Gold Coast · Things to do

Not-for-profit sanctuary at 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, open daily 9am–4pm with last entry at 3.30pm, closed 25 April and 25 December. Lorikeet feeding runs at 8am and 4pm; there is also a crocodile and alligator wetlands precinct, a TreeTop Challenge ropes course, and an associated wildlife hospital.

Headland between Burleigh Heads and Tallebudgera Creek with two walks from the northern entrance on Goodwin Terrace: the Oceanview track, 1.2km one way, grade 2 and about 30 minutes, wheelchair-accessible with assistance; and the Rainforest circuit, 2.3km return, grade 3, with steps and a steep pull to Tumgun Lookout, which is a whale-watching spot in winter and spring.

Observation level 230m up the Q1 tower in Surfers Paradise, open from 7.30am to 9pm. Fixed-date tickets start at $33 and family tickets at $102; the $51 flexi ticket is valid any day and includes a $10 bistro voucher, and Gold Coast residents pay $15 with proof of address.

Hinterland rainforest split into the Springbrook plateau, Natural Bridge, Mount Cougal and Numinbah sections, with walks from 300m up to the 54km Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. The glow-worms are in the cave at Natural Bridge and you can walk in yourself in the evening rather than pay for a tour, as long as you follow the cave rules.

Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild and Paradise Country are run by one operator and share a ticketing system covering roughly 120 rides, slides, shows and wildlife attractions. Single-day tickets exist, but a multi-day multi-park pass is the cheaper route if you are doing more than one.