Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Gold Coast

"At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you can take part in the lorikeet feeding and meet some of Australia’s birds. There’s also a daily Aboriginal Culture Show plus interactive keeper presentations. Children will love being able to hold a koala and hand-feed the kangaroos."

"Sea World is the top pick for animal lovers and younger families. As well as seeing polar bears, the world's largest man-made shark lagoon, getting up close with playful seals and getting hands-on at Ray Reef, there's also plenty of rides and entertainment for families that will appeal to pre-tweens. At Nickelodeon Land, there are kid-sized rides including a mini rollercoaster, and meet-and-greets with all your favourite characters, plus live Ninja Turtle and Dora the Explorer shows, and Castaway Bay, a giant, interactive water playground!"

"Sea World on the Gold Coast is the largest marine park in Australia. Young and old alike will enjoy the exhibits and busy agenda of shows here, with favorites like performing dolphins, sea lions, and Jet-Ski stunts. Other highlights include the polar bears, penguin feeding presentation, as well as the tropical fish, shark, and ray exhibits."

"The Gold Coast is home to an amazing marine animal park known as Sea World. With hundreds of marine animals, live shows and aquariums, Sea World is a wonderful choice for a day out on the Gold Coast. In addition to its..."

"Escape the summer heat and crowds and retreat into cool rainforest at Burleigh Head National Park. Venture to the top of the headland and discover hexagonal-shaped basalt columns which are remnants of the ancient Tweed Valley lava flow. Wander the rocky coastal headland path where stunning Pacific Ocean views peek out from behind pandanus groves or walk to Tumgun lookout where you can spot humpback whales frolicking in sparkling waters during winter and spring."

"Burleigh Heads National Park is a natural forested headland in the heart of the Gold Coast. Its northern side has a famous surf break. If you walk around to the south side to Tullebudgera Creek, you can swim in the calm crystal clear waters."

"The Gold Coast is home to many beautiful national parks and forests. Burleigh Heads National Park is one such park where the forest meets the sea. Burleigh Heads National Park has been formed where volcanic columns..."

"You almost feel like you’re out in the wild yourself when you stroll through the natural habitats of this wildlife park with a difference. Their philosophy is that animals should be kept in similar conditions to their natural environment, so take your time spotting Queensland’s native animals as they roam around loving life in their naturalistic enclosures."

"Also located in Burleigh Heads, is David Fleay Wildlife Park. Dedicated to showcasing Queensland native species, you can have a chat with one of the dedicated wildlife rangers or choose to explore the park at your own pace. It’s also the only place you’ll see the brindled nailtail wallaby thought to be extinct for over 30 years!"

"Tallebudgera Creek Boardwalk Jodie Bray © Queensland Government. Venture along raised boardwalks through mangrove forests with abundant birdlife. Keep all your senses on high alert—you never know what you might see, smell or hear!"

"Drive 15 minutes west of the highway, from Coolangatta, and you’ll find yourself at the Currumbin Rock Pools. Just one of the awesome swimming holes in this area, you’ll feel like you’re far, far away from the gorgeous Gold Coast. The water can be a bit chilly, but it’s lovely when you finally get in."

"Located in the beautiful Currumbin Valley, Currumbin Rock Pools has everything you need for a great family day out. There is plenty of shade, ample picnic tables, and best of all, the rockpools!. Test your bravery and climb the rocks, but be careful not to jump into the water from too high!"

"Currumbin Rock Pools are a 15-minute drive from Currumbin Beach. The drive is beautiful. Currumbin Creek Road follows the creek inland through the lovely Currumbin Valley."

"We are lucky enough, along with New Zealand, to be the only place in the world to find glow worms!. You can take a guided tour around the glow worm caves of Mount Tamborine to discover the amazing formations these little critters can create. By booking a tour you are contributing to the conservation of these rare and wonderful creatures."

"Glow Worm Caves on Tamborine Mountain are a popular attraction in the Gold Coast Hinterland and is located just 40kms west of Surfers Paradise. The Glow Worm Caves are a unique attraction with stalactites, water..."

"Explore the world of bioluminescence at the Glow Worm Caves, located just 40 minutes from the Gold Coast on beautiful Tamborine Mountain."

"If your kids want to try their hands at catch and release fishing, then a day trip to Ecopark will be a perfect outing for them. Ecopark also offers farm stay experiences and camp outs, as well as facilities suitable for conferences and birthday parties. Check their website here."

"Escape the summer heat and crowds and retreat into cool rainforest at Burleigh Head National Park. Venture to the top of the headland and discover hexagonal-shaped basalt columns which are remnants of the ancient Tweed Valley lava flow. Wander the rocky coastal headland path where stunning Pacific Ocean views peek out from behind pandanus groves or walk to Tumgun lookout where you can spot humpback whales frolicking in sparkling waters during winter and spring."

"Burleigh Heads National Park is a natural forested headland in the heart of the Gold Coast. Its northern side has a famous surf break. If you walk around to the south side to Tullebudgera Creek, you can swim in the calm crystal clear waters."

"The Gold Coast is home to many beautiful national parks and forests. Burleigh Heads National Park is one such park where the forest meets the sea. Burleigh Heads National Park has been formed where volcanic columns..."

"One of the most well known beaches in Queensland, Surfers Paradise beach is right in the centre of the city. Gold Coast Beaches Australia. It’s fantastic location puts it within a stones throw from trendy bars, restaurants and cafes, weekend markets and surf shops, and it’s spectacular views and golden sand make it one of the most photographed beaches in Australia."

"Easily the best beach on the Gold Coast, come here for great waves and beautiful scenery. Best beaches in the Gold Coast. A great family beach with plenty of room for locals and tourists alike, facilities include parking, lifeguards, coffee shops, and is perfect for those wanting to get away from the main tourist strip of the Gold Coast."

"Burleigh Heads is one of the best bodyboarding, swimming and surfing beaches in the Gold Coast. The landscape is dotted by the majestic pine cone trees, known as the Norfolk Island Pines. Several barbecues and cricket matches are regularly held at the headlands of the Burleigh Heads suburb."

"In my opinion, if we speak about wonderful places in Gold Coast, which is a coastal city, we should start with its Burleigh Heads Beach. Its beauty does not need any evidence or description. Probably people who visit there, or see its photo anywhere will agree with me."

"Gelatissimo might be a chain but that doesn’t mean their ice cream and gelato isn’t made with love and creative flair. Themes are all the range at Gelatissimo, and celebratory flavours have included Vegemite for Australia Day and Liquorice Scream for Halloween. They’ve also teamed up with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in the past to create an animal series complete with zebra, snake, giraffe, clownfish and leopard-flavoured scoops."

"If you don’t feel like a whole meal, we found this amazing deal for one ice-cream for only $4. You can get it right here"

"Positioned on popular foodie strip James St, Scoop offers a staggering 37 unique and refreshing flavours for locals and tourists to enjoy (we’re talking Ferrero Rocher, strawberries and cream, and musk just to name a few). Another locally owned and family-run business, it provides an appetising and irresistible option for dessert or really, for any time of the day (who are we kidding? We’re always screaming for ice cream!)."

"Luring Hope Island locals in with waterfront dining and an indulgent menu of fresh, sustainably caught seafood and beef, selected from some of the finest suppliers in the country; Blue Water Grill off..."

"As the Gold Coast is one of the most visited Australian coastal cities, it makes sense that one of the most famous restaurants in the world would make the Gold Coast its home. Nestled in the vibrant Surfers Paradise..."