Better hop along to some of these!
Better hop along to some of these!
What’s not to love about Easter? There’s chocolate, hot cross buns, Easter-inspired cocktails (eep!) lots of cute bunny stuff and for most, an extra-long weekend for hangs with the fam and friends. There’s also a lot more going on around the Gold Coast traps and we’re here to tell you eggs-actly what’s hoppening and where.
Here’s the low down on all the Easter shenanigans across these 4 sugar-fuelled days! Bring it on!
Madison’s Café & Patisserie
This one is a day shy of the long weekend (Thursday 14th) but deserves a shout-out! Local cake royalty Madison’s is serving up something just for the adults this Easter. We’re invited to a very special event to design and decorate our very own cake, accompanied with wine (YAS!) and nibbles. Sign us up!
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Easter Sunday Seafood Buffet
Award-winner Citrique is serving up a truly heavenly Easter feast with the finest locally sourced seafood, artisan antipasto, succulent roasts, Asian-inspired dishes, wood-fired pizza and European classics, artful desserts and Easter sweet treats. Drool! More is more at Easter. $139 per guest, $69 per child (5-12 years) and children under 4 dine for free! Book here.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond at The Star Gold Coast
Kick start the Easter long weekend on Thursday 14th April, AKA Good Friday Eve (yep, we are coining that one), with a trip back to the best era in music. Enter ‘The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond’. This one-of-a-kind concert will have you singing along with classics like Sweet Caroline, Cherry Cherry, and Red Red Wine. Good times and tickets start from just $49.90*. Book now!
Where: The Star Gold Coast Theatre, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Gods of the Sea
The Gods are giving us Good Friday brunch goodness for days (well, a day….it’s a Good Friday egg-sclusive) with the likes of Blue Swimmer Crab Waffles with crispy Bangalow bacon and celeriac remoulade. Or for $160pp on Good Friday, Easter Saturday or Sunday, you can indulge in a 6-course degustation with a selection of signature dishes and Easter-only offerings (lunch or dinner). We sea food and we want to eat it! Read more about it here.
Where: Gods of the Sea, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Crafty’s Sports Bar
Who says Easter sugar highs are just for kids? Harbour Town fave Crafty’s Sports Bar has created a luxe, grown-up style Easter treat that’s sure to excite sweet tooths and cocktail connoisseurs alike. Be enticed by the Brandy Bunny, a heavenly combo of St Remy Brandy, Mozart White Chocolate Liquor, cream and Crafty’s own house-made white chocolate syrup. Get in our (chocolate-filled) bellies!
Where: Harbour Town Eats, Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Palazzo Versace
Il Barocco Restaurant
Celebrate Easter with a luxurious long lunch or dinner in opulent surrounds at Il Barocco, where a bountiful seafood buffet awaits and an internationally renowned dessert display with a selection of over 20 types of handcrafted delectable treats made fresh daily. YUM. $149 per adult and $75 per child.
Le Jardin
Devour an Easter-themed high tea in fashion central, Le Jardin. Enjoy a playful twist on their classic high tea, with a selection of delicately crafted sweet treats and savoury morsels, intricately stacked on a three-tiered stand. Every-bunny will love this! From $107pp!
Where: Palazzo Versace, 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Southport Sharks
The Sharks have an egg-citing line-up! On Easter Saturday, enjoy a buffet dinner at Frenzy’s, followed by a performance from Disco Disciples. Then on Easter Sunday, there’ll be face painting, a kids Easter show presented by LOL Crew and an appearance from the Easter Bunny. That evening, tuck into the Frenzy’s buffet and then get ready for Acoustic Soup to take the stage! The buffet is starting from $39.90 per adult, $17.90 per child (8-12yo), and $11.90 per child (4-7yo).
Where: Cnr Musgrave & Olsen Avenue, Southport
Words by Bianca Trathen.
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
Heavenly seafood awaits at Marina Mirage’s Gods of the Sea.
Marina Mirage has gifted us many sensational wining and dining destinations over the years, and oh my ‘cod’, seafood stunner Gods of the Sea has certainly stepped up to the plate. Not only in terms of taste and ambience, but also its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Armed with such intel, if this restaurant isn’t on your radar this Easter long weekend, then you need to walk the plankton.
Always serving up a carefully curated selection of ethically sourced all-Australian fresh produce, ingredients, boutique wines and beverages, the Gods deliver maximum enjoyment with minimal ‘green guilt’. Declaring April the ‘Gods of the Sea celebration of fish’, their exclusive Easter menu offerings are o-fish-ally #goals. And yes you’re right, we should dolphinitely go easy on the puns coz it’s obvs we’re fishing for laughs.
Good Friday is set to take centre stage during this shell-abration with a delectable line-up of new brunch items, freshly prepared by Chef Jon Numinen. You know when this fish and seafood hero (ex Fish House) is in charge, you’re in expert hands. To say we’re all kinds of excited would be an understatement. Especially because it’s exclusive to Good Friday on the 15th April – and we feel all kinds of fancy when we’re privy to a special menu. And secondly, because brunch is our fave eats/drinks timeslot….
Enjoy mouth-watering Blue Swimmer Crab Waffles with crispy Bangalow bacon and celeriac remoulade, Sardines on Toast paired with grilled sourdough, fermented tomato, pickled red onion, fennel, warrigal greens and shiraz vinegar. Or, try the Smoked Trout Eggs Benedict, with hot smoked ocean trout, English muffin, poached egg, Gods hollandaise and triple smoked salmon roe. Holy Mackerel, is it even possible to choose one without epic FOMO and we think not, so play it safe and order the lot.
Also launching on Good Friday is their range of Australian-inspired Brunch cocktails including Gods Bloody Anchovy Mary, Lemon Myrtle Mimosa and Rainforest Spritz featuring Okar Island bitters. Side note: please refer to our previous point re. FOMO because with beverages of this calibre, it’s worse.
Moving on to the rest of the Easter festivities, a special ‘Gods of the Sea celebration of fish’ 6-course degustation menu will also be available for lunch and dinner over the entire weekend. At $160 per person, it features a selection of signature dishes and some very special items available only at Easter. And let’s not forget that the restaurant has recently unveiled its outdoor lounge bar, which offers a beautifully landscaped and furnished marina view terrace overlooking the Gold Coast Broadwater. It is the perf place for a drink and snack anytime of the day, or a pre or post-dinner cocktail (if you insist…). No bookings are necessary and lounge seating is available on a first-in basis so take the bait and hurry up!
If you miss the Easter line-up, then shame on you (jokes…kinda) but don’t despair because another special brunch event is being cooked up for Mother’s Day, Sunday 8th May. Watch this space!
So, bring your appetite along with your phone to take lots of ‘shelf-ies’, and enjoy an eco-friendly, five-star feast this Easter with the heavenly hosts at Gods of The Sea.
Where: Gods of the Sea, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
When: Good Friday Brunch 10am – 3pm Friday 15th April. Easter Weekend 6-Course Degustation available for lunch 12pm – 3pm and dinner 5:30pm – 9:30pm Friday 15th, Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th April. Closed Easter Monday.
Bookings via www.godsofthesea.com.au or phone 0452 652 215.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY GODS OF THE SEA
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.
