Hop, two, three, four to The Star Gold Coast
Hop, two, three, four to The Star Gold Coast
Welcome, April. It’s the month that kicks off with people playing silly pranks on each other, temperatures finally dip (and yay, our makeup stays put), the kids are on school vacay (like, again, and we’re still recovering from the 10000-week Christmas hols), and of course, the Easter bunny bounces into town. It’s also the month our friends at the home of amazing food and entertainment, The Star Gold Coast, pull out all the stops with fun and frivolity for the whole family. Here’s a taste…
EASTER SUNDAY
Garden Kitchen & Bar
We all know the food is *chef’s kiss* at Garden Kitchen & Bar, and Easter Sunday is certainly no different. In fact, they’re embracing the day with eggstra enthusiasm, hosting free face painting, an Easter egg hunt from 1pm to 3pm, and of course a visit from everyone’s fave fluffy friend, the Easter Bunny. Eggcellent!
ENTERTAINMENT
Live on The Lawn – Garden Kitchen & Bar
The good eggs at The Lawn, Garden Kitchen & Bar have you covered this Easter long weekend with live entertainment coming in hop! DJ Chris Bent will be on the decks (next to the deck), as will DJ McGill and DJ Axel, all doing what they do best. For a laid-back Easter Sunday sesh, check out the Buttered Duo from 3pm to 6pm, the perfect way to chillax after an epic Easter lunch. Finally, tell Siri to set reminders for Lisa Hunt playing on Friday 14th and 21st, and Groove City on Saturday 22nd.
Thursday’s a Drag – Atrium Bar
Seeing as we all have this Friday off, there’s no eggs-cuse to say no to “Thursday’s a Drag“, slaying from 6pm (doors open) to 9pm. Always a divalicious night of drag mastery, the queens sure know how to get the party started. The good times don’t stop there though, as crowd fave DJ Brent will be in da house mixing up a storm until 1am.
Bingo Loco – Events Centre
If a game of bingo married a rave party and had a baby, it would be Bingo Loco. Whilst it sounds as mismatched as a bride and groom on MAFS, it’s actually the perfect union complete with bass rumbling rave rounds, petrifying lip-sync battles, dance-offs, confetti cannons and spine-chilling special effects, comedian MCs, dancers, crazy theatrics, and of course epic prizes. Previous loot includes a holiday to Bali, a bathtub, a car, a 3m teddy bear, a bag of rubbish, a lawnmower, and even a boat! Doors open at 6.30pm on Friday 14th and tickets are $49 per adult (plus booking fees).
EAT & DRINK
Harvest Buffet
You know who loves an all-you-cat-eat buffet? Everybunny, especially kids who can eat FREE at Harvest Buffet with each paying adult! From scrumptious breakfast options to perfectly cooked roasts, fresh seafood, and a wide selection of desserts, this means one thing; wear your stretchiest pants.
Easter Cocktails
Umm, we need no further convincing here! Indulge in a little adult Easter fun with delicious Easter themed cocktails at Cucina Vivo, Kiyomi and Cherry Bar. They’re only available for a limited time so hop to it and chick them out.
Food Quarter and M&G Cafe
Calling all sweet tooths to Food Quarter and M&G Cafe! Grab some freshly baked Hot Cross Buns for $3.50 each, premium quality Small Chocolate Bunnies for $19.90 each, and Large Chocolate Bunnies for $29.90 each #TheDietStartsAfterEaster.
For more information on any of The Star’s epic Easter activations, go here.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations throughout April
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be aged 18 years or over to enter Atrium Bar and the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.
Chick out the JW Marriott Resort’s ear-isistible Easter activities and special offers
Easter is the perfect time of year to gather the family, spend some quality time together, and…eat… a lot. Especially chocolate because calories don’t count this time of year and yes, our noses just grew considerably. Well one luxurious five-star resort is providing all of the above under, all under the one (eggstravagantly decorated) roof – and we’re all ears! You guessed it, the team at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa have eggcelled once again with their Easter offerings, guaranteed to delight every bunny.
Easter Sunday Seafood Buffet
Start drooling because Citrique’s award-winning seafood buffet lunch will feature a decadent Easter twist! Enjoy a glass of Chandon sparkling on arrival, live entertainment, and the very finest local produce straight from the ocean and paddock to your plate. Treat the tastebuds to Lobster Thermidor, Baked Whole Salmon with dill cream sauce, Prime Rib Beef Carving with peppercorn sauce, Crispy Pork Shoulder with cinnamon apple compote, and Seafood Paella with saffron aioli and fresh herbs. Then, embrace the hoppy occasion with Chocolate Egg Smores, Speckled Egg Rocky Road, Caramel Egg Ice Cream, Hot Cross Buns and Easter Cake Pops. Available on Sunday 9th April from 12pm until 3pm. $69 – $139 per person and reservations are essential. Purchase your tickets here.
