26 Gold Coast markets to visit (nearly) every day of the week

We went, we shopped, we conquered — presenting your go-to guide to the best Gold Coast markets.

Reflecting the eclectic spirit of the region, there’s a Gold Coast market to suit every taste, budget and whim. Treasure troves of seasonally rich produce, trend-driven and vintage fashion, coastal-inspired homewares and so much more, the best Gold Coast markets are filled with enthralling sights and are among the best things to do in the city. From street food strongholds to beachfront meccas, here are our most recommended picks.

Farmers’ markets on the Gold Coast

1. ORGANIC GOLD COAST FARMERS MARKET

fresh vegetables displayed at Organic Gold Coast Farmers Market — Stock up on fresh fruit and veggies every Sunday. (Image: Getty/Beton studio)

Open: Every Sunday from 6am to 11.30am

Said to be the only true all-organic (and certified organic) farmers market in the region, the weekly Organic Gold Coast Farmers Market puts on a seasonal, locally grown and sourced extravaganza every Sunday. Those looking for self-catering during their holiday can pick up fresh-baked sourdough, fresh herbs, fruits and veggies, fresh tofu, micro-greens, nut butter, grain milk, oils, honey and herbal teas. As for those in town for a good time, not a long time, you can devour all the breakfast goods alongside freshly made juices, coffee or chai, before picking up organic skincare products on the way out.

Address: Merrimac State High School, Dunlop Ct, Mermaid Waters

2. BURLEIGH MARKET

fresh oranges and lettuce on display at Burleigh Market — Expect local produce fresh from the farm at Burleigh Market. (Image: Getty/Ayla Harbich)

Open: Every Saturday from 6:30am to 12pm

The Burleigh Markets are your go-to community spot for all things fresh, farm-produced, organic, gourmet and global — think fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, and deli products. Of course, there’s plenty of hot coffee and bakery treats too, along with fresh flowers, arts and crafts, antiques, collectables and a great selection of local live music.

Address: Burleigh Heads State School, Cnr West Burleigh Rd & Lower Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

3. THE HELENSVALE FARMERS MARKET

people strolling around the stalls at Helensvale Farmers Market, Gold Coast — Shop your way around the Helensvale Farmers Market.

Open: Every Saturday from 6am to 11am

Focusing on local creations and true sustainability, The Helensvale Farmers Market offers quality farm-fresh produce from local growers, as well as a huge range of global foods, artisanal wares, and beautiful products. It’s a great weekend drop-in before hitting the Gold Coast’s famed theme parks, including Wet’n’Wild and Warner Bros. Movie World, plus Topgolf Gold Coast, where you drive and dine, simultaneously — everything’s within a short drive of one another.

Address: Helensvale State High School, 243 Discovery Dr, Helensvale

4. MARINA MIRAGE FARMERS MARKETS

bread on display at Marina Mirage Farmers Markets, Gold Coast — Find artisan continental bread and pastries at Marina Mirage Farmers Markets.

Open: Every Saturday from 6.30am to 12pm

A foodie haven, the undercover Marina Mirage Farmers Markets is home to freshly picked farm delights, sans nasty pesticides, so you know everything is as healthy as can be.

You’ll also find artisanal bread and pastries, Chinese greens, specialty jams, gluten-free cakes and terrines, organic juices, free-range eggs, Manuka honey, and delicious cupcakes. Take the opportunity to chat to farmers themselves who are always willing to share insight into their beautiful bounties.

Address: 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

5. PALM BEACH FARMERS’ MARKET

a couple browsing through a handicraft stall at Palm Beach Farmers Market — Peruse local artisan shops at Palm Beach Farmers Market. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Open: Every Saturday from 6am to 11.30am

Firmly focused on dishing out fresh local produce, high-quality food, and sustainable products, the Palm Beach Farmers’ Market supports the slow food movement and is run by a passionate bunch of farmers, producers and artisans.

So much more than a standard shopping experience, this is a place for the Gold Coast community to gather with friends and family while enjoying amazing food (you won’t miss the MiO crispy buckwheat wraps filled with Japanese-inspired ingredients — the line is always the longest), live local music and a great community atmosphere.

Address: Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, Thrower Dr, Palm Beach

6. HOTA FARMERS & ARTISAN MARKETS

a woman browsing through the fresh produce stalls at HOTA — Browse through the pop-up stalls after a day of creative exploration at HOTA.

