Gold Coast Hidden Gems Families Can Explore

From eco-tourism and foodie havens to hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches, the Gold Coast has a bounty of untapped experiences to discover.

Explore these local Gold Coast gems on your next family holiday and find out what this incredible destination has to offer.

With a never-ending list of waterfalls and rainforest walks at your disposal, how open or out of sight you’d like them to be is up to you.

Explore Waterfalls in the Gondwana Rainforest 

Stretching across Lamington, Springbrook, Mount Barney and Mount Range, this World Heritage listed site holds claim as the world’s oldest living rainforest – and also includes some of the most impressive waterfalls.

Amongst the well-known Morans Falls and Twins Falls are tucked away bodies of water that will have kids and parents alike in awe.

If a 6-hour round trip sounds doable, Larapinta Falls is one of the most serene and hidden places the Gold Coast has to offer. Alternatively, Elabana Falls is shorter at 4 hours and includes Picnic Rock waterhole for a mid-walk swim. 

Cool off at Cougal Cascades

A short drive from Currumbin Beach is Cougal cascades – home to rockpools and a rainforest walk that all ages and abilities can achieve. Take the wheelchair accessible walk (around 1.6 kilometres) through Currumbin Creek, keeping an eye out for birdlife along the way.

A short climb down is Cougal Cascades, with multiple swimming holes that make for some of the most family friendly and unique experiences the Gold Coast can provide. 

Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach may be home to internationally famous beaches, but there are a range of secluded spots for you to take an undisturbed morning dip or enjoy a game of beach cricket with the young ones. 

Family picnic at Budds Beach

Close enough to Surfers Paradise to make the commute quick, but far enough away to escape the noise, Budds Beach is a quiet suburb with river-side swimming areas that are suitably shallow for kids.

Idyllic parklands border the sandy stretch – providing a great location for families to picnic. Amenities include BBQs, shaded areas and palm tree-bordered playgrounds alongside picturesque views of mansions across the river.

Soak up the sun at Rainbow Bay Beach

One of the southernmost Queensland beaches, Rainbow Bay has protected, smaller waves with a short stretch of sand – making it ideal for little ones to explore.

While nearby Snapper Rocks is not recommended for swimming, it does have a grassy hill to watch the sunset at the end of day. Pack the car and soak up a whole day’s worth of these secluded Gold Coast gems.

Add first-time experiences and memories to your family trip by stepping away from the main attractions and discovering the lesser-known sites.

Be ahead of the trend at Village Markets in Burleigh Heads

On the first and third Sunday of each month, the The Village Markets are held at Burleigh Heads State School.

This curated selection of stalls includes well-known and undiscovered Gold Coast gems, from clothing to beauty and skincare, as well as art and photography. Pause for a freshly squeezed juice and lunch at one of the food stalls, before finding your next great buy.

Glow Worm Tours

Deep in the Hinterlands, Australia’s largest population of glow worms make themselves known – you just have to wait until after dark. Within Springbrook National Park is Natural Bridge, where these insects unique to Australia and New Zealand illuminate large stretches of the cave walls.

Explore the subtropical surrounds before stepping inside the caves for a different sort of ‘star-gazing’ experience. 

Cap off your holiday by watching the sun rise from one of the secluded beaches the Gold Coast usually reserves for the locals.

Float over water at Southport Spit

Otherwise known as The Spit to locals, this usually busy part of Main Beach is almost empty in the early morning. Walk the huge jetty at the northern end and watch the sun rise whilst floating over the water below.

As far as hidden places Gold Coast keeps tucked away, this elevated experience will stay with you and your family for a long time to come.

Kickstart the day at Tallebudgera Creek

Tallebudgera Creek’s famous blue waters and green surroundings tend to be quiet early in the mornings, especially on weekdays. Get there early and take prime position on Tally Creek Bridge, from where you’ll be able to see dawn break over the coastline and across the river below. 

Then warm up with a coffee and breakfast afterwards at one of the hidden gems Gold Coast has for coffee lovers. Parlour Coffee is a local favourite, and opens each day at 6am for your morning fix. Be sure to try their strawberry and cream brioche French toast with vanilla custard, cinnamon sugar, and maple if you have a sweet craving