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Gold Coast boredom busters: 100 things to do on the Coast when it seems like you’ve done it all

SEEMS like you’ve done everything there is to do on the Gold Coast? Don’t worry, we have you covered with these 100 ideas.

Currumbin Surf Museum curator Mal Sutherland is proud of his creation.
Currumbin Surf Museum curator Mal Sutherland is proud of his creation.

HOLIDAYS are at an end but our list of 100 activities is great for any time on the Gold Coast.

We’ve done the legwork for you, all you have to do is try some of these great things out.

 101 THINGS TO DO ON THE GOLD COAST 2017

INFINITY

Challenge your senses and ignite your imagination — Infinity in Surfers Paradise is a fun house of wonder and intrigue that will have all the family entertained.

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Surfers Paradise is a self-guided adventure where you come face to face with relics and rare treasures from around the world. With almost 9,000sqm to explore, you will discover 350 genuine artefacts, amazing stories of history and adventure, magic, mystery, illusions, fun interactive games, life-size figurines of unusual characters who actually lived and unbelievable movies.

Ripleys' Believe it or Not is great fun for the family.
Ripleys' Believe it or Not is great fun for the family.

TOOLOONA CREEK CIRCUIT

The Tooloona Creek circuit at Canungra combines the very best that Lamington National Park has to offer. Scenic waterfalls, boulder-strewn creeks, tall rainforests, gnarled Antarctic beech trees, views over Byron Bay and the World-Heritage listed rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales.

Q1

Enjoy 360 degree views of the surrounding coast at SkyPoint Observation Deck where you can indulge in meals and drinks at The Seventy 7 Cafe and Bar. If you’re feeling brave you can do the SkyPoint Climb, a 90 minute climb of the Q1 Tower, which is 270m tall and Australia’s highest external building climb, to experience amazing views from the beaches to the hinterland.

BONGOS AT BURLEIGH

A perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the family on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Located right in the centre of Justin’s Park, Bongos at Burleigh is a festive atmosphere filled with people singing, dancing and jamming. It starts at 5pm every Sunday and is only cancelled due to bad weather. The Bongo Beat is put on by the community for the community.

STAND UP PADDLING

Undoubtedly the city’s renowned favourite activity, if you haven’t been stand up paddling these holidays, put it on the list. It will occupy the kids (and parents) all day and is inexpensive. Tallebudgera Creek is a hotspot with crystal clear waters, flat conditions and lifesavers in the area.

FLIP OUT TWEED HEADS

Flip Out, Australia’s largest trampoline arena, has ninja classes for those who want to flip, twist, and move like a real ninja. With child development in mind, the class aims to train balance, co-ordination, agility, left and right motor receptors helping the child react faster to prevent accidents. Or you can visit for fun.

PURLING BROOK FALLS

The little creek known as Purling Brook, peacefully winds its way under roads and over rocks before finding itself in a terrifying 100m drop off the mountain, into the valley below. The Purling Brook Falls are situated within the central section of Springbrook National Park as part of the Shield Volcano Group, at Springbrook which is part of the Gold Coast hinterland, southwest of Surfers Paradise.

Purling Brook Falls at Springbrook. Pics Adam Head
Purling Brook Falls at Springbrook. Pics Adam Head

CRAZY CANDLES CANDLE MAKING

Build your own colourful candle and watch the delight in your eyes as it’s sculpted into a special shape or character. Or you make your very own colourful Wax Hands. For a fantastic keepsake, your Wax Hands will be placed on a base. crazycandles.com.au

DOUGHNUT FILLINGS

Create your own delicious masterpiece at Blackboard Coffee, where you can fill your own doughnut with salted caramel filling. Blackboard has also been tipped as one of the best coffee hot spots on the Gold Coast.

CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

It’s been around forever and there’s a reason why. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a Gold Coast institution. Experience Australian wildlife by feeding kangaroos and cuddling koalas. There are bird shows, sheep shearings, Aboriginal performances and treetop ropes courses.

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Hospital has welcomed two little baby echidnas. Picture by Scott Fletcher
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Hospital has welcomed two little baby echidnas. Picture by Scott Fletcher

ADRENALIN PARK SURFERS PARADISE

If you can’t afford to keep visiting theme parks but the kids need a bit of an adrenalin pump, visit the Adrenalin Park in Surfers Paradise for amusement and thrill rides like the Vomatron and the Sling Shot. Inexpensive rides that will have the kids laughing for hours.

