Whether you’re planning a holiday or just a day trip from Brisbane, there is plenty to do on the Gold Coast for boys. The Gold Coast has some of the world’s best surf and sea playgrounds, but if you need a break from the beach, why not check out a few of the Gold Coast’s other ‘must do’ attractions? From wildlife to water parks, there is a huge variety of action and adventure for your little beach boys.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
If your boy is a nature lover, give him the opportunity to get up close and personal with Aussie wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Currumbin offers the chance to meet and feed all kinds of animals and reptiles, from kangaroos to crocodiles. It’s also home to their famous resident lorikeets, which arrive at feeding time in their hundreds! For active boys, there are also educational adventure playgrounds on site. The Green Challenge Adventure Parc, for example, with its high rope course and environmental message, promises to have the most energetic boys in bed early!
White Water World
White Water World is one of the Gold Coast’s newest big scale family attractions. It is located at Coomera – adjacent to Dreamworld – and promises extreme splash down fun for all ages of beach boy! Activities range from the intense Super Tubes Hydro Coaster to the fun WigglyBay for the under 5’s. All bases are covered for a day of cooling down and ripping it up in the water!
Glow Worms at the Natural Bridge
Every boy loves the idea of exploring a cave. If you’re keen for a day away from the surf, head up into the nearby Gold Coast Hinterland to check out some glow worms! There are several places where you can combine great bush walking and exploration of curious rock formations, but the NaturalBridge in SpringbrookNational Park is among the best. You can see the glow worms by walking into the underbelly of this rocky arch. They are visible during the day, but a night time adventure is more spectacular. You’ll need some durable boys clothes and a torch for the walk, but don’t forget to switch lights off once you arrive as they can disturb this delicate ecosystem.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
For any boy who likes his attractions a little on the freaky side, Ripleys Believe it or Not will keep them intrigued and entertained. In the heart of Surfer’s Paradise, this museum of curiosities is inspired by the work of Robert Ripley – an explorer who travelled the world seeking out stories of bizarre people and places. His museums around the world showcase unsolved mysteries, record breaking feats and the stories of people who would once have been considered ‘freaks’, like the world’s tallest man, for example. Younger boys may be frightened by some of the creepier displays here, but older boys will have monstrous stories to share for a month!
River Fishing
Although the Gold Coast is famous for its lush, sandy beaches, it is also home to a river system with many great leisure activities. The Tweed and CurrumbinRivers offer nice camping and picnic spaces where you can also throw in a line. Just near Surfer’s Paradise is KormanFamilyPark, which includes a playground, barbecue areas and a shade-covered jetty. Sitting on the NerangRiver, this stretch offers bream, flathead, whiting and even crabs. Kids fishing kits can be as cheap as $10 in department stores and will offer your beach boy a fun, outdoorsy afternoon. He might even catch you some dinner!
There is plenty to see on Queensland’s Gold Coast for boys. It’s the perfect combination of relaxing beachside lifestyle with world class adventure. Your little beach boy can have fun, and even learn a thing or two, while you enjoy your holiday or day trip.
Guest blog by Janet Reid, mum to a very energetic, beach loving boy and designer of fabulous boys board shorts and fabulously cool boys hats.
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