: Free entry to the cultural centre, art gallery and gift shop. Guided tours and holiday programs have separate fees.
Opening: Monday–Saturday 9am–4pm, Sunday 9am–1pm. Closed on Queensland public holidays.
Read more about our visit to Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre & Nature Play
Just north of the Gold Coast, Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre is a wonderful combination of interactive learning and outdoor nature play.
Located within one of Brisbane’s largest bushland reserves, the centre introduces visitors to the local forest environment and the animals that call it home, including squirrel gliders, greater gliders and green-thighed frogs.
Inside, children can explore a range of interactive displays, starting with a rainforest-inspired entrance and a floor projection of a frog habitat. There is also a virtual reality experience offering a bird’s-eye view of the forest, and an immersive audiovisual room that recreates the sights and sounds of the forest at night.
You’ll find plenty of things for younger children too, including native animal soft toys, books, bean bags, craft activities and interactive exhibits.
Once you’ve finished exploring indoors, head outside to Queensland’s first nature play space. This is where children can really get hands-on with the environment, with water play, sandy streams, climbing features, wooden cubbies and animal sculptures hidden throughout the play area.
Rather than traditional swings and slides, the space encourages imaginative play. Children can build cubbies, splash in the water, climb over logs and search for hidden creatures.
There are also walking tracks throughout the forest, along with picnic tables and free electric barbecues, making it easy to turn your visit into a full day out.
Location: 149 Acacia Road, Karawatha
Cost: Free entry.
Opening: Tuesday–Sunday, 9am–4pm. Closed Mondays.
Read more about Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre and Nature Play
Daisy Hill Koala Centre & State Forest
If your children love koalas, Daisy Hill Koala Centre is well worth a visit. Located within Daisy Hill Conservation Park, just north of the Gold Coast, this free centre is dedicated to educating visitors about koalas and the conservation work being done to protect them.
The centre features a large outdoor koala enclosure, where you can observe the resident koalas from viewing areas. Inside, you’ll find interactive displays covering everything from the koala life cycle and their diet to their social behaviours and the threats facing wild populations.
Children can get involved with hands-on activities, including a pretend koala hospital where they can care for toy koalas, activity stations and short films in the Woodland Theatre.
There are also regular Wildlife Ranger talks at 11am and 2pm, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about koalas, their conservation and how we can help protect them.
Once you’ve finished at the centre, take some time to explore the surrounding State Forest. There are walking tracks, nature play opportunities and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic. Keep your eyes open for wallabies and other native wildlife along the way!
With accessible pathways, picnic tables, barbecues and toilet facilities, Daisy Hill is an easy outing to enjoy with children of different ages.
Location: 253 Daisy Hill Road, Daisy Hill
Cost: Free entry.
Opening: Daily, 10am–4pm, excluding Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. Ranger talks at 11am and 2pm.
Read more about Daisy Hill Koala Centre and State Forest
Hinze Dam Visitor Centre, Advancetown
For a different kind of discovery experience, head into the Gold Coast hinterland to Hinze Dam. While best known as one of the Gold Coast’s main water supplies, there is plenty to explore here beyond the impressive views.
The Visitor Information Centre is a great starting point, with displays explaining how the dam works, how water is collected and supplied to the Gold Coast, and a little about the history of Advancetown and the construction of the dam.
Children can explore an interactive display that takes them through the dam process, helping them understand where our water comes from and how this important piece of infrastructure operates.
After exploring the information centre, take a walk across the dam wall to appreciate its scale and the surrounding hinterland views. There are also walking and cycling trails, fishing areas and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic.
For families with younger children, make sure you head down to the day-use area, where you’ll find a playground, picnic tables, barbecues and toilets. There is also the View Café at the top of the dam, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water.
Hinze Dam is a lovely option for a slower-paced family outing, with a little learning, fresh air and some beautiful scenery along the way.
Location: 100–120 Advancetown Road, Advancetown
Cost: Free entry to the dam, visitor centre and recreational areas. Café purchases are additional.
Opening: Dam grounds open daily, 6am–6pm. Check Seqwater for current Visitor Centre and café hours.
