Our Guide to the Best Parks on Gold Coast – Bonus, they’re all Free!

When you’re holidaying with kids, it can often seem like it’s just one cost after another. When you take into account the cost of some of the key Gold Coast attractions such as the theme parks, tours and other activities it can be easy to get carried away with your spending. Chances are, you’ll want to take a few days where you can have some fun family time without pulling out the wallet!

You’re in luck! The Gold Coast is home to some of the best free parks and playgrounds in the country. Here’s a closer look at our picks for best parks – Gold Coast!

Broadwater Parklands, Southport

There’s only one way to describe the Broadwater Parklands: world class! This incredible cultural parkland is home to a vast expanse of green which is begging to be explored – perfect for picnics and gatherings, or just strolling around.

These Parklands are also home to some absolutely sensational playgrounds! First up, the Peninsula Playground is a brand new playground that is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and a wide array of interactive play equipment, with a large number of inclusive options. From the 4m spiral tower to the water and sand play area, your kids will not want to leave this playground!

The Adventure Play Attraction sits central to the park near the rockpools and is ideal for younger kids, featuring interactive learning and play equipment.

Lastly, the Washington Waters Play attraction sits near Australia fair and features a thrilling flying fox, tandem pedal ride monorail and giant inflatable pillow.

Macintosh Island, Surfers Paradise

A true oasis in amongst the glitz and glamour of Surfers Paradise, Macintosh Island Park features a number of playgrounds, big shady trees with streams running through the park and even a bird sanctuary. You may even be lucky enough to see a Peacock roaming the parklands!

Our pick of the playgrounds is the larger one of the two, which features a large shade sail with a number of slides, climbing equipment and of course, swings, making it a great undercover playground. Gold Coast entertainment for the kids doesn’t get much better than this! There’s also a nearby small sandy beach where you can paddle or launch a kayak from.

When it comes to facilities, Macintosh Island Park is well equipped with toilets, drinking fountains, BBQs, park benches, shelters and paths. It’s also a fantastic spot for a picnic with plenty of shade options. Parking is available on both the Main Beach Parade and Gold Coast Highway sides of the park.

Broadbeach Park

Located right in the heart of Broadbeach, Broadbeach Park is the perfect spot for families who are sports fanatics and are looking for a place to kick around a football or soccer ball, or play a bit of family cricket.

Of course, there’s also children’s play equipment and picnic tables with plenty of shade on offer thanks to an abundance of pine trees.

Broadbeach Park is across the road from the beach, so it also makes a great spot to set up for the day, and because it’s close to cafes and coffee shops you’ll go wanting for nothing!

Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens

A whopping 31 hectares of parkland and lakes located in the heart of the city, Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens offer an experience for every member of the family! Take a stroll on the boardwalks around the lake, smell the roses in the rose garden or visit the native Butterfly Garden – there’s loads to see and do!

Of course, there’s also a pretty cool playground that will keep the kids entertained for hours, while they play, swing and laugh. You’ll also find freshly ground coffee, ice cream and other treats on site, and the Gardens make for a sensational backdrop for a family picnic.

Parking is available on site, and there are considerable accessibility options available too.

Palm Beach Parklands

The Palm Beach Parklands are just another example of the fantastic free parks and playgrounds on offer on the Gold Coast. Featuring multiple recreational opportunities, it’s a genuine favourite for both residents and tourists alike.

The gorgeous open parklands overlook Currumbin Creek and make for a relaxing and enjoyable day relaxing out by the water. The recently revamped Pirate Park Playground has been specially designed to offer kids of most ages an experience unlike any other, and encourages imaginative play with the central feature being an exciting Pirate Ship!

Because it’s located right by Palm Beach, there are also change rooms and showers available for use, so when your kids have had enough fun playing pirate, they can cool off with a swim in the ocean!

Perfect for a picnic, or visit the onsite Dune Cafe for a meal and you won’t be disappointed!

Explore The Gold Coast’s Best Parks From Ashmore Palms!

All of the best parks on the Gold Coast are within an easy drive of Ashmore Palms Holiday Village, which makes it the ultimate hub to explore everything the Gold Coast has to offer. Just do a google search for “best family parks near me” or “best public parks near me” and you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice!

Just minutes from beaches and shopping centres alike, Ashmore Palms is located in Ashmore, set across 15 acres of lush, tropical land. Home to Australia’s largest private collection of South American Macaw Parrots, plus two swimming lagoons, two playgrounds, an activity centre and other family friendly facilities, Ashmore Palms is your ultimate Gold Coast family destination!