Things To Do On Australia Day On The Gold Coast With Kids 2024

Australia Day is the perfect excuse for families to gather and celebrate what they love about the country – and fortunately for Gold Coast, QLD families, there’s plenty of activities to choose from. Whether you’re eager to spend the day at one of the many local theme parks, explore a nearby natural playground, lounge on the beach, or enjoy the large shopping centres, there’s an experience on offer to satisfy every member of the family – you just need to know where to look.

Are you looking for some exciting things to do on the Gold Coast this Australia Day? Here’s a list of exciting activities and attractions worth checking out.

Weather gone wrong? Check out our list of the best rainy day activities on the Gold Coast. For more kid-friendly activities, check out out list of the best things to do on the Gold Coast with kids.

Our Favourite Australia Day Gold Coast Activities

Surf’s up: Hit the iconic Surfers Paradise or catch some waves at Coolangatta. It’s the perfect way to embrace the Aussie beach bumming spirit. Bonus points for rocking an Aussie flag boardies!

HOTA heats up with festivities: Head down to the Home of the Arts (HOTA) for a jam-packed afternoon of live music, delicious food trucks, and free kids’ activities. Top it all off with a dazzling fireworks finale – guaranteed to ignite your Aussie spirit!

Aussie BBQ bonanza: Grab your thongs and esky, find a prime spot on the beach (Pratten Park or Greenmount Beach are top contenders), and fire up the barbie. Sizzle up some snags, throw on some shrimp on the barbie, and crack open a coldie as you soak up the sun and good vibes.

Cruise into Aussie spirit: Set sail on a special Australia Day cruise. Enjoy a traditional Aussie BBQ feast, sip on ice-cold craft beers, and watch the fireworks explode over the city from the best seat in the house. It’s an Aussie celebration with a nautical twist!
Go wild in the outback: Escape the crowds and delve into the Gold Coast’s hinterland. Take a day trip to Springbrook National Park and hike to a waterfall, or spot kangaroos at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s a reminder of the natural beauty that makes Australia so special.

Remember, mates, no matter how you choose to celebrate, keep it safe, respectful, and full of Aussie cheer! Happy Australia Day, Gold Coast!

P.S. Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap – sunscreen is your Aussie mate all year round!

Dreamworld & White Water World

With the blend of adventure and family fun available at DreamWorld, there’s no better place for thrill-seekers to celebrate Australia Day. The theme park has a large assortment of thrilling rides, including the Hot Wheels Sidewinder, the Claw, Tower Of Terror, and more. Family-friendly rides are also of abundance, including the ShockWave, Skadoosh Bumper Cars, and Escape From Madagascar. For those eager to escape the heat, right next door is White Water World, home to wave pools and water slides to enjoy. For more information or to plan your visit, head to the DreamWorld website.

Address: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera QLD 4209

Website: Dreamworld & White Water World

Beachfront Markets

The Beachfront Markets are a popular marketplace of Surfers Paradise, consisting of an assortment of local goods and foods for families to shop across. With more than 100 market stalls on offer, accompanied by live entertainment, the experience is easy to appreciate. The markets typically occur on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 5 pm.

Address: The, Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Website: Beachfront Markets

Australia Day, Broadwater Parklands

Australia Day at the Broadwater Parklands has been a popular celebration in the past for families, with a variety of enticing elements to enjoy. The 2024 festivities include live music, food trucks, and Watersport displays. To finish off the evening, an impressive fireworks display will be hosted. For possible announcements or updates regarding a 2024 Australia Day at the Broadwater Parklands, see the City Of Gold Coast website.

Address: Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215

Website: Broadwater Parklands

Robina Town Centre

Eager to get some shopping done on Australia Day? Then the Robina Town Centre is worth a visit. The shopping hub is the second largest on the Gold Coast, including more than 400 stores with a range of clothing, sports, kids, technology, food, and home shops on offer. Events are also regularly held at the Robina Town Centre for families to enjoy. For more information or to see the full offering, head over to the Robina Town Centre website.

Address: Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina QLD 4230

Website: Robina Town Centre

Burleigh Hill

With distant views of the golden coastline and towering hub of Surfers Paradise, what better place to sit back and celebrate Australia Day. Gather the family and some friends, set up with a picnic rug, bring along some food, and admire the relaxing atmosphere of this quiet suburb. Plus, with a national park and pristine beach only a stone’s throw away, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

SeaWorld

Another one of the many theme parks located on the Gold Coast; SeaWorld has plenty of entertaining activities for parents and children to enjoy on Australia Day. Not only can families look forward to thrilling rides, but also entertaining shows, animal encounters, impressive exhibits, and heaps more. Ticket prices start from $109 – see the website for more information or to plan your visit.

Address: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217

Website: SeaWorld

Warner Bros Movie World

Located conveniently close to other theme parks such as Wet N Wild and Dreamworld is Warner Bros MovieWorld, home to an impressive assortment of entertaining rides for the whole family to enjoy. This includes family rides like the Road Runner Rollercoaster, Looney Tunes Carousel, and Sylvester’s Pounce’ N’Bounce, as well as thrilling rides like the Doomsday Destroyer and Green Lantern Coaster.

Kids can also look forward to meeting some popular characters through the Streets Star Parade, Looney Tunes Dance Party, and more. Head over to the MovieWorld website to see ticket prices or to plan your Australia Day visit.

Address: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD 4210

Website: Warner Bros Movie World

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

The largest shopping centre on the coast, home to a vast collection of stores and eateries to enjoy; Pacific Fair is the perfect spot for families eager to do some shopping on Australia Day. The facility is home to a countless collection of big brands to shop across, along with regular events and activities for the kids to enjoy. For more information or to check out upcoming events, see the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre website.