THUNDERBIRD PARK

There’s another cheap theme park that is a little hidden spot in the Tamborine Mountain. The Thunderbird Park offers high ropes courses with phenomenal views, a number of attractions, and you can even camp there overnight.

SNORKELLING HOTSPOT

Palm Beach Reef is a series of rocky ridges and gullies covered with extensive hard and soft coral growth, anemones, ascidians and sponges. Commencing at a depth of 24 metres it spreads over a large area up to the 8 metre bottom depth. In some areas the top of the reef is only 5 metres from the surface.

7D CINEMA SURFERS PARADISE

If the kids have hit up movie cinemas one too many times, check out the newly established 7D cinema in Surfers Paradise. Watch a movie with interactive 3D glasses while experiencing over seven different special effects on a platform that moves accordingly with the movie at 7D Virtual Reality Cinema.

HOT AIR BALLOON

Ditch the typical restaurant date and relight the flame with a romantic hot air balloon ride. Float over the majestic Gold Coast hinterland with a glass of wine and your significant other. Book through Hot Air Gold Coast.

The view of the Gold Coast from a hot-air balloon. Photo: Dean Johnson
The view of the Gold Coast from a hot-air balloon. Photo: Dean Johnson

OUTDOOR GOKARTING

This European style indoor centre features a massive 50m cross over bridge, tunnels, esses and sweepers. Sideways Go Karting Gold Coast promises to occupy the family with the ultimate racing buzz. Located just 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise, Slideways Go Karting Gold Coast is located just off the M1 Motorway at Nerang.

CURRUMBIN ROCK POOLS

A local’s secret in the Currumbin Valley, the Currumbin Rock Pools is nestled a fair distance away and tourists know nothing about it. Plunging waterfalls, rock slides, grass areas and massive pools to swim in, this spot is nature at it’s finest. The best part? It’s totally free.

People cooling down at the Popular Currumbin rock pools. Picture Mike Batterham
People cooling down at the Popular Currumbin rock pools. Picture Mike Batterham

O’REILLY’S RETREAT

Wine tasting sells itself, but instead of remaining couped up indoors, take the activity outside into the vineyards and have a picnic overlooking the blue skies and green mountains.

TROPICAL FRUIT WORLD

Family owned and operated, Tropical Fruit World is a successful commercial farming operation distributing quality tropical fruit produce to interstate markets across the country. Take a guided tour of more than 500 varieties of exotic fruit.

DRACULAS

Draculas are constantly reinventing their shows, so what you saw two years ago won’t be what you see if you visit again. Throw a little excitement into your dinner schedule and book the family a table to witness their latest production, Spiderlash.

The cast & crew from themed restaurant Draculas. Picture by Scott Fletcher
The cast & crew from themed restaurant Draculas. Picture by Scott Fletcher

BOTANICAL GARDENS

Take a stroll around the Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens.

EVANDALE SCULPTURE WALK

Take a look at art made by local and international sculptors along the Evandale Sculpture Walk.

JELLURGAL DREAMING TOUR

Embark on a journey of discovery and explore the secret world of the first inhabitants of this region, the Yugambeh people. Designed for international travellers, interstate visitors and locals wishing to learn more about the Aboriginal history of their region, Jellurgal Dreaming is a five hour Aboriginal Cultural Experience in Burleigh.

MOVIES IN THE PARK

Spend the summer nights watching classic films in the great outdoors. Pack a picnic or grab a bite from local vendors on-site before settling in to watch the big screen with friends and family.

Where: Various parks.

Contact: http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/movies-in-the-park-19765.html

MIAMI MARKETTA

Bring the family to enjoy live music, performers and lots of healthy foods with gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and raw food options at Rabbit and Cocoon in Miami every Saturday.

Contact: 0488 590 599

The beach is what the Gold Coast is famous for.
The beach is what the Gold Coast is famous for.

HIT THE BEACH

We’re not only famous for fun. Renowned for our beaches and huge stretches of sand, there are plenty available to choose from for those who love surf and sunshine.

PALAZZO VERSACE

Whether you take the girls for a high tea or just visit to marvel at the exquisite interior, you need to pay a visit to the only Palazzo Versace in Australia, right here on the Gold Coast.

