A Top Family Weekend in Currumbin
With world-class beaches, a relaxed seaside vibe, cool eateries and outstanding natural beauty, Currumbin is an ideal spot for a weekend escape with the family.
Just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane and you’ll arrive at the stunning sands of Currumbin, with plenty of ways to fill a weekend here from learning to surf, to cuddling koalas and eating your way around all the locals’ favourite venues.
There's no better way to kick-start your weekend than at Currumbin Vikings Surf Life Saving Club, which sits perched on the rocks right on the oceanfront, adjacent to local icon Elephant Rock. Climb the stairs to the top of the rock, a beloved Gold Coast landmark, and from here you can take in stunning views all the way to Surfers Paradise in the north and Coolangatta in the south. As you descend the stairs, take a turn right into the club, and enjoy a sunset drink and tasty meal as you watch the waves roll in.
Next morning, wake up to a delicious breakfast at Cornerstone Stores, a trendy shopping and dining precinct that is home to garden-style cafe Stable Coffee + Kitchen before hitting the beach. Beautiful Currumbin Alley is a great protected place to take a dip, learn to surf or enjoy a beach picnic. There are also plenty of rocks for kids to climb, and rock pools to explore.
After lunch, try a change of scenery and take a picturesque drive inland to one of the Gold Coast's best kept secrets - Cougal Cascades. The stunning waterfall is easily reached via a beautiful rainforest walk of about 1.6km return, which is suitable for strollers and all fitness levels. On the way, you'll see an interesting restored piece of history - a disused 1940s-era sawmill. Five minutes drive along the road home are the famous Currumbin Rock Pools if you'd like to stop for a swim and cool off after the walk.
After working up an appetite swimming and hiking, enjoy dinner at another one of Currumbin's hidden gems - the newly refurbished Currumbin RSL. Featuring a massive covered deck overlooking Currumbin Creek and with sunset views over the mountains, there's also a creekside playground and a comprehensive menu to suit the fussiest of little eaters.
Next morning, follow the delicious smell of coffee into Tugun and grab an early breakfast at one of the lively local cafes overflowing with smashed avo on toast and icy acai bowls. Then rock up to nearby Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for feed time at 8am, when the skies above become awash with colour as hundreds of rainbow lorikeets descend on the park for their breakfast. You'll have these friendly locals on your heads, arms and shoulders at this exciting, unique and free experience, before heading into the park to get up close and personal with a range of native and exotic animal species.
While you're there be sure to visit Surf World Gold Coast, Queensland's only surfing museum, which is home to fascinating exhibits and extensive displays of surfing memorabilia including surfboards, artwork, movie posters and more. And next door at Superbee Honeyworld (open from 10am-3pm) you can meet professional beekeepers and learn how honey goes from hive to jar, sample their selection of honey varieties and purchase some honey to take home from their shop.
If you're looking for a great place to stay during your weekend in Currumbin, Golden Riviera Beach Resort is located right on the beachfront next door at Tugun, with easy access to the popular beaches, attractions and eateries of Currumbin. The relaxed family- friendly resort offers spacious apartments, some with private balconies overlooking the sea, and a lagoon-style pool for the kids to swim while parents relax and soak up some sun.
Images: Supplied by Destination Gold Coast
This feature was produced in partnership with Destination Gold Coast.