Open: Every Sunday from 6am to 11.30am

Nestled against the backdrop of Evendale Lake and the stunning HOTA (Home of the Arts), the HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets comes alive every Sunday with seasonal, farm-fresh produce, delicious artisan foods, boutique fashion, and handcrafted treats. Visitors tend to make a day of their visit, dropping into HOTA, one of the best things to experience on the Gold Coast, once bellies are sufficiently filled and reusable shopping bags are stored safely in the car.

Address: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

7. EVERGREEN MARKETS

fresh bananas at Evergreen Markets, Gold Coast — Fill your basket with fresh bananas at Evergreen Markets. (Image: Getty/Kiara Bloom)

Open: Every Wednesday from 6.30am to 11am

This buzzy midweek market is a lovely way to break up the daily grind, embraced by picnic rug-carrying locals. Head along to Robina, about a 20-minute drive from Surfers Paradise, to gather your holiday supplies, spanning fresh produce and herbs, plus artisan products and flowers. Park your clan by the lake on a rug of your own to live life like a local and bask in the excellent coffee that’s available.

Address: 4 Greenwich Ct, Robina

8. COOLY COMMUNITY MARKETS

a bunch of sunflowers in a paper bag at Cooly Community Markets — Shop beautiful blooms at Cooly Community Markets. (Image: Getty/lynnebeclu)

Open: Every Thursday from 7am to 11am

Grab vibrant blooms and locally sourced deliciousness at the midweek Cooly Community Markets located on the southern beaches of the Gold Coast. The vibe is chilled, and stalls are strung up at length along a footpath so stickybeaking at your own pace (even in the rain) is a cinch. From homemade chia puddings to the locally adored range of sauces from Burleigh Heads’ Medicinal Chef, there’s non-stop goodness at this beloved Gold Coast market.

Address: Goodwin Park, Coolangatta

Gold Coast night markets

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9. HOTA HAWKER NIGHT MARKETS

Open: Random dates — the next is July 12, 2025, 4pm to 9pm

They pop up at random throughout the year so rest assured that once a HOTA Hawker Night Market date is slated, crowds will flock. The Gold Coast market’s June staging even attracted Marco Pierre White so you know it’s top-notch grub — think dumplings, Bahn mi, noodles, bao buns and more. More than 150 authentic South East Asian street food stalls (hence the Hawker title nod) fuel famished visitors as the sun sets over HOTA’s spacious lawn. Grab your favourite feed and get cosy as roaming performances play out and fire twirlers undeniably captivate.

Address: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

10. MIAMI MARKETTA

a family entering Miami Marketta — Find your favourite indulgences in one bustling laneway. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Open: Every Wednesday to Saturday, from 5pm

Three times a week, Miami Marketta breathes after-dark life into the other side of Miami (across the Gold Coast Highway, away from the beach), delivering a buzzing collective of street food from around the world. The undercover space hosts up to 20 international street food stalls on any given night, all jostling for your attention in one bustling laneway. The mix of vendors changes nightly but expect a generous smattering of all your favourite indulgences, like wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, fried chicken, gyros, tacos, cakes and slices, and more.

There’s also live music every night, plus onsite bars to choose from where boutique wine, locally brewed beer, and specialty cocktails keep crowds merry. In March 2025, Mona Lisa’s Lair, a champagne bar at the rear of the building behind the food vendors, opened its doors, expanding Marketta’s repertoire to pure fancy. If you’re in a group of eight or more, you can book a table, otherwise, it’s walk-in territory.

Address: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami

11. MARKETTA ARTS CREATIVE

Open: Every Thursday from 5pm

Running alongside Miami Marketta’s culinary offerings on Thursday nights is the Marketta Arts Creative, a weekly gathering of crafty locals keen to showcase their genius. It’s the spot to go for one-of-a-kind fashion and accessories, plus unique artistic creations and vintage gems.

Address: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami

12. SURFERS PARADISE BEACHFRONT MARKETS

people buying seashell crafts at a beachside stall, Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets — Pop by the seaside market for all sorts of crafts. (Image: Supplied)

Open: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 9pm

Set alongside the famous Surfers Paradise esplanade, the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are historically popular with the international tourist crowd and are perhaps most well-known for peddling slightly kitsch souvenirs and quirky arts and crafts. But its offerings have expanded in recent years, bringing essential oils, candles, hand-blown glass, hot doughnuts and local products such as macadamias and honey into the mix.

