Top Rated Parks to Visit in Surfers Paradise

"The Broadwater Parklands is a massive recreational area running parallel to the coast. Best of all, it incorporates a range of different play areas to suit kids of all ages. The Rockpools playground forms part of the Broadwater Parklands and is best described as a water park that mimics its natural surroundings, offering a safe way to cool off on the Gold Coast for kids."

"Be sure to include Broadwater Parklands on your itinerary of activities on the Gold Coast. The recently opened Rockpools is a sculptural water playground featuring water fountains and marine-themed play equipment. There are also tidal rockpools and a creek bed to splash in."

"The David Fleay Wildlife Park offers a relatively inexpensive way to get your kids interested in the care, conservation and welfare of the wildlife commonly found on the Gold Coast and further afield in Australia. As an education-focused heritage-listed park, it offers a quieter, more easily accessible alternative to some of the bigger parks in the area, especially if you’re pushing a pram. Click here for their website."

"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."

"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."

"The scenic view of rugged rocks, the calm pool of water and the beautiful forest all add together to make Currumbin Rock Pools an idyllic location for your family and friends. Located just a short 15 minutes drive from..."

"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."

"by Anastasia | Jan 3, 2018 | Playgrounds + Parks, Top 10 Playgrounds. The All Abilities Playground at Kurruwa in Broadbeach is one of our city's best playgrounds for all ages. It is fully enclosed and filled with excellent play equipment including two giant slides, climbing nets, flying fox, giant web swing, submarine, water and sand..."

"Broadbeach is home to one of the Gold Coast’s most unique playgrounds. Kurrawa focuses on catering towards children of all abilities, designed in tandem with Disability Services Queensland. Everything is bright and interactive, purposefully built to stimulate the minds’ of all children, no matter their age or ability."

"Kurrawa All Abilities Playground is an epic beachside kids park with guaranteed hours of fun for all ages and abilities"

"Distance: 54km Hike time: 3-5 daysThis one’s the big daddy of them all – that’s why they call it the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. Lace up your hiking boots on and prepare your leg muscles for a challenge. You’ll embark on a 54km hike along the rim of an ancient volcano through the most extensive areas of sub-tropical rainforest left on Planet Earth (and as biology buffs will tell you, what little is left of Australia’s remaining Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest too)."

"Energy-boosting nibbles and plenty of water.Sunscreen and a hat.Bandaids and basic first-aid supplies.Camera or GoPro to capture your adventure.Swimsuits if there is a spot to take a dip.Raincoat or waterproof jacket, just in case.Mobile phone (although you might be out of range in many places). Disclosure: The writer loves visiting the Gold Coast’s National Parks, especially in winter when it’s too cold to go swimming. Looking for some Gold Coast accommodation?"

"The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a great tourist attraction for bushwalkers to the Gold Coast Hinterland. This area is famous for challenging hiking activities, bird watching and wildlife observation."

"The parklands at palm beach have ‘family-day-out’ written all over it. The outdoor space combines a playground, swimming spot, barbecue areas and walking tracks, all at the heart of the Gold Coast. The Pirate Treasure Island playground is a favourite amongst the kids, known for its half sunken sailing ship and giant slide."

"This tucked away expanse of parkland on the cusp of Currumbin Creek is like the Gold Coast's very own pirate cove"

"Albert Waterways Park, 61 Sunshine Boulevarde, Mermaid Waters 4218. Large parkland area with a playground located behind the Albert Waterways Community Centre and Broadbeach Library. Tagged as : , Parks & gardens"

"Hailed as one of the very best parks on the Gold Coast for kids, this park has a riot of brightly coloured equipment for kids of all ages. The pirate ship and pedal-powered monorail circling the playground is sure to get your kids excited, outdoors and active."

"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!)."

"The gelato is made in-house with love, and you’ll go weak at the knees for their 40 different flavours. While they’re renowned for their salted caramel with white chocolate chip gelato, other flavours you might like to try to include pear and rhubarb, salted coconut and mango salsa, apple pie, and mint choc chip made with fresh mint leaves. Always check out the specials board too where you’ll find five new flavours every week, like DR. Evil – chocolate gelato with peanut butter cookies and dulce de leche."

"No list of frozen treats anywhere is complete without Messina, so it’s only to be expected that the gelato gods would make ours. With new flavours every week that always get our jaws dropping in astonishment, we just wish they’d hurry up and open their South Brisbane store. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!"

"Don’t you dare think about visiting the southern end of the Gold Coast without putting a visit to Gelato Messina on your itinerary. I simply won’t have it!. Proclaiming themselves the makers of Australia’s best gelato, I have to whole-heartedly agree with the Messina team."

"South East Queensland’s second location for the breakthrough dessert bar and the ultimate venue to treat yo’ self, Cowch certainly knows what they’re talking about when it comes to ice cream. To construct your creamy masterpiece, you’ll need to choose one, two or three scoops (from flavours such as crunchy peanut butter and caramelised condensed milk) and then pick one (or as many as you like) of their tasty toppings. Who says you can’t put a price on happiness?"

"Double down on the decadence at Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar in Broadbeach. This vibrant venue features bright pops of neon, comfy banquette seating where you can relax with a whole posse of friends and a menu to make your mouth water. Dessert pizzas and sundae bowls can be customised to your taste and the cheese board is an excellent option if you’re not such a sweet tooth."

"Cowch Dessert Bar in Pacific Fair is an absolute must for those with a sweet tooth. With its visually unique interior and sickeningly-sweet menu, you’ll be coming back for more at Cowch. Try out local favourites such as the toasted waffle sandwich, cheat day pancakes or fruit tingle crepes."

"The newest member on the Gold Coast spa circuit, Soak Bathhouse opened in the seaside hub of Mermaid Beach earlier this year and is designed as an urban bathhouse that promotes recovery, nutrition, movement and connection. More than a spa; it’s a hybrid wellness destination that also moonlights as a co-working space for those who like to mix work with pleasure. Start with a simple soak session ($49 for 90 minutes) in the communal mineral baths, dip in and out of the hot spas and cold plunge pools, sweat it out in the sauna and steam room, or limber up with a yoga class in the custom-built Flowhouse studio."

"Aaronlee Retreat is located on the top of Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast Hinterland, with amazing views of the Gold Coast and surrounding mountains. It offers rooms with a kitchen or kitchenette..."

"Forget bringing yourself down to earth – let the Q1 Spa take you sky high at this destination spa experience. With tranquillity and relaxation in mind, this modern and luxurious space hosts eight treatment suites and is filled with lush greenery and natural finishes. After your treatment, take in breath-taking views at the Q1 SkyPoint Observation Deck."

"Discover these spa Gold Coast experiences and more with the RedBalloon range of spa and wellness packages. Whether you’re after massages and facials or beauty treatments and fitness packages, you’ll find the best packages for you on RedBalloon."

"If you are after a day of wine tasting, sightseeing and relaxed dining on Mt Tamborine, then Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery Restaurant is the place for you. Soak up the crisp air, admire stunnin... "So many delicious seafood choices"

"If you are after a day of wine tasting, sightseeing and relaxed dining on Mt Tamborine, then Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery Restaurant is the place for you. Soak up the crisp air, admire stunnin..."