Contact: 5509 8000

Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

MAGIC MOUNTAIN

A historical amusement park, Magic Mountain closed in mid 1987 and remained a derelict unused site until 1991. The defunct site was briefly used as a set for a scene in the remake of the TV series Mission Impossible. The land was sold and is now the thriving Nobby Beach precinct which includes restaurants, shops and predominantly, Magic Mountain Resort Apartments, named in its memory.

Where: Great Hall Drive Nobby Beach

GOLD COAST SPORTING HALL OF FAME

There are a number of places to visit when the weather isn’t so great, where you can soak up some culture rather than some sun. Queensland’s first dedicated sports museum, which currently honours 33 Gold Coast sporting champions, is located in Southport’s Owen Park. It’s open every Wednesday from 9am until noon and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

Where: Queen Street, Southport

JUNGLE MADNESS

Channel your inner-lion at southern Skies Park in Reedy Creek. From 8.30am, a free, no bookings required obstacle course will be set up where you can run, jump, climb, crawl and slither through the challenges.

Check out the spectacular views from some of the city’s lookouts, including the “Best of All’’ lookout. Picture: Samantha Schull.
Check out the spectacular views from some of the city’s lookouts, including the “Best of All’’ lookout. Picture: Samantha Schull.

LOOKOUTS

There’s more to the Gold Coast than just the beach, with the city also famous for its glorious views. There are plenty of lookouts that take advantage of the best spots and many include picnic and barbecue facilities as well. The “Best of All’’ lookout at Mudgeeraba is among the best and there are plenty of others, from coastal areas to the hilly Hinterland.

EXERCISE

Maybe not enjoyable for everyone, but up and down the coast there are exercise machines and equipment that are free for everyone to use, plus loads of walking and cycle routes. They are fun and easy to use and offer gorgeous views.

DRACULA’S HAUNTED HOUSE

Enter if you dare. With five levels of interactive spooky fun house exhibits, this terrifying haunted house is family friendly, and great for kids of all ages. You’ll descend deep below ground level, and enter the scary underworld — with sharks, spiders, creatures and ghouls.

Contact: 1800DRACULAS

FIRE 4 HIRE

Try something different and take a joy ride on a fire truck with Fire 4 Hire. Travel aboard from Surfers Paradise to the Spit via Surfers Paradise, Narrowneck, Main Beach and Sea World. Once at the Spit, guests will be able to experience the operation of a fully functional fire hose, and pose for photographs holding the nozzle and wearing authentic fire helmets.

Visit: http://fire4hire.com.au/

GOLD COAST BUNGY TRAMPOLINES

Bounce around, harness up, jump up to seven metres and try a double or triple flip. Great fun for kids of all ages. Find them at Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise.

Contact: 0400 773 223

Planet Chill, Paradise Resort, Gold Coast.
Planet Chill, Paradise Resort, Gold Coast.

PLANET CHILL

Australia’s only resort based permanent ice skating rink. Planet Chill is an all-weather attraction which lends itself to family fun, year-round, whatever the weather and catering to kids big and small.

Where: 122 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

JET SKI SAFARIS

Explore the wild and get out there and among it all. Escape to your own paradise with the Jet Ski Safari specialists. Jet Ski Safaris specialise in serious fun and adventure, as they lead you on an unforgettable journey through narrow tidal passages that snake their way through endless miles of untamed mangroves.

Contact: 5526 3111

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP

At Build-A-Bear Workshop guests choose from more than 30 animals to create their new best friend. Create your own best friend by selecting your animal and adding a sound or even record a personalised message or heartbeat. Choose his or her outfits and voila!

Call 5570 3642

JET FLIGHT SIMULATOR

Experience a flying lesson in a state-of-the-art flight simulator based on the Boeing 737-800 next-generation aircraft, flying in and out of your choice of more than 22,000 airports all over the world. For just $99, you become the Copilot.

Contact:

1300 737 484

SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA GALLERY

Part art gallery, part retail store, the Spirit of Australia Gallery is home to authentic Australian-made product and Aboriginal artwork.

Visit: http://www.spiritofaustraliagallery.com/

There’s more than just bowling at Strike Bowling Bar — but that's pretty fun too.
There’s more than just bowling at Strike Bowling Bar — but that's pretty fun too.

STRIKE BOWLING BAR

Strike is much more than just a bowling alley. With an exciting atmosphere thanks to huge projector screens playing all of the latest music videos, you and your friends can keep rocking out in between turns.