Address: Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218

Website: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

Tallebudgera Creek

Since Tallebudgera Creek is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and paddle-boarding, it proves to be an entertaining spot to celebrate Australia Day – with picnic and BBQ areas located nearby. Both parents and kids can enjoy a variety of water activities, or head to the nearby Burleigh Heads National Park for an exciting hike.

Currumbin Rock Pools

The Currumbin Rock Pools is the perfect natural getaway for those eager to do something different from the classic: Aussie Day at the beach. The area has plenty of picnic tables to set up and relax among the calm setting. Plus, there’s swimming holes and rope swings for the kids to enjoy. A cafe is also located nearby if you don’t feel like packing a picnic.

Address: Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Valley QLD 4223

Website: Currumbin Rock Pool

Macintosh Island Park

Located in the middle of Surfers Paradise and including an array of vibrant plant-life to admire; Macintosh Island Park is one of the many great locations on the Gold Coast for a picnic. As Australia Day rolls around, assemble the family and friends and admire the calming features of the park. For the kids, a playground is available.

Address: Surfers Paradise, Queensland, 4217

Website: Macintosh Island Park

Main Beach

Located conveniently close to SeaWorld, Main Beach is a pristine seaside location for families to gather and celebrate Australia Day. Parents and children can enjoy the crystal water with a swim or take to the sand for a classic game of beach cricket. There is also a handful of eateries located nearby for those needing to refuel from all the excitement.

Kirra Lookout

The Kirra Lookout is a beautiful, much quieter location to enjoy an Australia Day picnic. While admiring the stretching views over the coast, families often gather to watch the colourful sunset and dig into a delicious picnic. Plus, parking is also available nearby, making the journey all the more convenient.

Address: 6 McLean St, Coolangatta QLD 4225

Springbrook National Park

On the hunt for a natural escape on Australia Day? The Springbrook National Park may be the answer. The region stretches over 6,000 hectares, with a variety of lookouts, bush walks, and parks for families to enjoy. The Natural Bridge Hike is a highlight, featuring a waterfall flowing into a cave from above, in an enchanted-like backdrop. Otherwise, some popular lookouts include the Best Of All Lookout and the Wunburra Lookout. See the website for park alerts, more information, or to plan your visit.

Address: Old School Rd, Springbrook QLD 4213

Website: Springbrook National Park

Wet N Wild

When it comes to theme parks, the Gold Coast has no shortage of them. Wet N Wild is the perfect option for those looking for an entertaining place to cool off on Australia Day. The water park is home to plenty of entertaining rides and attractions for families to enjoy, including the wave pool, Mammoth Falls, River Rapids, and more. Other thrilling rides include the Tornado, Constrictor, Aqua Loop, and the Kamikaze. For more information or to plan your visit, head over to the Wet N Wild website.

Address: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD 4210

Website: Wet N Wild

Head To Harbour Town

If you’re eager to do some outlet shopping on Australia Day, Harbour Day is worth checking out. The centre contains a labyrinth of stores to explore, including homewares, fashion, sports, dining, technology, and heaps more. For more information or to plan your visit, head over to the Harbour Town website.

Address: 147-189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters QLD 4216

Website: Harbour Town

Currumbin Valley

The Currumbin Rock Pools are merely one aspect of the Currumbin Valley worth exploring, making it an ideal destination for families eager to explore a natural playground on Australia Day. Many visitors are often drawn to the Cougar Cascade – a charming walking track with a beautiful waterfall amongst a tropical rainforest backdrop.

Burleigh Heads National Park

For those lounging in Burleigh Heads for Australia Day, the Burleigh Heads National Park is worth a visit. The parkland weaves families through the eucalyptus forest, providing sweeping ocean views that are easy to admire. Plus, you might even catch a glimpse of the smaller creatures that occupy the park. A visit to Burleigh Heads National Park is effortless, with entrances just off John Laws Park. See the website for more information or park alerts.

Address: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Website: Burleigh Heads National Park

Mount Tamborine

When it comes to choosing a natural escape on Australia Day, Gold Coast families have many options to choose between – including the Tamborine National Park (only 55 minutes from the Gold Coast). Many visitors are often drawn to the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk – a treetop bridge raised 30m above the rainforest floor. Otherwise, for those simply hoping to admire some spectacular views, lookouts such as Knoll Road, Magnetic Drive, and Rotary Lookout can provide the goods.

Address: Cedar Creek QLD 4207

Website: Mount Tamborine

Southport Spit

For dog owners, the Southport Spit is the perfect spot to celebrate Australia Day with the pups. The northern region includes an off-leash dog area for canines to roam freely, while the beach is usually reasonably uncrowded. It’s the perfect spot for some entertaining beach games like touch footy or beach cricket. Those eager to take a stroll can wander down the jetty for some beautiful views of the city.

Host A BBQ

You can’t go wrong with a classic Aussie day BBQ at home, listening to the tunes by the pool and grilling up a storm on the grill. If you simply can’t decide what to do on Australia Day, why not invite a few friends and family members over, sit back, and relax.

Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens

The Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens is the perfect spot for families to come together and enjoy a picnic on Australia Day. The parkland features an assortment of vibrant plant life to enjoy, as well as a beautiful Butterfly Garden to accompany. For the kids, there are walking trails, a playground, and more. Plus, there’s an abundance of BBQ shelters to set up a picnic.

Address: 230 Ashmore Rd, Benowa QLD 4217

Website: Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens