Cheap and Free Holiday activities on the Southern Gold Coast

If you’re holidaying on the Southern Gold Coast this September/October check out our list of cheap and free activities to keep the kids entertained.

We know the most obvious Free activity is a day at the beach, but here are some lesser known activities on the Southern end of the Gold Coast.

Free kids’ movies, cheap bowling, and adventures out in nature, Gold Coast Holiday Homes are helping put the fun back into Spring School Holidays.

 

Feed the birds at Currumbin Wildlife.

Cost: Gold Coin donation required for a plate of food.

Enjoy the experience of feeding several wild lorikeets from the palms of your hands, or head, or shoulders, with Currumbin Wildlife’s lorikeet feeding.

The wild lorikeet is Australia’s most colourful BIRD species and they are not shy of humans. For a gold coin donation, you can buy a plate of bird food which will have them sitting on you for their fare share of the feed.

Daily feeding is run inside the entrance foyer to Currumbin Wildlife sanctuary every day at 8am and 4pm.– No ticket required.

 

 

Free Cinebar Movie and Childminding.

Cost: Free

Are your kids dying to see the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie? Or maybe Ruby Gillman – Teenage Kraken?

Drop your kids at The Strand Coolangatta for a FREE movie and childminding during the Spring School Holidays.

Your little ones will be having a blast in a private movie screening at Cinebar Cinemas being looked after by experienced and dedicated movie minders, while you enjoy a well-deserved break!

Kids must be aged between 5 and 14 years old.  Note that parents won’t be able to attend the screening; this is a child-minding and movie service only.

Tickets are FREE, but booking is a must. A $5 booking fee is required, which will be refunded within 3 business days after attendance.  Bookings essential and can be made (HERE).

 

Bowling at Timezone Coolangatta

Cost : $10 for 3 kids

Spend a minimum of $10 and get a FREE $20 voucher at Timezone.

‘Timezone Coolangatta is giving away a $20 voucher for your next in-venue purchase. Check your Timezone ‘Fun App’ Account for your free voucher or use code GAME20.

Bowling is $10 per player per game, and with the use of your free $20 voucher, this makes the cost $10 for 3 children for 1 game of bowling.

For smaller kids, there is mini bowling which is $6/player per game.

Voucher can only be used once and minimum spend is $10 to secure this free voucher. T&C’s can be found (HERE).

 

Currumbin Rockpools

Cost: Free

Take on the latest ice-bath craze with a trip to Currumbin Rock Pools.

Following the winter, Currumbin Rock Pools are starting to heat up (just a bit) and are a mere fifteen-minute drive from Currumbin Beach up Currumbin Creek Road.

Considered a natural gem of the Currumbin Valley, these gorgeous pools have something for all ages.  Shady picnic spots, places to swim, and daring rocks to jump for the older kids too. Can you take on the challenge and submerse in the icy cold waters for 15 minutes?

Safety Note: Rocks can be slippery, pools shallow, and on occasions, there may be adverse weather conditions like flooding. Please check the local weather forecasts, the depth of the pool prior to jumping, and warning signs prior to entering.

 

Snorkelling at Tallebudgera Creek or Kingscliff/Cudgen Creek

Cost: Free (if you have your own snorkel). Pool noodles are also helpful for younger children.

You won’t need to worry about big waves at Tallebudgera creek and Kingscliff creek, and it’s the perfect spot for a dip on a warm day and some snorkeling.

The crystal clear waters make both places excellent for fish viewing around the rock walls. Keep your eyes peeled for whiting, angelfish, yellow tailed leatherjacket, sting rays, coral fish, octopus, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a wobbegong!

The Watersports Guru in Kingscliff also has kayayk hire available from $25/hour for single, double and triple kayaks.  Ages 3+ (under 14 must be accompanied by an adult).

Or hire a SUP board from  Currumbin Creek’s Boatshed for just $20 for 1.5 hours.

Safety Note: Be mindful of oyster shells on rocks as they can be sharp.

 

David Fleay Wildlife Park

Cost: $69.15 for a family pass (2A+2K)

While this one isn’t free, we think it’s pretty good value for a family day out, especially if you’re savvy and pack your own lunch.

David Fleay visitors will enjoy seeing lots of unique wildlife up close and personal.  Animals include crocodiles, kangaroo feeding, koalas, tree kangaroos, snakes, lizards, gliders, and even butterflies. There are many birds for the kids to look out for too including eagles, brolgas, jabiru, owls and cassowaries.  Plus they are the only park on the Gold Coast where you can see a platypus up close!

Check out the David Fleay activities on offer. Some even prefer it to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

 

School Holiday dune planting workshop, Bilinga

Cost: Free

Give your kids an insight into helping the environment this School Holidays. The ‘Our Beaches’ community dune planting events are about getting your hands sandy; weeding, planting, collecting litter, meeting other like-minded community members and learning about our amazing dune ecosystem.  You and your kids will learn loads.

It’s advisable to wear long pants due to planting and weeding. Suitable for ages 4+.  Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult for the duration of the event. Spots are limited so make sure you book (HERE) before.

 

Tupe Aloha, Kirra

Cost: Variable

If you enjoy Mexican food, and lets be honest – who doesn’t? Then head to Tupe Aloha, Mexican Tiki Bar and beats in Kirra.

Serving delicious and cheap mid-week eats: $5 Tacos every Tuesday, $10 Nachos every Wednesday and $1 wings every Thursday night.

Plus if you’re staying with Gold Coast Holiday Homes, you’ll get an extra 20% off your food bill with our special code provided upon check-in to any of our accommodations.

Find out more about Tupe Aloha here.

 

 

Top Noodle, Coolangatta

Cost: Variable

Top Noodle in The Strand, Coolangatta always provides excellent value for adults and kids alike. A frugal food fix for the whole family.

This no fuss, in-and-out, family friendly restaurant provides adult size bowls of Soba Noodles for an average price of just $11, with lots of family friendly meals on the menu – sushi, spring rolls, edamame, and all main meals (bar two) under $15!

This restaurant provides a very quick service, perfect for kids who don’t like to sit for long periods of time. It can get busy Friday & Saturday after 5pm so it’s wise to book if you don’t want to line up for a table.

Menu can be found (HERE), because of course we like to decide what we’re eating before hand! Is it just us?