Contact: 1300 STRIKE

COOKING CLASSES FOR KIDS

Cook For Your Life at Biggera Waters has cooking classes for kids. They’ll be taught basic, healthy kid-friendly recipes which will inspire them to want to do more. Get a group of their friends together and the host will bring everything needed to your venue.

Contact: 0418 782 905

GHOST TOURS

Explore the underbelly of old Surfers Paradise. Let the lanterns light your way on this guided tour of the city’s backstreets and laneways to reveal the macabre secrets and sordid gossip of the Glitter Strip. Each guided tour takes about an hour and is a leisurely 2km walk across the city. The organisers rate paranormal activity in the area as “moderate’’. Children must be eight years or older.

Contact: 1300 390 119

Rebecca Ottoway from Lantern Ghost Tours will take you down the hidden laneways and backstreets of Surfers Paradise to reveal the city’s macabre secrets.
Rebecca Ottoway from Lantern Ghost Tours will take you down the hidden laneways and backstreets of Surfers Paradise to reveal the city’s macabre secrets.

THE WISHING TREE TRACK

This mysterious little journey in the Green Mountains takes you on a 2.4km return trek to the Wishing Tree Track below O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. The journey to the wishing tree is downhill along a thin track passing lots of interesting native flora. At the Wishing Tree you can turn left into Glow Worm Gully or go ahead under the Wishing Tree to Morans Creek.

Where: Lamington National Park Road, Canungra

ZORB BALLING

You and up to two friends are thrown inside Zorb balls filled with a bucket of water and sent rolling down the hill. Described as a cross between a water slide and a roller coaster, Zorb balling is an often unheard-of school holiday activity kids will go crazy for.

Where: 232 Old Pacific Highway, Pimpama

A cross between a water slide and a roller coaster, Zorb balling is an activity the kids will go crazy for.
A cross between a water slide and a roller coaster, Zorb balling is an activity the kids will go crazy for.

HIRE BICYCLES

Cycle the Gold Coast bikeways. Spend the perfect day cycling from Coolangatta to Surfers Paradise along the beachfront bicycle path.

MERMAID BEACH SURF LIFESAVING CLUB

You might not know this, but if you dine here you’re sitting in the middle of classic Gold Coast history. The Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club was established in 1945 as part of a government initiative after World War II. It was the perfect outlet for fit and able returned servicemen. The club was built from materials found on the beach near Ocean Street.

Where: 172 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach

Contact: 5575 3211

BKS FISHING CHARTERS

Experience ocean, reef and game fishing with everything supplied. Suitable for first time anglers and experienced fishers.

Contact: 0414 293 034

FREE BIRD FEEDING

If your budget doesn’t allow for expensive activities, you can appreciate some natural wildlife for free. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has free bird feeding twice a day. Hundreds of rainbow lorikeets will descend on you from surrounding trees to lick the sweet honey nectar you hold out in a bowl.

Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Actor Tippi Hedren feeding birds at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Actor Tippi Hedren feeding birds at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

GOLD COAST CITY ART GALLERY

Home to an extensive collection of works including ceramics and host to some of Australia’s most prestigious art prizes.

Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Visit: http://www.theartscentregc.com.au/gallery/

THE WRX EXPERIENCE

Experience the thrill of driving a rally-tuned 350hp Subaru WRX around a purpose-built track along with Buggy Mania where you can race off-road karts built for all ages.

Where: Lot 1, Pimpama Jacobs Well Road, Pimpama.

Visit: http://www.goldcoastwrx.com/

HOLDEN PERFORMANCE DRIVING CENTRE

The Holden Performance Driving Centre is an $8m facility which includes a V8 Super School on the Gold Coast. Facilities include a 2km training circuit, skid pan, full fleet of training vehicles consisting of a variety of the latest Holden models, an off-road 4WD training course and Motorsport Gallery.

Contact: 5546 1366

RAINFOREST SKYWALK

Brand new to Mt Tamborine, enjoy the spectacular views of the lush Gold Coast Hinterland from the new canopy walk through the trees.

Contact: 5545 2222

Spectacular views of the lush Gold Coast Hinterland can be gained from the canopy walk through the trees.
Spectacular views of the lush Gold Coast Hinterland can be gained from the canopy walk through the trees.

GAMES CHALLENGE

Action packed games and challenges to keep the kids active. Activities include tug-o-war, giant soccer, parachute volleyball and more. Suitable for ages six and up. 9am-11am at Frascott Park.

