April on the Gold Coast is autumn at its best—warm days and school holidays perfectly placed for family exploration. Heading to Burleigh and staying at Swell Resort is ideal for soaking up the best Gold Coast activities.
Local favourites are a short walk away, while bigger-ticket attractions are a breezy drive. Early mornings outdoors or rainy day retreats. Without further ado, this guide to Gold Coast activities will help you fill every moment with fun.
Wake Up to the Best Gold Coast Activities This Autumn
To kick off your day, the options below are ideal for stretching your legs, spotting wildlife, or diving into a new skill.
David Fleay Wildlife Park
Just a short walk away, this hidden gem lets kids get up close with native animals in a calm, leafy setting. Think kangaroos, emus, and even crocodiles—without the long queues of bigger parks. As a local favourite among Gold Coast wildlife park options, it’s a great introduction to the region’s natural charm.
Burleigh Head National Park
Start your day with a coastal walk through shaded rainforest trails, sweeping ocean views, and even a chance to spot dolphins just offshore. The lookout tracks are family-friendly and perfect for kids with energy to burn before breakfast.
Learn to Surf at Burleigh Beach
Keen to try something active? Local surf schools offer beginner-friendly sessions with experienced instructors. Burleigh surf is gentle enough for learners, yet fun for confident kids who want to stand up and ride a wave by the end of the session.
These Gold Coast activities ease you into holiday mode—active, relaxed, and just the right amount of adventure.
Rainy Day Creativity and Indoor Gold Coast Adventures
Rain doesn’t need to pause the fun—there’s still plenty to explore indoors. For families who want to keep things exciting while staying dry, Burleigh and the surrounding area offer plenty of energetic, artistic, and sensory escapes.
BOUNCE Burleigh
This massive indoor trampoline centre is a hit with active kids aged four and up. Bounce Burleigh features wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and ninja-style obstacle courses. This place makes it a go-to for burning energy without relying on screens. It’s one of the most fun-filled Gold Coast things to do when skies turn grey.
ArtVo Robina
For something different, Artvo Robina is a fully interactive gallery where you’re encouraged to touch the art, pose inside it, and even become part of it.
Kids love stepping into these optical illusions—and parents do, too. It’s an excellent choice for creative minds who want something more hands-on than a standard museum.
Infinity Attraction – Surfers Paradise
With glowing corridors, pulsating sounds, and strange spatial effects, this walk-through maze is filled with surprises. It’s best for older kids and teens looking for Gold Coast adventures that are a little out of the ordinary.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not – Surfers Paradise
With shrunken heads, mind-bending exhibits, and some of the weirdest displays you’ll ever see, Ripley’s is packed with curiosity. It’s one of those quirky Gold Coast attractions that gives kids a reason to look up from their devices—and keeps them talking long after you leave.
These indoor picks give families a playful, creative pause between outdoor plans—keeping the school holiday momentum going, rain or shine.
Big Days Out for Maximum School Holiday Fun
These Gold Coast attractions are just a short drive from Burleigh and offer unforgettable experiences for kids and parents alike.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
This iconic destination is perfect for families who want hands-on encounters. Kids can feed kangaroos, watch bird shows, ride the miniature train, or test their courage on the TreeTop Challenge. It’s a must for anyone seeking wildlife park Gold Coast adventures with a hefty dose of nature.
Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast
Even in April, wet and wild gold is still going strong, thanks to heated pools and waterslides. Families can float along the lazy river or brave more daring rides like the Black Hole. It’s a full day of water fun that works well in mid-autumn sunshine.
Paradise Country
For a more relaxed pace, the paradise Gold Coast delivers a classic Aussie farm experience. Expect tractor rides, animal feeding, whip-cracking shows, and sheepdog demos.
Younger kids especially love meeting the pigs, goats, and ponies, and parents will appreciate the shady seating areas and slower pace.
Australian Outback Spectacular
This outback spectacular show Gold Coast event runs most evenings and combines horses, stunt riding, music, and storytelling—all served with a hearty dinner. It’s a family-friendly evening experience with authentic theatrical flair and one of the most unique Gold Coast events on the calendar.
Aqua Park Gold Coast
Located in Southport, the Aqua Park Gold Coast offers a giant inflatable water course where kids can climb, jump, and slide across floating obstacles. Check ahead for opening times in April, as operations may vary during the cooler months.
It’s ideal for older kids and teens with energy to burn. These Gold Coast activities take the fun up a notch—great for school holiday highlights that everyone will remember.
Evening Fun and Burleigh’s Laid-Back Vibe
Evenings are made for good food, relaxed music, and activities that keep the kids engaged without overstimulating tired minds.
Miami Marketta
A true local gem, Miami Marketta Gold Coast comes alive with street food stalls, live bands, and desserts that’ll win over even picky eaters. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, communal tables, fairy lights, and casual vibe make families feel at home. It’s an ideal way to ease into the night without a big production.
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
While best visited earlier in the day, the impact of Jellurgal stays with you. The Centre offers guided tours and exhibitions that bring local Indigenous culture and stories to life. For families wanting something meaningful woven into their stay, it’s a grounding way to connect with the land beneath your feet—and it adds depth to your list of Gold Coast things to do.
These low-key evenings give your family time to breathe, reconnect, and let the day’s highlights settle before doing it all again tomorrow.
Planning a Gold Coast School Holiday They’ll Never Forget
April brings the Gold Coast to life in the most family-friendly way. With warm days, cool evenings, and a calendar full of kid-approved options, it’s the ideal time to explore. Bouncing at sunrise, bushwalking by the sea, enjoying street food under the stars, and animal encounters up close—these Gold Coast activities let families shape each day to suit their mood.
What makes it all even better? Everything you need is nearby. Less time in traffic means more time to make memories. However you plan your days, the real reward is what you’ll take home: tired feet, happy kids, and stories they’ll be retelling to next term.
Stay Close to the Action at Swell Resort Burleigh
When you stay at Swell Resort, you’re right where you must be. It is close to the coast, surrounded by school holiday fun, and within walking distance to local favourites. It’s the kind of location that makes life easier for families. No long drives. No rigid itineraries. Just spacious, self-contained apartments, private balconies, and everything from bounce Burleigh to Miami Marketta Gold Coast within easy reach.
Accommodation fills fast during the April school holidays. Book now and start planning your Gold Coast activities with Burleigh as your base.
Image Credit: Nature Play QLD