The esplanade itself is a lovely spot for a pre- or post-dinner stroll as the sun sinks and salt-laced air drifts about, while live music creates a reliably lively scene.

Address: The Foreshore, Surfers Paradise

13. SANCTUARY MARKETS

a family entering Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary — Go on a shopping escapade and wildlife immersion with the family at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Open: Every Friday from 4pm to 9pm

Crammed within the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Village Green, with tables dotted about its street-fronting deck, the Sanctuary Markets is a family-friendly vibe where locals love unwinding into the weekend. Home to a wide variety of international foods with mainstays including Thai, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Mexican, Italian and good old-fashioned Aussie fish and chips (look for the adorable mini caravan luring famished kids), the market cooks up something for everyone. Don’t miss Jackie’s Cakes, set up right at the entrance of the markets, an iconic Gold Coast baker crafting delicious fondant cookies based on what everyone’s talking about (Taylor Swift, Mother’s Day, you name it, Jackie’s all over it). The Fire ‘n’ Dough mobile pizza vendor is another popular pit-stop but expect to wait for about 20 minutes if it’s crowded because their pudgy pizza bases are wildly popular.

Address: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Village Green, cnr Tomewin and Teemangum Streets

14. EMERALD LAKES TWILIGHT MARKET

Open: Every Thursday from 3pm to 7pm

Renowned for its quality international bites, the Emerald Lakes Twilight Market offers an al fresco shopping experience with dialled up ambience. It’s a popular spot for friends to meet and soak up great live entertainment, arts and crafts, and exotic cuisines, while fresh produce is also too good to ignore.

Address: The Boulevard, Emerald Lakes, Carrara

15. DREAMWORLD NIGHT MARKET

a woman getting her waffle order from one of the food stalls at Dreamworld Night Market — Make sure to leave room for dessert.

Open: Every Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 9pm

There’s something extra special about roaming a theme park at night and the Dreamworld Night Market delivers the goods extensively. Attracting an ever-changing food truck line-up within its young kids’ zone, the Gold Coast market is also beloved for opening up its Deep Sea Dodgem cars, Dreamworld Flyer (those swings that fly through the air way too fast), Belinda’s Tree House (watch out for shooting foam balls), Fun Maze and Gamesite (just like Timezone with added showbag sales) to lovestruck kidlets. Entry is $2 for adults and free for kids under 13, but you’ll need to pay for the dodgems, Flyer and dinner, which typically entails Japanese rice bowls, dumplings, German bratwurst, chargrill meats, loaded waffles and an obligatory stop at the Ice Cream Parlour.

Address: Dreamworld, Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

Monthly markets on the Gold Coast

16. DUSTY RUMMAGE

art on display inside Dust Temple cafe, Gold Coast — Score a bargain inside this warehouse-gallery cafe. (Image: Dusty Rummage)

Open: Last Sunday of the month and timings vary

Find your pre-loved threads fix at Dusty Rummage, a second-hand Gold Coast clothes market staged inside Dust Temple, a huge warehouse-gallery cafe on the southern beaches. You’ll comb the racks with sartorially sound shoppers as drinks are served at the bar and the kitchen cranks out a light meal menu.

Address: 54 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin

17. GOLD COAST ART & CRAFT SUNDAY MARKETS

Open: First and third Sunday in Broadbeach, and the second and fourth Sunday in Coolangatta

Shopping for gifts, souvenirs, art, craft, the ingenious, the weird, and the wonderful has never been easier. The Gold Coast Art & Craft Sunday Markets run across two locations, one in the south and one in Central Gold Coast, delivering a colourful mix of more than 150 stalls. While homemade jewellery, art, homewares and other treasures are worthy of your browsing, there’s also fresh produce, delicious food, and live entertainment to enjoy. The Gold Coast market also operates in Burleigh Heads however its outpost was suspended in June 2025 due to ongoing road works. Fingers crossed it’s back up and running before long.

Address: Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach, and Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta.

18. DESERT DIGS

pre-loved fashion items at Desert Digs Vintage Market, Gold Coast — Check out pre-loved fashion items at Desert Digs Vintage Market.