Easter Egg Hunt
The famous JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa Easter Egg hunt is back! Open to in-house guests only, it’s the perfect excuse to book a little Easter vacay with the family! The Easter Bunny will be hard at work hiding eggs for your little ones, creating unforgettable memories, photo opportunities a-plenty….and priceless content for your socials! A crowd favourite at the resort, only one thing could rival the excitement of eating chocolate eggs and that’s finding them! The hunt is locked in for Sunday 9th April from 11.30am until 12pm. Bookings are essential via [email protected] or by phoning 07 5592 9800.
Easter Egg Decorating
Another activity involving Easter eggs (there can never be too many), Easter egg decorating is also a crowd favourite at the resort. Extending the invitation to both guests and non-guests, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa’s culinary wizards will teach your mini-me’s the fine art of chocolate making and embellishing. Taking place in Tamborine Gallery, be amazed by their creativity and delight in their eggcitement as they craft their very own edible masterpieces! Sessions will be held on Monday 3rd, Wednesday 5th and Friday 7th of April from 3pm until 3.45pm. Tickets are $25 per child (in-house guests only).
Family Holiday Package
Nothing says Happy Easter like a family getaway! Escape the daily grind, reconnect with your loved ones, and enjoy a luxurious 2-night stay at the stunning resort. To make it extra special, breakfast for two adults and two children is included, as well as complimentary snorkel hire to explore the tropical fish in the breathtaking lagoon. Plus, you can also choose between a JW Garden herb planting experience, or a kids culinary class! This amazing package is available for stays between 3rd February and 30th June and can be booked here. Our tip; make sure you enter the promotional code HO9 when booking.
So hop to it folks and put all your eggs in one basket this Easter at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Various activations as detailed above
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY JW MARRIOTT GOLD COAST RESORT & SPA.
The ‘gig guide’ for fam-friendly Easter fun!
Ahhh school holidays. That special time when we get to do fun things with our mini-me’s …only to run out of entertainment inspo three days in and panic #RocksInCornerWithGlassOfSav.
Never fear Gold Coast mums and dads, as we have a list of to-do’s to keep your kiddos occupied (and you sane) across the whole Easter school holidays. And wanna know the best part? The majority are free, or super cheap and cheerful!
Here we go (listed north to south)…
Looking for a fun way to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? Sanctuary Cove Marine Village has plenty happening, headlined by the return of its much-loved Easter Eggstravaganza on Sunday 5 April (10am–2pm).
The Marine Village will transform into an Easter wonderland filled with free family fun, including pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, train rides, Kilkie Cruises and more. Kids can also take part in an Easter scavenger adventure, following clues around the precinct before collecting a chocolate reward (registration required).
For something extra special, families can upgrade to the VIP Easter Experience ($20pp), which includes a private meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny, a chocolate treat, drink or ice cream voucher, and a take-home gift bag.
Plus, during the school holidays (weekdays 6–17 April), families can enjoy Kids Eat Free offers at selected venues and go into the draw to win Dreamworld passes.
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
We wouldn’t dream of omitting the home of all things thrills this school holidays. For a feast of flavour, entertainment and fun, Dreamworld’s Street Food Festival returns from 5–27 April, serving up global eats across three vibrant zones, Europe, Latin America and Asia.
Tuck into everything from dumplings and bratwurst to loaded burgers, churros and bubble tea, while live entertainment brings the park to life with Latin dancers, Japanese drumming, Luchador wrestling and more. Best of all, it’s all included with your Dreamworld entry.
Little ones can also enjoy Easter Bilby Week (3–9 April), with family-friendly activities including a bilby scavenger hunt, cookie decorating, face painting and more.
Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
Need a break from the usual school holiday chaos? Head to Hollywood instead. Back by popular demand, Hooray for Hollywood returns from 3–19 April, bringing golden-age glamour to the streets of Warner Bros. Movie World.
Expect extended park hours (9:30am–6pm), limited-time entertainment, and plenty of star-studded moments as you mingle with an all-star cast of classic Hollywood characters. The Movie Magic Parade lights up the park daily, adding even more sparkle to your visit.
And of course, you can still take on all your favourite rides, including the ever-iconic SCOOBY-DOO! Spooky Coaster.
Where: Warner Bros Movie World, Pacific Mwy, Oxenford
DinoFest is stomping back onto the Gold Coast these Easter school holidays — running from 3–19 April 2026 (excluding April 8–9 & 14–15), plus preview weekends on March 21–22 and 28–29, and it’s bigger than ever.
Taking over Country Paradise Parklands in Nerang, this outdoor prehistoric adventure features 30+ life-sized dinosaurs, including a roaring T-Rex, walking Triceratops and plenty of baby dinos kids can pat.