Where: 34A Frascott Avenue, Varsity Lakes

Contact: 5525 1110

NATURE ADVENTURE

Join Sparky Do Dah for a forest adventure filled with nature-based activities and games aimed at teaching your child all about the environment. Best suited to children aged five to 10. Bring a hat, sunscreen, suitable footwear, water and food.

10am-12pm & 1-3pm Thursday and Friday.

Where: Maudsland Park Lake, Greenway Boulevard.
Contact: 0411 699 928

Visit: SparkyDoDah.com.au

PUTT PUTT

If you want a break from the beach and the kids are keen for a bit of lighthearted competition, head to one of the many putt putt venues on offer. Always a great source of entertainment and excitement for kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) it’s a great way to spend a few family-fun hours late in the day.

Where: King Tutts Putt Putt, Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

TIMEZONE

Billed as the largest indoor theme park in Australia, this is a lifesaver when beach weather turns gloomy. The centre is open seven days a week from 9am-midnight and you will need that long. The 5000sqm centre is all lights, sounds, games and fun — so much so that you won’t know where to start.

Where: Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Contact: 5539 9500

Sienna Silverstein, 5, having a blast at Timezone on the Gold Coast.
Sienna Silverstein, 5, having a blast at Timezone on the Gold Coast.

ART WORKSHOP

Let your kids embrace their creativity with this art and illustration workshop. Aimed at kids aged six to 13, the workshop is taught by professional artist and children’s book illustrator Susy Boyer using graphite and coloured pencils, chalk pastels and watercolours. All materials supplied.

It costs $20 per child and bookings are essential.

Where: 4 Verona Avenue, Isle of Capri.

Contact Susy Boyer 0413 134 426

HIP HOP

Billed as a fun look at the new styles of hip hop, concentrating on musicality, style and basic techniques. Classes are held at the Arts Centre Gold Coast and designed for a wide range of ability. Cost is $40.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Contact 5588 4000

HINZE DAM

Visitors and locals are encouraged to visit the dam and explore the facilities which include a state-of-the-art interpretative centre, lakeside parks, walking, bike and horse trails, car parking, toilet facilities and barbecue areas.

Where: Advancetown Road, Advancetown

Hinze Dam has plenty of facilities to explore.
Hinze Dam has plenty of facilities to explore.

AQUASPLASH

If you’ve worked up a sweat on the trampolines, head over to Aquasplash. Australia’s first open water fun park at Broadwater Parklands, the team at Aquasplash say it’s challenging physically and mentally, encourages kids to get active and is loads of fun. Aquasplash has also hosted many local sporting teams, including the Gold Coast Titans.

SUNDAY JAZZ CRUISE

Cruise aboard the Voyager, where your tastebuds will be treated to a feast! Indulge in a sensational seafood and international buffet while enjoying the smooth sounds of “Sitory Groove” jazz bands.

Where: Main Beach

Contact: 5527 6361

DAY SPA

Treat your daughters to a main/pedi at one of the many day spas on the coast. It might just get them excited to go back to school. QSpa at QT is a favourite.

QSpa Contact: 5584 1108

GONDWANA RAINFOREST

Located in Southeast Queensland, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia include the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world. The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area includes expansive rainforest reserves in both Queensland and New South Wales.

Where: Springbrook

Connor Cass cools off at the Broadwater Parklands Rock Pools.
Connor Cass cools off at the Broadwater Parklands Rock Pools.

BROADWATER PARKLANDS

The huge parkland area offers something for everyone with its enclosed swimming area, adventure playground, children’s splash area and regular community events and markets.

JAMES STREET

This happening hub in Burleigh is a shopper and foodie heaven. Grab a healthy juice from the popular fruit shops and stroll up and down the quaint street. There are one-of-kind gift and homeware stores where you’re sure to find something unique.

PALM BEACH DOG BEACH

Pull out the lead and take the dogs down to this puppy paradise. Located on Lacey’s Beach, the dog zone circles are all the way round to the creek, and the dogs are in their elements.

Jesse Fydler race along the beach with his dog Sunnie at Palm Beach. Photo: Kit Wise
Jesse Fydler race along the beach with his dog Sunnie at Palm Beach. Photo: Kit Wise

SNAPPER ROCKS

Arguably one of the most beautiful spots on the Gold Coast, the way from Greenmount to Duranbah not only inspires your kids to get out and be active, but you might even run into local surfing champs Joel Parkinson or Mick Fanning.