Open: First Saturday of the month from 12pm to 4pm

How does achingly cool vintage fashion, cocktails, food trucks, and live tunes sound? Get on down to the Desert Digs Gold Coast market at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse in Burleigh Heads, where you can swap vinyl and pick up pre-loved fashion items to instantly jazz up your look.

Address: 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads

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19. BOOT BARGAINS AT YATALA DRIVE-IN

Open: Third Sunday of the month from 6am to 11am

For a good old-fashioned car boot sale, make tracks to Yatala Drive-In theatre’s Boot Bargains market. On hand to make somebody else trash your treasure, the monthly event is open to everyone who registers beforehand while pure bargain hunters will need to pay $2 at the gate. Tasty food and beverages are also available from the venue’s retro 1950s diner all morning.

Address: 100 Jacobs Well Road, Stapylton

20. BEECHMONT MARKETS

an aerial view of Beechmont Markets with a foggy mountain in the background — The Beechmont Markets in the Gold Coast Hinterland boasts breathtaking views.

Open: Third Sunday of the month from 8am to 1pm

Offering a taste of the gorgeous Gold Coast Hinterland, the Beechmont Markets is a community event beloved by locals. Immersed in breathtaking bushland, the Gold Coast market rounds up peak local produce, homemade goods, plants, live music, arts and crafts and more.

Address: 1835 Beechmont Rd, Beechmont

21. HOPE ISLAND MARINA MARKETS

Open: Third Sunday of the month from 9am to 1pm

Featuring a selective group of Gold Coast artisans, the Hope Island Marina Markets stretch along the waterfront at Hope Island Shopping Centre and feature homewares and handmade crafts, jewellery, live music, children’s clothing, and more. Browse the stalls and grab breakfast or lunch at one of the on-site cafes.

Address: 10 Santa Barbara Rd, Hope Island

Family-friendly markets on the Gold Coast

22. CARRARA MARKETS

clothes for sale at Carrara Markets, Gold Coast — Find more than 300 stalls selling clothes, homewares and more. (Image: Carrara Markets)

Open: Every Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 3pm

Touted as the biggest permanent weekend marketplace in Australia, Carrara Markets plays host to more than 300 stalls and attractions on a 24-acre site. Trawl eclectic stalls for fresh produce, clothing, jewellery, homewares, plants, second-hand bric-a-brac, souvenirs, arts and crafts, a handful of cafes, and more.

It’s a particularly great spot for those travelling with kids as you’ll find a mini-golf course, butterfly house, buskers, pony rides, a baby animal farm, trampolines, and face painters in the ‘Family Lane’ section.

Address: Cnr Gooding Dr & Manchester Rd, Carrara

23. TWEED HARBOURSIDE MARKET

a crowd of people strolling along the stalls at Tweed Harbourside Market — The Tweed Harbourside Market boasts waterside stalls featuring handmade goods and artisan produce. (Image: Duke M and F Evans)

Open: First Saturday of every month, 9am to 2pm

Although not strictly on the Gold Coast, we’re including this one given the Tweed is a few steps from Coolangatta. Set at the Jack Evans Boat Harbour, the Tweed Harbourside Market sits against the turquoise hues of the Tweed.

There’s everything to fill your basket and your stomach, from artisan produce to delicious street food and handmade goods. You’ll also find a playground, live music and barbecue areas within the waterside grounds.

Address: Wharf St, Tweed Heads

Mt Tamborine markets

24. TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN STATE SCHOOL MARKETS

a product display at Tamborine Mountain State School Markets — Browse through an array of interesting items at Tamborine Mountain State School Markets.

Open: Last Sunday of the month from 7am to 1pm

Situated on the beautiful Tamborine Mountain, the Tamborine Mountain State School Markets are a wonderfully diverse, character-filled, monthly market overflowing with things to explore. Here you’ll find up to 130 stalls from local artists, crafts, fresh produce, plants, books, clothing, vintage items, collectables, jewellery, bric-a-brac, candles, and plenty more.

Whether you’re browsing or buying, head along and treat yourself to delicious food while enjoying the live music and friendly mountain atmosphere

Address: Corner of Long Rd and Curtis Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Occasional markets on the Gold Coast

25. QUEENSLAND VEGAN MARKETS

the Queensland Vegan Markets at sunset — Learn more about veganism at Queensland Vegan Markets.