Expect a 45-minute Dinosaur Encounter, a brand-new Dino Trail, plus hands-on fun like dino digs, fossil experiences and themed arts and crafts.
Perfect for younger kids (especially under 9), it’s an interactive, screen-free day out — with tickets from $26 for kids and $28.50 for adults (under 2s free).
Where: Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang
Calling all little (and big) softies, the Teddy Bear High Tea Buffet is arriving just in time for the school holidays. Created in collaboration with Build-A-Bear, this adorable experience pairs a high tea buffet with a cuddly take-home teddy (one per two guests).
Be among the first to experience it on 11 and 18 April, where guests can enjoy sweet and savoury treats, a glass of sparkling for adults, and a special drink for the kids. Guests attending on 11 April can also take part in a Build-A-Bear Heart Ceremony, adding an extra magical touch to their keepsake.
The experience runs from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, with tickets priced at $105 for adults and $60 for children aged 4 to 12.
Where: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Level up your school holidays with QT Gold Coast’s playful new Power-Up High Tea, a nostalgic, Mario-inspired feast that’s almost too fun to eat. Step into a pixelated wonderland of colourful treats, whimsical toadstools and surprise-filled bites, served daily from 11am–2pm, unitl 8 May.
Expect a tiered spread of sweet and savoury delights, paired with tea or coffee and a refreshing iced drink, all designed to unlock a little childhood joy with every bite. Priced at $74 per person or $44 for kids (5–12), it’s a deliciously fun twist on the classic high tea.
On select days, little creatives can also join the ‘Shake & Create’ Easter decorating classes, where they’ll design their own chocolate toadstool masterpiece with guidance from QT’s chefs. $35 per child includes a milkshake and take-home creation. Held on Wednesday 8 April and Saturday 11 April from 12:30pm.
Where: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Hop to it, because the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are going full Easter mode this long weekend! On Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April from 4pm–9pm, the iconic Esplanade will come alive with over 100 artisan stalls, live music, and festive fun.
Expect handmade treasures, coastal breezes, and that unbeatable beachfront atmosphere. The Easter Bunny will be hopping in for meet-and-greets from 5pm–8pm both nights, perfect for those egg-stra cute photo ops, plus there’ll be family-friendly activities and plenty of chocolate to go around.
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Hop into the Easter spirit at Paradise Centre this April, where festive fun is in full swing for the whole family! From cracking prizes to hands-on workshops, there’s something for every bunny.
Spend $50 in-centre from 4–6 April (12pm–4pm) and try your luck at Crack An Egg for a guaranteed $50 gift voucher. Every egg’s a winner. Little ones can also get creative at the FREE Paradise Hoppy Hollow craft workshops (2–7 April, 1pm–4pm), where they’ll make their own hopping bunny to take home (bookings recommended).
Keep an eye out for a special Easter Bunny meet & greet on 2 April (11am–2pm), plus your chance to win one of three chocolate-loaded Easter hampers via Paradise Centre’s socials.
Once you’ve loaded up on treats from All Sorts of Sweets, Woolworths, Newsextra, Priceline and more, take the excitement up a notch at Timezone, Freak VR, MANIAX Axe Throwing, or Padlock’d Escape Room.
Now that’s what we call an egg-cellent holiday lineup! Find out all the details here.
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Step into a world of colour, culture and creativity these school holidays at HOTA with Aka Sorbie: Saltwater Heart, a vibrant new Children’s Gallery exhibition by Torres Strait Island artist Lisa Sorbie Martin.
Inspired by memories of her childhood, this immersive experience invites families to explore reef life, play in an island hut cubby, relax under the story tree, and get hands-on with art and pattern-making at Aka’s creative table. It’s a beautiful space designed to bring people together, share stories, and connect with First Nations culture and the natural environment.
Perfect for curious little minds, this interactive exhibition blends play, learning and storytelling in a meaningful and engaging way.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
The Langham Gold Coast is serving up a fun-filled School Holiday Program from Friday 3rd to Sunday 19th April, packed with activities for kids and a little luxury for parents.
Little guests can enjoy everything from family yoga and Easter egg hunts to arts and crafts, pizza making and cupcake decorating. There’s also plenty of energy-burning fun with kids discos, sandcastle making and beach volleyball, making it easy to fill the days with creativity, movement and play.
Best of all, the program is open to the public, so you don’t need to be staying at the hotel to join in the fun.
Where: The Langham, Surfers Paradise
Hop into the Easter spirit with Madison’s Easter Cupcake Decorating Workshop, a fun, hands-on activity perfect for little creators. Held on 9 April at 2pm, kids can decorate two Easter-themed cupcakes using colourful icing, sprinkles and toppings, with all tools provided.
Each child also receives a drink of their choice, making it a sweet and creative school holiday treat.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
There’s plenty happening at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary these school holidays, with a wild line-up of Easter fun, hands-on programs and unforgettable animal encounters.