ARTS AND CRAFT MARKETS

There are numerous regular street markets for food, arts and crafts, check out the Gold Coast City website for full date and location details.

Visit: http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/thegoldcoast/markets

FREE YOGA

In conjunction with the city council, the Australian School of Meditation hosts free yoga classes.

Contact: 5581 5233

HIRE A BOAT

With a large broadwater, five major river systems and over 270km of navigable waterways, the Gold Coast is the perfect place to enjoy a day on the water on a river cruise or on your own boat.

Spot a kangaroo at Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area.
Spot a kangaroo at Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area.

COOMBABAH LAKES CONSERVATION AREA

A hidden gem seemingly in the middle of the suburbs, the Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area includes more than 1200 hectares of wetland, eucalypt forest and mangrove habitat. It’s ideal for short walks, bird watching and animal spotting — especially at dawn and dusk when there are plenty of kangaroos around.

TAMBORINE SCHOOL MARKETS

Held on the last Sunday of the school holidays (January 25) the ‘‘Markets on the Mountain’’ is sponsored by the local State School. Renowned for some of the best burgers in town, here you can enjoy a walking breakfast with pancakes, or a burger, bacon and egg roll from the canteen.

Where: Corner of Long and Curtis Rds, Eagle Heights

SURFING LESSONS

Live on the Gold Coast but not carving up the waves yet? It’s probably about time you hit the ocean and learn to surf. There are affordable lessons at almost every break.

Kiran Barry (left), 12, enjoys surfing while a young surfer gets some lessons on a bright and sunny day in Burleigh. Picture: Regi Varghese
Kiran Barry (left), 12, enjoys surfing while a young surfer gets some lessons on a bright and sunny day in Burleigh. Picture: Regi Varghese

KAYAK CURRUMBIN CREEK

Hit up the Boat Shed on Currumbin Creek Rd and hire a kayak. It’s an affordable activity, and on the southern end of the coast, it’s a nice little local secret.

Contact: 5525 0338

HORSE RIDING

Stroll along the sand at sunset on our famous beaches with a different kind of friend. Sunset horse riding is a once in a lifetime experience and something very different.

FREE STORYTELLING

Children can keep their eyes open or shut during free storytelling sessions in the Gallery. Suitable for children aged 4+, the sessions run until tomorrow so get in quick.

Where: Gallery 1, The Arts Centre

COOLY DIVE

Discover the life down under with a scuba diving experience you won’t forget. With Learn to Dive lessons and Snorkelling Safari, there’s something for everyone.

Contact: 55230022

SIZZLER

Sick of cooking? Round the troops and head to Sizzler for lunch or dinner. Always popular with the kids and relatively affordable for an all you can eat spread.

Contact: 1800 807 076

Sizzler is a family fave on the Gold Coast.
Sizzler is a family fave on the Gold Coast.

BRAIDING

You don’t need to be in Fiji to get an exotic hairdo. Stroll along Cavill Ave and pop the kids into the stall braiders, you won’t have to do their hair for weeks.

MT TAMBORINE BOTANICAL GARDENS

Visit the stunning Botanic Gardens set on 11ha at Mt Tamborine. While you’re there, also pop into one of the local nurseries and get some smart tips on how to make your garden grow.

Where: Forsythia Drive, Mount Tamborine

SHOPPING CENTRES

Have a peek at the latest exciting upgrades to Pacific Fair shopping centre or the spectacular revamp at Robina Town Centre and grab some bargains.

MAX BRENNER

Treat the children to chocolate heaven at the new Max Brenner in Coolangatta. It will bring out the chocolate-crazed child in everyone.

Where: 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

SURF MUSEUM

If you’ve got a budding Joel Parkinson or Stephanie Gilmore on your hands, head to the Surf World Museum at Currumbin. It houses fascinating exhibits and extensive displays of surfing memorabilia including surfboards, artwork, movie posters and historic photos.

Currumbin Surf Museum curator Mal Sutherland is proud of his creation.
Currumbin Surf Museum curator Mal Sutherland is proud of his creation.

CURRUMBIN MARKET

Relatively new to the market scene, this hidden gem on the corner of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary boasts street-style food stalls and live music every Friday night. A cheap and affordable dinner for the whole family.

PELICAN FEEDING

Pelican feeding is daily at 1.30pm at Ian Dipple Lagoon, 371 Marine Pde Labrador. There are free two hour parking spots. It is suggested you arrive early for the full experience and to witness the pelicans gathering before feeding time. Pack your swimmers and a picnic lunch and make an afternoon of it.