Open: Various dates, so check the website

Dedicated to bringing you a great range of vegan food and cruelty-free shopping, the Queensland Vegan Markets are open to everyone – whether you want to reduce your consumption of animals, learn more about veganism or enjoy a place where you are spoilt for vegan food options. Enjoy a day out with your favourite vegan eats, drinks, shopping, and charities.

Address: Across Broadwater Parklands, Mudgeeraba Showground and Southport locations

26. CHRISTMAS MARKETS GC

Open: Various dates in December

The annual Christmas Markets GC is one of the most festive events on the Gold Coast, inviting guests to fill their swag with gifts from more than 100 stalls selling all manner of goodies. Check the website for dates closer to silly season but expect live music, kids’ rides, delicious treats and all the twinkling lights.

Address: Broadwater Parklands, Marine Pde, Southport

Originally written by Jemma Fletcher with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Discover the best hotels on the Gold Coast for your getawway

Consider this your cheat sheet to holidaying on Hamilton Island with the clan.

Keeping everyone in your crew happy on holidays is no small feat. Yet ask any parent who’s been and they’ll unanimously agree Hamilton Island multi-gen travel overdelivers – for many reasons.

Taking the family to this premier island destination is a rite of passage for many Aussie parents. Not only is Hamo stuffed to the brim with fun activities to suit all ages, but it’s accessible, safe and super easy to get around thanks to its relatively small size. And I suppose the fact that it’s undeniably stunning doesn’t hurt either.

Whether you’re spending time together creating magical memories or relaxing while giving the young ones some kids’ club time, this guide breaks down everything there is to know about holidaying on Hamilton Island for families.

Getting there, and around

Hamilton Island multi-gen travel on a buggy — Hire a buggy and explore at your own pace.

The easiest and most fuss-free way to get to Hamilton Island is to fly to Great Barrier Reef Airport, located on the island. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. Alternatively, fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) near Airlie Beach, then take a ferry from Shute Harbour with Cruise Whitsundays, which operates services daily.

Once you’re here, rental buggies make it easy to zip around from A to B (not to mention being a fun activity in themselves – the kids will love it).

Where to stay

Reef View Hotel Pool Terrace hamilton island multi-gen travel — Reef View Hotel offers pool and sea. (Credit: Kara Rosenlund)

Part of what makes Hamilton Island so appealing is its diverse range of family-friendly accommodation. Many include return airport or marina shuttles, along with complimentary use of non-motorised watersports equipment – making it easy to relax as soon as you step foot on the island.

Reef View Hotel is one of the most popular picks due to its spacious suites perfect for larger families and proximity to the island’s resort centre – a happening hub of restaurants, pools and water activities.

Meanwhile, families looking for something more self-contained can check into Palm Bungalows. Each modern bungalow is enveloped by lush tropical gardens and offers a kitchenette, bar fridge, microwave and coffee facilities – plus a private balcony for card games and evening drinks.

pool and sup boarders at The Sundays hamilton island — Take in pool and sea at The Sundays.

The Sundays is another fantastic option for families. The newest hotel on Hamilton Island, it has serious bragging rights thanks to its coastal chic design and stellar location at the end of Catseye Beach. Opt for one of the Family Connect Rooms for extra breathing room.

For that relaxed, home-away-from-home feeling, Hamilton Island Holiday Homes hit the nail on the head. Choose from more than 100 self-catering homes dotted around the island that accommodate both large groups and smaller families. From waterfront luxury to spacious villas, there’s something for everyone.

Family tip: Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays all participate in Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay Free program, earning themselves a reputation as some of the best family-friendly accommodation on Hamilton Island. No extra charge is added for up to one or two (dependent on the hotel) children under 12 who are sharing a room with parents and using existing bedding.

Where to eat

coca chu on hamilton island — Sit down to a feast at coca chu.

Hamilton Island’s foodie scene is seriously worth its salt. From just-caught seafood to family-friendly staples, even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied.

