Sink your teeth into savvy family-fun at ArtVo.
Sink your teeth into savvy family-fun at ArtVo.
Tiny human wranglers of the GC, let us set the scene: the school holidays have barely begun, your kids are already climbing the walls and the vibe resembles that of a WWE showdown. At this point you’re fairly certain time is ticking backwards – you need to pull a rabbit out of your hat, fast.
Enter, ArtVo – an interactive, all-ages approved trick art exhibit, and the ultimate boredom-busting ace up your sleeve. Guaranteed to not only cure cantankerous moods but blow your brood completely out of the water… cue confetti, adoration and applause (okay, so more like a muttered ‘thanks bro’, if we’re lucky). Queensland’s first trick art exhibit, invites you to not merely marvel at, but star in a variety of interactive, perspective-bending scenes, such as gravity-defying magic acts and even a larger-than-life King Kong encounter – all of which provide plenty of frame-worthy photo ops along the way.
The enchanting exhibit promises a whole new way to experience the traditional art gallery, and they’re certainly not beating their chest here, guys! Following in the footsteps of Melbourne’s ever-popular ArtVo experience – our own location, tucked conveniently inside Robina Town Centre, is only the second attraction of its kind in Aus. Nestled right by The Kitchens (#convenient) for those who seldom frequent that end of town, the existence of Robina’s resident art attraction hidden within may have slipped your radar entirely. Praise be, parents – because who doesn’t love discovering a brand new kiddo-approved contender in our midst?!
Unlike traditional art galleries, at ArtVo, guests are not only welcome, but encouraged to explore and interact with a mind-bending array of hand-painted murals. Inside the refreshingly fam-friendly art exhibit, there are eight uniquely themed rooms to discover, such as a whimsical, Fairytale Wonderland and a 3D Glow Room to really make those faces light up.
Along with untold amounts of fun, staff are on hand to ensure a truly unforgettable experience, providing plenty of hot tips and assistance to snap the most mind-boggling pics. Strike a pose as you seemingly sprout wings, encounter your favourite heroes, or have a ship-load of fun stepping back in time with Titanic – with something that will appeal to every age and interest, the sky really is the limit for hilarious hijinks, here.
While we reckon ArtVo is the perfect #anytime activity to keep in your arsenal for everything from birthday parties to (literal and figurative) rainy days, with Easter school holidays coming in hot, they’re gearing up to take it to a whole new level. With all-day entry and free entry for kids under 5 already included as standard; these school holidays they’ll be doubling down on the bang for your buck even further with ‘Adults at Kids Prices’ admission (a $10pp saving!). Say what… an attraction that’s actually on special for the school holidays – how’s for that for affordable family fun? But the fun doesn’t stop there. Visit ArtVo ANY DAY during the QLD school holidays at 10.30am to be part of a daily Easter Egg Hunt. Hop yeah!
And don’t despair, the budget-savvy fun at this optical spectacle doesn’t stop there. Once the school holidays are said and done, we’ve got it on very good authority that ArtVo also will be launching an exclusive mid-week special offer. An especially enticing development for anyone with pre-school aged ankle biters, so keep those eyes peeled on their socials for updates.
And who doesn’t love creating core mems without breaking the bank… Gold Coasters, ‘art’ you glad you can count on us to bring you all the hottest school holiday happenings?
Adults at Kids Prices $20 Tickets | Use the code: FUN on the ArtVo website
Free entry for kids under 5 years
Where: Robina Town Centre, Shop 5062 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina. Located on the Ground Floor at Robina Town Centre Near The Kitchens, across from Cotton On and next to Lush
When: Monday–Friday 10am–4pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am–5pm. Open all Easter Weekend and School Holidays (except Good Friday).
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY ARTVO GOLD COAST
This ‘burb has all the bells and whistles.
Pop quiz! Where’s one place on the Gold Coast, where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, wander amongst stunning natural parklands and more? It’s Robina! There’s also a hospital and train station, but unfortunately, they’re not exciting enough to make our list.
Here are 18 things that are exciting enough to make our list.
Say ciao to Robina’s (perhaps, Gold Coast’s) most authentic and downright delicious pasta joint! The artisan pasta boutique store is brought to us by a European mother and daughter duo – how could it not be? Made with high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B, and also digestion-friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of their no-nasties, slow-cooked sauces. The best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina
The Euro food tour continues at My French Pastries- a slice of Paris right in Robina. They deliver made-from-scratch croissants, tarts, and decadent desserts, with each pastry crafted with high-quality ingredients that keep locals coming back for more (and more and more). Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Where: Shop 5, 4226/361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina
An intimate 24-seat Asian bar and restaurant offering a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine. The menu showcases creative dishes from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, inspired by vibrant street food flavours and regional classics. With its cosy setting, flavour-packed plates and a Chef Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide for 2025, it’s a top pick for both date nights and group dining.
Where: 44 Commerce Dr, Robina
She’s smart, she’s stunning- she’s Bond University. Yes, Robina is home to the prestigious and world-class institution that helps current and future generations reach their biggest goals! Bond combines innovative teaching, a supportive campus community, and beautiful surroundings to create an inspiring study environment.
Where: 14 University Drive, Robina
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Calling all dog lovers! This expansive dog park is the perfect place for your furry friend to run, play, and socialise safely. With plenty of open space and shaded areas, it’s ideal for a weekend outing with your four-legged family members.
Where: Lot 21 Robina Pkwy, Clear Island Waters
A vibrant café serving wholesome, flavour-packed meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Harvest Foodhouse is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch, with mouthwatering options like lamb shoulder tacos, cauliflower steak with a white bean hummus, loaded savoury croissants and triple-choc waffles. You’re gonna need to make a few trips.
Where: 361 Robina Parkway, Robina
The playground to end all playgrounds! Greenheart Robina Parklands is a 22.5-hectare wonderland with towering slides, net bridges, trampolines, swings, water play, and a toddler zone, all fully fenced with an onsite café (hallelujah). Kids can pedal off to the bike track with humps, bumps, and traffic signs, while parents chill under shady umbrellas. Add in walking paths, a boardwalk, half basketball court and a dog park, and you’ve got the ultimate family day out.
Where: Stadium Dr, Robina
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
A modern Australian rooftop bar and restaurant, Green Fields serves up flavour-packed dishes with a focus on quality produce and sustainability. The stylish rooftop setting makes it ideal for enjoying a meal while taking in the Robina skyline.
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
A yakitori-focused Japanese-Korean grill in Robina, known for its smoky binchotan charcoal skewers. The menu features wagyu beef, free-range chicken, veggie options, and fresh seafood, paired with Japanese whisky, beer, and wine. Perfect for casual dinners or a night out.
Where: 126/128 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina
Cocoflufferia by Goji is the all-new dessert wonderland, where dairy-free decadence meets a candy-land of toppings! Grab a bowl of their light and fluffy vegan soft serve, then go crazy with a line-up of delicious toppings like pistachio kanufa, Bueno, pistachio and Nutella sauce, Biscoff crumbs, mini mochi, M&Ms and fresh fruits!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
Step into a world of optical illusions and interactive 3D art. Artvo is not only visually stunning but also a playground for your imagination, offering endless photo opportunities and fun for all ages.
Where: Ground Floor, Near the Kitchens, next to Lush, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Riva is the home of sleek and stylish premium workspaces that make the 9-to-5 grind feel…well, less grindy. They’re designed to foster productivity and creativity by combining comfort, style, and convenience, with both private and co-working options.
Where: 2/14 Edgewater Court, Robina
Small Fry offers a modern twist on classic Australian seafood. One of their signature dishes is the Bug Bao– lightly battered bug meat in a steamed bun with coleslaw, chilli, shallots, lime, and sriracha mayo. Don’t walk, run! Pair that with a serve of their Family Parmesan and Truffle Fries, and damnnnnn!
Where: 273 Scottsdale Drive, Robina
Your most Instagrammable matcha moments await at Matcha Therapy- where everything is made with ceremonial grade matcha powder from Uji, Japan. Sit, sip and shop your way through matcha heaven.
Where: 129 Laver Drive, Robina
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
It’s all hoppening at QT this Easter.
Somehow Easter is quickly closing in on us for another year – and we’d flat out refuse to accept this fact if it weren’t for the rows of foil-wrapped choccies and fresh-baked HCB’s have been gracing the shelves (and our bellies) for several weeks months now. Which means it’s time to get those long weekend plans locked and loaded – and who better than the GC’s very own designer playground, QT, to ensure our Easter is choc-a-block full of the good stuff: feasting, fun and festivities. From rugrat-approved egg decorating workshops to sumptuous market-fresh sashimi feasts, there’s truly something for every-bunny going down at QT this Easter. Srsly – this is one time keeping all your eggs in one basket is just good sense.
Easter High Tea at Fixx
If you’ve been ‘hunting’ high and low for a decadent and delightful way to celebrate this chocolate season Easter, look no further than a special edition Fixx High Tea experience available across the Easter long weekend. Hosted within the funky surrounds of Fixx cafe, the whimsical spread will be treated to an especially tempting Easter-inspired twist, which teases an indulgent sugar rush inspired by magical creatures from far off lands. As always, the QT pastry wizards know the way to our hearts – switching up the usual selection of exquisitely crafted pint-sized sweet and savoury treats, to include cameos from chocolate eggs and freshly baked hot cross buns for one wonderful weekend only. Pass the butter (and stretchy pants), please and thank you!
Shake and Create Kids Workshops at Fixx
Sugar-based shenanigans are not the only festive happenings at Fixx, with an egg-xtra special, egg decorating edition of their ever-popular school holiday workshops: ‘Shake and Create Kids: Easter Unleashed’ on offer for four days only. For only $25 per child, round up the rugrats to make some most egg-cellent mems on either Easter Saturday, or Wednesday 3rd April until Friday 5th April. As always spots are limited, so get cracking if you want to snag a spot. Stealing the glory for the fun points while outsourcing the food-based craft to a place other than our own kitchen? Priceless.
Easter at Bazaar
If you’re chasing a festive feast fit for the whole fam, Easter at Bazaar is where it’s at. The spectacular Bazaar spread and its curation of global flavours already has us in its clutches, so we are in awe that Executive Chef, Greg Benney and his kitchen brigade still manage to pull a rabbit or two out of their hats for occasions like these. Serving up an extra lush Easter Sunday brunch and Easter dinner from Good Friday through to Easter Monday, the superb spread comes complete with slow-cooked meats and perfectly-spiced fresh seafood along with oodles of otherworldly chocolate confections for the occasion. In addition to the famous, flowing chocolate fountain – fully stocked with all the dunkable and drizzle-worthy trimmings, of course – there’d be riots if not. Sugar rush, come at us!
Easter at Yamagen
Easter and overindulging is frankly, a foregone conclusion… *handshake emoji*. So, if you want to make each and every mouthful truly count, surrender yourself to the succulent Easter at Yamagen experience – for a fine dining style celebration where fresh seafood will steal the show. Set within the soft glow of neon lights at QT’s cosy, AGFG chef hat awarded dining destination, bask in elevated Japanese eats with a selection of the finest à la carte fare alongside a degustation style, fish-only omakase menu – handpicked by Executive Chef Adam Lane and his team of kitchen wizards. Don’t forget to check out the top shelf whisky selection while you’re there… special occasions are made for indulging, no?
Find out more on all of QT Gold Coast’s epic Easter happenings here.
Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Various dates/times across the Easter long weekend
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY QT GOLD COAST
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
