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Track through Nerang National Park and State Forest — Image credit: Qld Govt

National Parks and Reserves

Nerang National Park and State Forest

Only 12 kilometres from the heart of Surfers Paradise, Nerang National Park and State Forest offers a peaceful sanctuary where you can relax, unwind and refresh in nature. Popular with locals and visitors, this park and forest form a green backdrop to the township of Nerang in the Gold Coast hinterland. Enjoy a scenic bushwalk on the Casuarina grove track along the creek (2.7 kilometre return). Set out on a relaxing horseride on the network of recreational trails shared by cyclists, walkers and horse riders to soak up the peace and quiet. For cycling enthusiasts there's much on offer. Load up the mountain bikes and enjoy the excitement of tackling 20 kilometres of designated mountain bike tracks through dry rainforest and open eucalypt forests. Trails range from the easy Casuarina Grove circuit to intermediate tracks through tall forest and rough terrain. In this popular bushland retreat, keep your eyes peeled for glossy black-cockatoos feeding in the casuarina groves and koalas sitting in the branches. If you are lucky you may spot a short-beaked echidna snuffling around the forest floor. Grey gums and blue gums make popular subjects for artists.

Nerang QLD

1.5 km away

Nerang Mountain Bike Trails — Image credit: City of Gold Coast

Natural Attractions

Nerang Mountain Bike Trails

Nerang is 12-kilometres from Surfers Paradise, a few kilometres from the Nerang train station and home to over 1700-hectares of mountain bike terrain. Nerang played host to the mountain bike events for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018). For cycling enthusiasts there's much on offer. Load up the mountain bikes and enjoy the excitement of tackling 20-kilometres of designated mountain bike tracks through dry rainforest and open eucalypt forests. Trails range from the easy Casuarina Grove circuit to intermediate tracks through tall forest and rough terrain. The most popular starting point is accessed by parking at the Nerang Velodrome on Hope Street and cutting through the middle of the facility (watch for traffic on the criterium circuit). Expect a variety of fire trails with off-shoots of technically challenging singletrack through rock gardens, small drop offs and creek beds. Exploration is the key to find the tracks. There are lots of single tracks running off the fire trails so get out there and go hard. If you want to explore the area with someone in the know, go to the Nerang Mountain Bike shop in Nerang West as the Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club run a social ride most Saturdays.

Nerang QLD

2.1 km away

Fly on Wires

Amusement and Theme Parks

Stunt Park Experience

Ever imagined yourself fighting like Jackie Chan, Flying on Wires like Matrix, running a Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course? Then this is your chance! Stunt Park offers a fun intro to the exciting world of stunts involving a Jackie Chan style Fight Scene, Flying On Wires like the Superhero Movies, and Ninja Warrior Style Obstacle Course. Instructors are world class stunt performers/athletes in their area of expertise. You may film and photograph for your social media friends. This session runs for 60 to 90 minutes, providing you with an experience that is the envy of adrenaline junkies. Minimum two people required. Stunt Park is the home of Stunt Academy in Nerang on the Gold Coast, minutes from Surfers Paradise and Movie World. Bookings by appointment. Visit their website for more information and bookings. Many other sessions and experiences are also available.

Nerang QLD

2.6 km away

Gold Coast Slideways — Image credit: SLideways Go Karting

Amusement and Theme Parks

Slideways Go Karting Gold Coast

Indoor Go Karting with a twist! Slideways Go Karting is a unique experience that is guaranteed to have you smiling! Their special track surface is like no other in Australia, allowing the karts to drift and get Slideways. If it's your first time you’re going to leave with a smile on your dial, if you’re a seasoned racer then you’re going to love the challenge of getting a fast lap! This unique combo is what makes Slideways perfect for everyone! Slideways Go Karting Gold Coast is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, right beside the M1 Motorway at 10 Spencer Road Nerang, providing easy access from all areas of the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Logan regions. Being indoors, it's a perfect wet weather activity.

Nerang QLD

2.9 km away

Historic Rivermill

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Historic Rivermill

At Historic Rivermill, visitors hand-feed alpacas, goats and sheep in the interactive animal area, take a horse ride along the Coomera River, and even feed wild turtles from the bank below the property. A café on site serves breakfast and lunch with views across the paddocks. The property centres on a restored arrowroot mill dating from the 1890s, which operated as one of the district's leading mills until 1943. Museum and heritage areas are open to explore throughout the visit. Entry is free. The property is at 950 Beaudesert-Nerang Road, Mount Nathan, in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Mount Nathan QLD

6.1 km away

One Spa - RACV Royal Pines Resort

Spas and Retreats

One Spa - RACV Royal Pines Resort

Enjoy an unrivalled well-being and lifestyle experience on the Gold Coast. A diverse range of spa treatments, designed to revitalise and rejuvenate, are available along with additional water treatments including a Geisha tub, Lusar/Vichy showers and a four-seater spa. One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort, in the Gold Coast, is a stunning resort day spa resting in the centre of a peaceful green landscape. As you step through the door, you are welcomed into an inviting space that has you at a sigh in anticipation of what awaits. The fabulous state-of-the-art One Spa complex has been designed to create an intimate, tranquil environment founded on pampering, nurturing, well-being and restoration. Exquisitely appointed, with all details considered, One Spa offers locally inspired rituals, unique water therapies, spacious treatment rooms, private change room facilities and a relaxation area that overlooks the beautiful view. Featuring a private lounge, four dry treatment rooms, two wet treatment rooms and two couple’s rooms, One Spa is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. One Spa is available to guests of the resort as well as the general public.

Benowa QLD

6.3 km away

X-Golf Ashmore Simulator

Sports and Recreation Facilities

X-Golf Ashmore

X-Golf Ashmore is where golfing and entertainment come together to provide an experience like no other! The cutting-edge indoor golf simulators are just the beginning of the fun, as the dedicated venues provide a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere perfect for players of all ages and skill levels. The venues are packed with exciting features, including virtual reality gaming, social events, memberships, competitions, and delicious food and beverages. And of course, there’s the golfing experience itself, which is made possible by our cutting-edge technology.

Ashmore QLD

6.4 km away

Royal Pines Golf Course

Sports and Recreation Facilities

RACV Royal Pines Resort Golf Course

With 3 par-72 combination layouts, including a championship golf course, a visit to Royal Pines guarantees a memorable round of golf. A short drive from Surfers Paradise and embracing the natural formation of the land, the course boasts superbly manicured greens, scenic lakes, deep bunkers and an idyllic backdrop of the mountains.

Benowa QLD

6.4 km away

huge range of local Aboriginal artists

Shopping and Markets

Dreamtime Artistry

Dreamtime Artistry provides authentic Indigenous arts and crafts, gifts, workshops, and cultural education products. They are an Indigenous-owned and operated Yugambeh language region company that only supplies Aboriginal gifts that are cultural, ethnically acceptable products. They support the next generation of emerging artists to provide a platform and outlet to showcase their skills. They have a large range of Indigenous arts and crafts such as boomerangs, Indigenous weaving, Indigenous paintings, vases and specialise in authentic digeridoos. They can provide Welcome to Country, Smoking ceremonies and talks on Yugambeh culture.

Arundel QLD

7.0 km away

Area 51 World Helensvale — Image credit: Area 51 World Helensvale

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Area 51 World Helensvale

Area 51 World Helensvale is an exciting new indoor play centre on the Gold Coast, created for children aged up to 12 years old. Spanning over 1,500 square metres, this vibrant, space-themed venue offers a wide range of attractions to inspire active play, imagination, and fun. Located within Westfield Helensvale, it features an impressive multi-level soft play structure—Gizmo's Odyssey, a thrilling Super Climber, and Astro Explorer, a safe and engaging toddler zone. Designed to entertain a wide range of ages and energy levels, every element encourages movement, curiosity, and creative play. Perfect for weekday visits, weekend adventures, or birthday celebrations, the venue is fully air-conditioned and equipped with an on-site café for parents to relax while children explore. Its convenient location and family-friendly layout make Area 51 Helensvale a must-visit indoor destination on the northern Gold Coast. With ample parking, a safe environment, and exciting attractions, it's a go-to spot for fun-filled outings and unforgettable memories.

Helensvale QLD

7.2 km away

Hinze Dam

Parks and Gardens

Hinze Dam

South East Queensland's AUD395 Million Hinze Dam was originally constructed in 1976, later raised 15 metres in 1989 and recently upgraded in 2011. The large embankment and un-gated spillway across the Nerang River provides water security and flood mitigation to the Gold Coast. The catchment area of 207 square kilometres includes the Numinbah Valley and Springbrook Plateau, which pools into a 3700 acre reservoir called Advancetown Lake. This lake provides recreational users with walking and horse riding trails and is a popular stop off for lycra-clad cyclists passing through the Gold Coast Hinterland. For anglers with a permit and electric outboard motor (sail or paddle craft) this is a playground for hooking golden and silver perch, saratoga, Mary River cod and Australian bass from either The Western (Nerang Murwillumbah Road) or Eastern Boat Ramp (Little Nerang and Range Roads). There are four picnic and barbecue areas with nearby playgrounds for the kids and onlookers, plus a state-of-the-art educational interpretive centre perched above the parklands and lake.

Gold Coast QLD

7.3 km away

Gold Coast Equestrian Centre

Amusement and Theme Parks

Gold Coast Equestrian Centre

Gold Coast Equestrian Centre is a professional horse riding school, set on a beautiful 54 acre property with five star facilities. Located in Guanaba, Gold Coast, 25 minutes from Southport and 10 minutes from Movie World. Ride their school horses and ponies, they are very safe and our coaches very experienced. Come and ride in a safe environment. Facilities to the best standards, three arenas, one undercover Olympic dressage arena. Trail rides, trial lessons, private lessons, group lessons, horsemanship, learn to ride programs. Beautiful trail ride along the river, easy ride on experienced horses, you may spot wallabies! Gold Coast Equestrian Centre hosts riders of all ages and experience levels and offers riding lessons to suit all. Please visit their website for more information.

Clagiraba QLD

7.5 km away

Botanic Gardens Lake — Image credit: City of Gold Coast

Parks and Gardens

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens are a green oasis in the heart of the city. The Gardens are a short 10 minute drive from central Surfers Paradise and are set on 31 hectares of parkland and lakes. There's an experience for everyone - explore our native ecosystems along the Mangroves to Mountains trail, follow the historic journeys of the Yugambeh people in the Story of their Country garden, smell the roses in the Rose Garden, visit the Butterfly Garden to learn which plants will attract butterflies to your back yard, and discover new tastes in the bush foods garden and the Aboriginal plant use trail. Fun for the whole family includes a stroll on the boardwalks and bird watching around the lake, a children's playground, delicious organic coffees, ice cream and snacks at the Friends Centre, or a picnic or barbecue in one of the many picnic areas. Free guided walks are available, and for children there are regular school holiday activities as well as new games to discover along the Kaialgumm aboriginal games trail. For more information on activities and events, visit Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens website.

Benowa QLD

7.7 km away

Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area

Parks and Gardens

Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area

Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area is ideal for short walks, animal spotting and plant identification and gives you an opportunity to appreciate an ecologically significant area. Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area protects more than 1200 hectares of wetland, eucalypt forest, salt marsh and mangrove swamp habitat. Lake Coombabah and its estuarine system are important coastal wetlands and migratory water bird habitats.

Coombabah QLD

7.9 km away

Southport Sharks

Entertainment Venues

Southport Sharks

Southport Sharks is a premier sport, leisure and entertainment precinct located on the Gold Coast. From humble beginnings at Owen Park in 1961 to becoming a community leader in sport, leisure and entertainment today, they take pride in entertaining their members. Southport Sharks hosts over a million visitors annually and is one of the largest clubs in Queensland and one of the Gold Coast’s leading clubs with over 55,000 members. Their facilities: Sharks offers a multi-purpose events centre, restaurants, a café, four bars, two AFL grade ovals, sports facilities, modern 24/7 fitness centre, Mantra at Sharks Hotel, kids club, gaming facilities and free weekly entertainment.

Southport QLD

7.9 km away

Post Office Gallery and Gift Shop — Image credit: Gold Coast Potters Association Inc.

Shopping and Markets

Post Office Gallery, Gold Coast

The Post Office Gallery showcases ceramic art created by members of the Gold Coast Pottery Association. Open to the public each Saturday (9am to 3pm), the Gallery offers a diverse and unique range of ceramic art and gifts. Built in 1915, the Post Office Gallery is a heritage-listed cottage which originally accommodated farm workers. In 1938, the James family bought the property and made extensions and alterations. In 1939, Mrs James became Post Mistress and the Benowa Post Office was established. When Mrs James died, the Post Office was closed but the building continued as a private residence for several years before being moved to the Potters and Sculptors Arts precinct. In 1992 the building was restored by students from the Gold Coast TAFE. In 1994, the Post Office Gallery was officially opened by the Mayor, Alderman Lex Bell. The Gold Coast Society of Sculptors used the building from 1992 – 1997 when the Gold Coast Potters’ Association assumed control. Since 1997, the Post Office Gallery has been exhibiting the creative talents, and art for sale, of the Association's members. The Post Officer Gallery is open to visitors each Saturday and is a platform for members and guest artist exhibitions and the Association's signature Art and Craft market days throughout the year.

Benowa QLD

8.3 km away

Double Barrel - Wet'n'Wild

Amusement and Theme Parks

Wet'n'Wild

Dive into a splashtacular family day out at Wet’n’Wild, where summer is endless and so is the fun. Wet’n’Wild offers a world class line-up of pools and slides for the young and young at heart including the awesome Constrictor featuring the tightest banking turns in the world. Experience the tallest water park slide tower in Australia now open, boasting three epic new heart racing slides. Or chill out in the all new H2Oasis splash zone, the perfect place to relax and cool down with the family! If you are after a slower pace, you can’t go past Calypso Beach or the Giant Wave Pool – the perfect place to relax and unwind after all the action.

Oxenford QLD

8.5 km away

Meet the Meerkats

Amusement and Theme Parks

Paradise Country

Experience the magic of the Australian outback at Paradise Country! Nestled between Warner Bros. Movie World and Australian Outback Spectacular, this is the ultimate farm and wildlife adventure, perfect for a fun-filled family day out! Get up close to Australia's most iconic animals - meet friendly kangaroos, cuddle a koala, and watch cheeky meerkats at play. Witness skilled stockmen and their dogs round up sheep, crack a whip, and showcase their trusty stock horses. Gather around the campfire to discover the craftsmanship behind Billy Tea and enjoy a high-energy Australian Stock Horse show full of action and speed. Watch their faces light up as they meet Shaun the Sheep and Blitzer, and join the flock in the shearing shed to catch Shaun's Aussie Adventure Show with Aussie mates. Hungry? Visit the Farmhouse Restaurant for a hearty, delicious meal and soak up the laid-back country vibes with live music during our weekly Sunday sessions on the hill. One day not enough? Stay the night at Sea World Resort and let the fun continue with family accommodation, activities and entertainment and a variety of dining experiences to suit every taste.

Oxenford QLD

8.6 km away

Topgolf

Amusement and Theme Parks

Topgolf Gold Coast

At Topgolf, it's not about having the perfect swing. It's about having the most fun! Whether you're a golf pro or picking up a club for the first time, Topgolf is an entertainment experience for everyone. Take your game to the next level in climate-controlled playing bays, where groups of up to six can enjoy a range of fun and competitive golf games. Hit micro-chipped golf balls towards giant targets and watch your shots come to life on your bay's HD screen, tracking the distance and accuracy of every swing. But there's more to Topgolf than golf. Enjoy delicious food and drinks delivered straight to your bay, catch live sport and more on HD TVs and soak up the lively atmosphere with music playing throughout the venue. With private event spaces available for groups of all sizes, Topgolf is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled day or night out with family and friends. No matter your age or skill level, Topgolf is all about good times, great food and unforgettable experiences.