Start at coca chu, one of the best Hamilton Island restaurants for families. Spotlighting vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, it offers a lively, high-ceiling setting overlooking Catseye Beach. Nearby is Catseye Pool Club, Josh and Julie Niland’s breezy coastal venue that’s at once elevated and laidback. Dishing up the likes of charcoal tiger prawns with lemongrass marinade and Greek-style lamb shoulder, it’s the perfect place to celebrate birthdays or milestone moments with older kids.

Got young ones who recoil at the sight of vegetables? Not to worry. Head straight to Romano’s for please-all pizza, or Marina Tavern for hearty pub classics in a relaxed atmosphere complete with an outdoor deck.

Catseye Pool Club hamilton island — Grab some tasty bites by the pool at Catseye Pool Club.

For brekkie or lunch, Bob’s Bakery is a family favourite for affordable pastries, sandwiches and pies, while Marina Cafe serves up bacon and egg rolls and salads with fresh smoothies. And Popeye’s does a mean fish and chips to go.

Sails Restaurant is the place to be for poolside bites with views of the Whitsundays’ famous turquoise waters. The kids can splash in the pool while parents sip spritzes and graze on mezze plates of za’atar pita, hummus and olives. The menu leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, though you’ll also find plenty of kid-friendly crowd favourites such as ham and cheese toasties. For something extra special, book in the Piper Package – expect exclusive access to a king-size sunbed with a shaded umbrella, plus a chilled bottle of Piper-Heidsieck NV Champagne and a showstopping seafood platter (I still have dreams about it).

Where to explore

hamilton island couple running on trail — Explore the island’s walking trails.

There are bucket loads of family-friendly activities on Hamilton Island that the whole clan can do together. First stop: hiring a buggy and taking your time to explore the island at your own pace. Next stop: getting active and creating memories together in the process.

One of the best activities on Hamilton Island for families is tackling one (or more) of its beautiful bush and walking trails, with the one-hour hike to Passage Peak a standout for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Morning is a great time to go to beat the heat (and other walkers).

For the active and adventurous, the all-new E-mountain biking facilities make for an adrenaline-packed experience your teens won’t be able to stop talking about. It’s a self-guided trail taking riders to some of the island’s quietest and most scenic pockets, and the knowledgeable staff at Hamilton Island Trails HQ will fit you out with all the gear you need for a safe adventure.

E-mountain biking on hamilton island — Check out the all-new E-mountain biking facilities.

Come sunset, you’d be silly not to head up to One Tree Hill at least once during your stay. Offering breathtaking 360-degree views as the sun brushes the horizon with gold, it’s a popular place for groups and families to come together and enjoy a drink from the pop-up cocktail van.

Family tip: If you’re staying at the Sundays, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows or Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to a range of water activities, including catamarans, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkel equipment at Catseye Beach. Keep an eye out for the turtles that love to hang around the shallow fringing reef.

Where to play

heart reef — Take the family on a day tour to places like Heart Reef.

Kids are sure to have a field trip thanks to the island’s abundance of child-centric offerings.

Parents in need of some ‘me time’ can drop little ones between six months and 12 years off at the Clownfish Club, located near the Resort Centre and Pool. Overseen by trained professionals, the nursery offers a calm space for toddlers and babies with a balance of gentle play and rest. Meanwhile, older kids can unleash their imaginations with age-appropriate craft, games and group activities.

Parents seeking a stress-free night out can also make use of Hamilton Island’s babysitting services, which start from $40 an hour.

Hamilton Island Wildlife is another must-visit stop. Fun for children of all ages (and adults too!), the centre provides up-close encounters with a variety of cute and fascinating Aussie animals. Think marsupials, snakes, lizards, koalas and kangaroos, along with a giant saltwater crocodile. Catch the 10am or 2pm daily tours (included with entry) guided by expert keepers, or opt for a 30-minute private or small-group VIP encounter with an animal of your choice.

More kid-friendly entertainment awaits at Palm Valley Activities, where you can race around the go-karting track and reach up to 45 kilometres per hour. Kids under 16 can ride as passengers in double go-karts. Or perhaps try your hand at mini golf at the HI Fitness Club, navigating palms, playful challenges and pathways that wind through lush tropical gardens.

Keen to explore further afield? A wide range of Hamilton Island day trips promise endless excitement, from snorkelling on a Great Barrier Reef tour and chartering a boat to marvelling at the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach from a scenic plane.

To plan your family island escape, visit hamiltonisland.com.au.