Running from 8–17 April, the popular school holiday programs return for kids aged 5–12, plus a teen zookeeping experience for ages 13–16. Expect wildlife adventures, interactive learning and plenty of time outdoors connecting with nature.
Don’t miss the return of the Jaw-Dropping Croc Talks (daily at 1pm, 3–19 April), where reptile experts share fascinating facts and, if you’re lucky, a live feeding. There’s also Wild Wonderland, featuring egg hunts, crafts and family-friendly activities throughout the park.
For something truly unique, Astra Lumina is offering kids free entry all April (with a paying adult), transforming the Sanctuary into an immersive light and sound experience after dark.
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
The Strand has your school holidays sorted with a line-up of free family-friendly activities.
On Saturday 4 April, the Easter Bunny will be hopping through the centre from 9:30am–1:30pm, handing out free Cadbury Easter eggs (first in, best dressed!).
The fun continues from 7–11 April, with a free Kids Art Takeover Zone running daily from 11am–3pm on Level 1. Expect colourful, hands-on activities including spinning paint stations, face painting and a colouring competition with prizes up for grabs.
It’s free, it’s creative, and it’s the perfect easy day out these school holidays.
Where: 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
NaturallyGC holiday programs are FREE and specifically designed to connect kids with nature and encourage outdoor play and learning. The Totally Wild vibing workshops cater to all interests and ages with a range of nature-based activities on offer across the holidays. There’s Scaly Reptiles or Make a Bug Hotel for the creepy crawly fans to slither in to, Creatures of the Sea to captivate the budding marine biologists, raft building sessions, and more.
Where: Various Gold Coast locations
The Get More Oomph Skipping Battle is bouncing into Justin’s Park on Friday 17 April, bringing a morning of high-energy fun for kids and families these school holidays. Supported by Dairy Farmers, this free event will see skipping sensation Lauren Jumps go head-to-head with Australian champion Luke Boon in an epic skip-off showdown, alongside a meet and greet with Gold Coast Suns players. Expect plenty of skipping activities for all ages, plus Dairy Farmers samples to keep everyone fuelled. It’s all happening from 9am –11am at Justin’s Park on the Gold Coast, just bring your energy and get ready to jump in. Register here.
Where: Justin’s Park, The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads
Don't miss Sanctuary Cove’s Easter eggstravaganza!
Get egg-cited Gold Coasters! Easter is approaching fast! Faster than a hopping bunny on Easter morning! We love it because that means a long weekend and eating our years-worth in bunny-shaped chocolate and hot-cross buns before another 365 days of waiting.
However, long weekends + sugar-filled kids = activities are needed! Thankfully, Sanctuary Cove is pulling out all the stops for us! For one day only, the Marine Village will transform into an eggstraordinary Easter Wonderland, packed with family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and more Easter magic than you can shake a chocolate bunny at! Shall we get into more of the delicious details?
Mark your calendars for a ‘FREE family fun day’ at Sanctuary Cove on Sunday, the 20th of April! We assure you, this is an Easter event you won’t want to hop past! From 10am-2pm, the Marine Village will be bursting with activities for all ages to entertain little bunnies (and their grown-ups).
There will be pony rides, Easter-themed arts and crafts, cruises on the Kilkie Ferry and face painting (matching mummy-daughter bunny whiskers?). But wait, it gets MUCH better!
There’s nothing better on Easter than getting a visit from the big-eared legend himself, and this year, he’s bringing his real-bunny sidekick, Pickles. Looking for an extra egg-clusive experience? Book a VIP Package and enjoy a private meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny- no crowds, no queues, just you meeting the real live Easter Bunny (plus cuddles with Pickles).
The sweet VIP magic continues with a take-home Easter gift bag filled with goodies, a delicious chocolate Easter Bunny (because what’s Easter without chocolate?) and a drink, ice cream, or chips voucher from Cove Tavern! VIP sessions run at 9am and 9:30am, but spots are limited, so book fast before they’re all scooped up like the last egg in an Easter egg hunt!
Speaking of Easter egg hunts, drum roll, please…Introducing the Great Sanctuary Cove Easter Egg Hunt! However, instead of finding chocolate eggs (parents sigh relief**), participants will be hunting for codewords to enter a draw to WIN a Nintendo Switch! I think we can compromise a little chocolate for that prize! The hunt will run from 10am-1pm, and all entrants must be present at the draw at 1:55pm to claim their prize!
This all sounds like a cracking good time if you ask us! Whether you’re hunting for the ultimate Easter prize, enjoying a hoppy cruise, or indulging in some delicious Easter treats, there’s something for everyone at Sanctuary Cove’s Easter Eggstravaganza! Get all the details here.
Where: The Marine Village at Sanctuary Cove, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
When: Sunday 31st March
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
STORY SPONSORED BY SANCTUARY COVE