GLOW WORMS TOUR

Mt Tamborine glow worm caves consist of two large chambers interlinked by tunnels. The first chamber is the presentation cave where you are shown an audiovisual display on the glow worms. This chamber is complete with very realistic formations such as stalagmites and stalactites, water features and flow stone.

GOLF

Choose a resort course such as; Palmer Gold Coast, carved out of 65ha of native woodlands, the RACV Royal Pines Resort which hosts the Australian PGA Championships or the Intercontinental which gives you access to Sanctuary Cove’s The Palms and The Pines courses. Alternatively try the public courses Parkwood International, an18 hole course set in contoured bushland, or Links which is located on Hope Island just a 20 minute drive from the Gold Coast.

Royal Pines Golf Course hosts the Australian PGA.
Royal Pines Golf Course hosts the Australian PGA.

HELICOPTER RIDE

Gold Coast Scenic Flights have crazy deals at the moment, with adults and children both costing $59. Get a taste of the Gold Coast skyline from the air with a great value five minute scenic helicopter flight and see the golden sand, vibrant blue ocean city skyline and more.

JET BOAT RIDE

Soar over the waters with the ultimate dose of extreme adrenalin packed adventure including 360 degree spins, awesome wake surfing and high speed drifting. Fifty five minute rides start at $58 with Gold Coast Jet Ride.

THEME PARKS

SeaWorld, Wet’n’Wild, Movie World and Dreamworld are top of the list for kids on school holidays. Hit up SeaWorld to check out marine life up close and personal, Wet’n’Wild for crazy water rides, Movie World to get a taste of Hollywood and Dreamworld if you’re a thrillseeker. All theme parks are offering great summer deals online.

Gold Coast theme parks have rides and attractions for everyone. Pics Adam Head
Gold Coast theme parks have rides and attractions for everyone. Pics Adam Head

COUNCIL PROGRAM

Head to gcparks.com.au/activities to see the Gold Coast City Council’s massive list of activities, which include skateboarding workshops, water wars, Frozen sing and dance workshops and nature based games.

STUNT ACADEMY

The Stunt Academy at Nerang offers a fun intro to the exciting world of stunts involving Stage Combat, Swordplay, Flying On Wires, Commando Style Obstacle Course. This option runs for half day or full day, providing you with an experience that is the envy of adrenalin junkies.

Pack some lunch, a rug and a good book and head out for a picnic.
Pack some lunch, a rug and a good book and head out for a picnic.

PACK A PICNIC

The Gold Coast boasts a host of spectacular picnic spots, from hidden gems to family-friendly parks and playgrounds.

Pack a lunch, a rug and a good book and head out for the day.

ISLAND HIDEAWAY

Said to be the Gold Coast’s best kept secret, this island hideaway is a four-acre private paradise hidden away in the beautiful National Park bushland of South Stradbroke Island. It is perfect for a day trip, or camping.

RACECENTRE

Racecentre in Surfers Paradise operates Australia’s most advanced racing simulation centre. They provide dynamic racing experiences for individuals and groups to race against each other in real-time racing. Their simulators are the same professional race drivers use for training and practise and they regularly have professional V8 drivers drop in for race sessions.

Free Tai Chi classes are held at Burleigh on Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Free Tai Chi classes are held at Burleigh on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

TAI CHI

Every Monday and Wednesday at 8.30am at Justin Park Burleigh Heads

Cost: Free

GOLD COAST OCEANWAY

Even diehard Gold Coast fans may not realise this but there is an official section of the coast known as the Gold Coast Oceanway, a 36km network of pathways which connects The Spit at the north to Point Danger in the south. This innovative initiative is actually a series of sections which range up to 4km long and are popular with walkers and cyclists.

LAHEY’S CANUNGRA TRAMWAY TUNNEL

Teach the kids about our history and take a look at Lahey’s Canungra Tramway Tunnel, which was built during WW2 as an ammunition dump.

Shirley Lahey at the opening of the Lahey’s Canungra Tramway Tunnel. Pic: Geoff McLachlan
Shirley Lahey at the opening of the Lahey’s Canungra Tramway Tunnel. Pic: Geoff McLachlan

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/lifestyle/gold-coast-boredom-busters-100-things-to-do-on-the-coast-when-it-seems-like-youve-done-it-all/news-story/681d37484d0a6b4f56fb131cd1dab6e5