Top Things to do in Gold Coast
The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Gold Coast, Queensland
Discover the best top things to do in Gold Coast, Australia including David Fleay Wildlife Park, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area, Federation Walk Coastal Reserve, Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Burleigh Head National Park, Cougal Cascades, Currumbin Rock Pools, Nerang National Park, Southern Moreton Bay Islands National Park.
Restaurants in Gold Coast
1. David Fleay Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By TrippyBee20 - Townsville, Australia
So many animals and birds free to come and go. Loved this. Many aviaries had free flight, good displays and caring staff. Grounds clean and tidy. Dragons running around everywhere and tawny frogmouths asleep in the trees. Loved it.
2. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,377 reviews
Voted one of the Gold Coast's most popular tourist destinations, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the crown jewel of the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) [NTAQ] properties. As one of Queensland's earliest nature-based tourist destinations, the Sanctuary is a physical embodiment of everything the NTAQ represents: dedication to conserving our nation's Indigenous, natural and historic heritage and culture. With Blinky Bill now present for daily shows, the amazing viewing experiences available at the Wildlife Hospital and hundreds of native Australian animals on display in natural bushland and rainforest settings, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the ultimate holiday adventure for the entire family.
Reviewed By AsISeeIt37 - Los Angeles, United States
We told the travel agent that we wanted to hold a koala and they arranged a visit to this sanctuary. I believe this is a special experience one has to book beyond the general admission ticket, but well worth it as it's the opportunity to hold a cute critter. The people who work here are so informative and kind. We learned so much about koalas during our visit and got a private visit into the female sanctuary to snap photos and peek at them sleeping. During the remainder of the visit we went into the kangaroo pen and could feed and pet the kangaroos. Also had a trip to the animal hospital where they are doing incredible work on all types of critters especially now that the fires are effecting animals in the wild. 120 volunteers work with the animals which is impressive in it's own right. All in all, a highly enjoyable experience.
3. Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By PANTHER029 - Gold Coast, Australia
At the northern end of the Gold Coast, just north of Harbour Town is the Coombabah Lake and the nature reserve. In the limited time we had available we strolled the Mangrove swamp along the boardwalk which took us out to the bird hide at the lake’s edge. We were the only people there on a Sunday morning and it was lovely strolling along just above the swamp water. You can sit within the hide looking over the lake and observe the wildlife without disturbing their habitat... wonderful.
4. Federation Walk Coastal Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By Aussiegal15 - Greater Melbourne, Australia
Loved this walk. I would love to walk it every morning as it follows the sea. Just watch out for the bicycles especially those who don't ring their bells.
5. Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By shetravelswithkids2 - Gold Coast, Australia
Great place to take kids to play, go for a walk, a picnic or BBQ, or exercise the dog (if you have one). Gardens are separated into different recreational areas including dog park, lake with board walks, planted areas, raised garden beds & children’s play areas. Facilities include toilets, cafe, BBQs shelters, playground with plenty of parking.
6. Burleigh Head National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
Reviewed By 333Sally333 - Burleigh Heads, Australia
The national park at Burleigh Heads is a treasure...it over looks the the ocean and puts you in touch with wildlife and nature. There are 2 main walking tracks - the lower track is easy and only takes about 15 mins to reach the other end, which is the Tallebudgera creek bridge, which you can then go for a swim in the creek. The upper track is a bit more challenging and hilly but worth it for the views at the top. It also ends at the same place as the lower track. You can walk one way on the lower track and come back on the upper so you cover both tracks. There are lots of vantage points along the way to watch the surfers catch waves or watch boats go across the breakers into the creek. Many bush turkeys make their homes in the park as well as many lizards and i have also spotted an echidna - so amazing. Its a nice stroll up from the village of Burleigh. Many people use it as their running route.
7. Cougal Cascades
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By troyb292
Came across this awesome piece of nature. Has some great swimming spots as well as a great place to explore with the family. The walkway is paved and very easy to walk along. There is also a bit of history with the old sawmill as well. Parking is very limited and at times can get out of hand with people parking everywhere. All in all worth the trip for a swim.
8. Currumbin Rock Pools
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By RhondaDunning - Bundaberg, Australia
Very easily accessed, directly on the side of the road. The Om cafe opposite was fantastic, amazing service and very quaint inside.