Oxenford QLD

8.7 km away

Australian Outback Spectacular - Horses

Amusement and Theme Parks

Australian Outback Spectacular's Heartland

Australian Outback Spectacular's Heartland takes guests on a journey to the outback, through a transformative arena, immersive projection mapping, mesmerising animals and true Australian characters. Delve into the gripping tale of two struggling Aussie farmers, Reg and Marge, and rejoice with them as the community's courage, bravery and generosity help them overcome a stunning, yet unforgiving life on the land. With the help from some unlikely characters, and friendships that will last a lifetime, the pair overcome the harsh realities of life on the land. Including a delicious three course dinner with beverages, Australian Outback Spectacular's Heartland takes guests on a compelling and emotional ride into the heart of the Australian bush.

Oxenford QLD

8.8 km away

Carrara Markets shopping — Image credit: Carrara Markets

Shopping and Markets

Carrara Markets

Carrara Markets are Australia's biggest permanent weekend markets. With over 300 market stalls, shops and dine-in cafes covering 10 acres, it's a treasure trove of the curious and the unusual. It's also the original home of discount shopping when it comes to fresh produce, fashion, homewares, pots, plants, bric a brac, arts and crafts and just about everything else. Enjoy a great day out with the family with kid favourites including pony rides, baby animal farm, face painting and bungy trampoline. The markets are home to an amazingly themed putt putt mini golf attraction with an indoor and outdoor course ideal for young and old. Plus new to the markets is Rollerama, a fantastic permanent roller-skating rink! For over 30 years Carrara Markets has been a major Gold Coast tourist destination. Its easy to get to Carrara Markets. Catch the G:Link Light Rail to Broadbeach South Station at Pacific Fair, then catch a Translink or Surfside Bus direct to the markets. Carrara Markets - Free entry. Free parking.

Carrara QLD

8.9 km away

jetpack entertainment — Image credit: jetpack entertainment

Entertainment Venues

Jetpack Entertainment and Events

Jetpack Entertainment and Events offer Water Jetski, Jetpack and Flyboard shows performed by professional stunt performers. Fully themed public shows for special events such as Christmas and Halloween, lunar new year or amazing night time shows with LED suits, fireworks, and laser lighting are used in shows where the performers launch the fireworks off themselves. Events can be showcased in any location from public waterways to hotel pools or lagoons. Jetpack Events and Entertainment can perform worldwide.

Tallai QLD

9.0 km away

Gold Coast Turf Club

Entertainment Venues

Gold Coast Turf Club

Gold Coast Turf Club hosts approximately 50 race meetings a year and is also home to several highly anticipated major events. The Magic Millions Raceday, the prestigious Melbourne Cup, Gold Coast Cup, Pink Ribbon Cup and Jewel Raceday. The Club also boasts two fantastic restaurants with tiered level seating ensuring great track viewing. The Skyline and Gallery restaurants truly offer a unique dining experience. There is also a brand new fully enclosed air-conditioned area for Members and the general public with state of the art TAB betting facilities, bookmakers and big screens. Members and the public have the choice of over a dozen separate bars, restaurants and bistros. Friendly faces, changing activities and events, a great ambience and sensational 180-degree views will ensure the day’s experience becomes the best social outing you can have. Whether with your partner, family, friends, social or sporting club, make a date for a day at the track to soak up a truly exciting and glorious atmosphere.

Surfers Paradise QLD

9.1 km away

Rollerama roller-skating — Image credit: Carrara Markets

Amusement and Theme Parks

Rollerama Roller-Skating

Rollerama is the Gold Coast's only Roller-Skating rink and a permanent attraction at Carrara Markets. Rollerama is a fully undercover roller-skating venue. Rollerama is fun for all ages with great DJ music, and fun skate games. It's also the coolest venue for birthday parties and special celebrations, offering an exciting and memorable experience for everyone.

Carrara QLD

9.1 km away

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