If you’re thinking of planning a holiday on the Southern Gold Coast this School Holidays, we’ve got you covered with a fantastic list of cheap and free activities to keep the kids entertained.

We know, the most obvious FREE FAMILY activity is spending a day at the beach. However, there are plenty of lesser-known gems on the Southern end of the Gold Coast that are perfect for family fun without breaking the bank.

Now is the ideal time to secure your spot for the upcoming school holidays.

1. FREE Movies for Kids at Cinebar Cinemas, Coolangatta.

Cost: FREE

Drop the kids off at ‘The Strands’ Kids Flicks Movie Event and enjoy some much needed time as parents to relax, shop or enjoy a quiet coffee break.

While you enjoy a well deserved break, your little ones will be having a blast in a private movie screening, with movies like: Harold and The Purple Crayon & Transformers, all while being looked after by experienced and qualified movie minders brought to you by Safe N Play.

Tickets are available to kids aged between 5 and 12 years.  Bookings Essential [here].

* Note that a refundable $5 booking fee is required to secure your spot.

2. Double Dollars @ Timezone, Coolangatta

Cost: $60 for $120 value. Or $40 for $80 for Zone Bowling.

This weekend September 14th you can load DOUBLE DOLLARS on your Timezone card.

Load up your card with $60 and get $120 credit (or $40 bowling for $80 credit) to use during your holiday on the Gold Coast.  Arcade credit is valid for 12 months from time of loading.

• Double Dollars is valid for 14th September 2024.
• Download in store or via the Timezone Fun App and earn an extra $10, or visit in-store on the dates mentioned above. T&C’s can be found (HERE).

3. Feed the birds at Currumbin Wildlife, Currumbin

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 colorful 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 OR 4pm.– No ticket required.

4. Naturally GC – Wildlife Encounters, Currumbin

Cost: Free

Get hands-on with nature at Naturally GC’s free Wildlife Encounters! Explore animal sensory boxes and guess what’s inside—furry, slimy, or scaly? Then meet the real animals up close!

Perfect for kids aged 4-10, with adult supervision required.   Bookings essential [here].

5. Honey World, Currumbin

Cost: Free

Once you’ve finished feeding the birds at Currumbin Wildlife, Honey World is fun free family activity.  Home to millions of bees, Honeyworld showcases the fascinating process of honey production, from hive to jar. Enjoy a guided tour where kids can learn about the importance of bees, spot the Queen Bee, and savor free tastings of various honey varieties.

5. Surf World, Currumbin

Cost: $20 for a family.

When you’ve finished at Honey World, discover one of Australia’s largest collections of surfing artifacts at Surf World. Featuring iconic surfboards, memorabilia, art, and rare photography that capture the sport’s vibrant history. Located near Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, it’s a perfect, affordable family outing for surf enthusiasts and history buffs alike!

6.  Tugun Bowls Barefoot Bowls

Cost: $15 per rink (2-8 players)

Head to Tugun Bowls Club for a laid-back Sunday of Barefoot Bowls, delicious street food, and funky house beats!

For just $15 per rink, gather friends & family to enjoy a game on the green and sip beers with 1990’s prices, and soak in the community vibe of this welcoming club. It’s the perfect affordable outing for all ages! Play times are Sundays: 1-3pm or 3-5pm. Bookings are essential. Book here.

Other local bowls clubs:

• Coolangatta Bowls Club also offers Barefoot Bowls every Sunday at $5 per adult. Kids under 12 are FREE.
• Club Tweed has FREE Barefoot Bowls every Sunday from 2-4pm with cheap drink prices.

7. Currumbin Rockpools, Currumbin

Cost: Free

Take on the latest ice-bath craze with a trip to Currumbin Rock Pools. 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.  Grassy picnic spots, places to swim, rainforest trees to admire, and even a few natural slides on slippery rocks. Can you take on the challenge and submerse in the cold waters for 15 minutes?

Safety Note: As mentioned, rocks can be slippery, pools shallow, and on occasions, there may be adverse weather conditions like heavy water flow, or flooding after heavy rain. Please check the local weather forecasts, the depth of the pool prior to jumping, and warning signs prior to entering.

8. Snorkeling or Paddleboarding at Tallebudgera Creek or Cudgen Creek, Kingscliff

Cost: Free (if you have your own snorkel). Or $30/hour for Paddleboard hire.

Enjoy calm blue water at Tallebudgera Creek and Cudgen Creek, Kingscliff – the perfect spot for a dip on a warm day and some snorkeling or paddleboarding.

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

All Coast Paddle Boards Hire at Murlong Crescent, Tallebudgera Creek have SUP hire for just $30 for 1.5 hours.

Or The Watersports Guru in Kingscliff also has SUP hire from $25/hour for single, or $30 for a single kayak.  Ages 3+ (under 14 must be accompanied by an adult).

Safety Note: Be mindful of wildlife living in and around rocks. Please look but never touch. Oyster shells attached to rocks can also be sharp.

9. 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, snacks and drinks.

David Fleay visitors will enjoy seeing lots of unique wildlife up close and personal.  Animals include crocodiles, 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.

Cheap Eats on the Southern Gold Coast

Top Noodle, Coolangatta

Cost: Variable

Top Noodle in The Strand, Coolangatta provides delicious asian cuisine with excellent value for adults and kids alike. No fuss, in-and-out service serves adult size bowls of Soba Noodles for an average price of just $15, with EVERY meal on the menu under $20.  With lots of family friendly meals on the menu – mini sushi, spring rolls, edamame, and noodles.

Note: 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! Surely it isn’t just us?

Pancake Diner, Coolangatta

Cost: Variable

Whether you’re in the mood for a stacked burger or a pancake stack, Pancake Diner Coolangatta’s got it covered! Kid friendly with lots of delicious menu options for the littles.

Enjoy 7 DAYS – All you can eat Pancakes for only $11.99 per person.

Menu available (HERE)