Easter Magic and Roaring Dinosaurs: What’s On in the Gold Coast Today

Celebrate Good Friday on the Coast

Welcome to Friday, 3 April 2026. As the Easter long weekend kicks off across the Gold Coast, the city is buzzing with festive energy and the start of the Queensland autumn school holidays. From the iconic shoreline of Surfers Paradise to the lush parklands of Nerang, there is plenty to see and do today for locals and visitors alike.

Easter on the Esplanade

The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are dialling up the festivities tonight with a special "Easter on the Esplanade" event. Starting at 4:00 PM and running until 9:00 PM, the iconic foreshore will be transformed into a seaside celebration featuring over 100 artisan stalls. It is the perfect opportunity to browse handmade treasures, enjoy the ocean breeze, and listen to live music drifting through the air. For the little ones, the Easter Bunny is scheduled to make a special appearance for meet-and-greets between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

DinoFest Stomps into Nerang

For those looking for a prehistoric adventure, today marks the opening of DinoFest at Country Paradise Parklands in Nerang. This outdoor walking trail features more than 30 life-sized, roaring animatronic dinosaurs, including a massive T-Rex and a Triceratops. The event offers a 45-minute Dinosaur Encounter, a themed Dino Trail, and hands-on activities like fossil digs. It is an ideal outing for families starting their school holiday break.

Gourmet Easter Dining

If you are looking for a more refined way to spend Good Friday, several of the Coast's premier venues are hosting seasonal specials. The Langham is launching its Easter programme today, featuring:

• Easter Afternoon Tea: Hosted at Palm Court, this experience includes handcrafted sweets and savory delicacies with a festive twist.
• Akoya Easter Seafood Buffet: A lavish spread featuring fresh local catches and Easter-themed desserts.

Art and Culture at HOTA

Culture seekers can head to HOTA (Home of the Arts) to explore the "Inside Pompeii" exhibition. This immersive showcase continues its run today, offering a deep dive into the origins of the Roman way of life through preserved artifacts and storytelling. It provides a cool, indoor alternative for those looking to escape the midday sun.

Important Local Notices

As today is Good Friday, please be aware of local trading restrictions. While many cafes and restaurants remain open, alcohol service is generally restricted to those consuming a meal. Additionally, travelers should note that the Gold Coast rail line is undergoing planned maintenance today; trains are only running between Varsity Lakes and Beenleigh, with replacement buses operating for northern connections.