Work is Play
You're growing when you're learning. You're growing even more when there's fun to be had. Join a local class or workshop, meet new friends, enjoy a laugh or two and learn something new.
classes & workshops
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26 Sep 2025 - 18 Apr 2026
Accessible Beaches - Central Gold Coast
Join us for an immersive and inclusive experience this summer . Create memories, enjoy sun, sand & surf. Meet new people & have fun.What’s Happening?This summer we’re making Gold Coast beaches more accessible than ever! In partnership with the community providers, and volunteers, we’re opening the beach for everyone.Try beach wheelchairs and mobility mattingEnjoy a BBQ by the beachMy Aged Care and NDIS funding may be used for transport or supports🕘 Time: 10.00am to 2pmEveryone is welcome!COST: A$0 – A$10
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26 Sep 2025 - 28 Sep 2025
Springtime on the Mountain 2025
Get ready for a fantastic weekend at SPRINGTIME ON THE MOUNTAIN 2025, with more beautiful "Open Gardens" and breathtaking views to see!Welcome to Springtime on the Mountain 2025! Join us for three days of blooming flowers, fresh air, and beautiful gardens. The event starts on Fri Sep 26 2025 from 10:00 AM to 4 PM each day (Fri, Sat and Sun) and can start at any of the Gardens on display. Tickets can be purchased by going to Eventbrite online to see all the Gardens over the 3 days. Ticketed attendees can start the garden trail at any of the venues listed in the Springtime brochure. Our Garden Club Representatives will greet you at each location, ready to guide you through the stunning displays. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the beauty of spring at Tamborine Mountain!"Early Bird price of $20, (saving $5) is available through to the end of July 2025"COST: $20
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27 Sep 2025
Tour of HOTA: Home of the Arts
Discover the Gold Coast’s cultural heart with a guided tour of HOTA, Home of the Arts, on Saturday 27 September. Tours run at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm.Set beside a scenic lake in Surfers Paradise, HOTA is where art, performance, and community come together. Explore the award-winning HOTA Gallery — the largest public gallery outside a capital city — home to international exhibitions, local artists, and the City Collection.With its rooftop bar, lakeside café, and lush parklands, HOTA is a must-visit for art lovers and curious minds alike.
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From now until 28 Sep 2025
Gold Coast Open House
Explore your city! The Gold Coast Architecture Festival is a celebration of the urban landscape, highlighting the extraordinary local buildings, places and spaces that shape the city and lifestyle. With a program of architect-led building tours, self-guided explorations, and insightful panel discussions, you’ll have the chance to delve deep into the design stories behind some of the Gold Coast’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a curious local, or someone who loves discovering hidden gems, Gold Coast Open House offers a fresh perspective on the city. From sleek modern towers to heritage gems, beachfront spaces to cultural precincts, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendars and come along on a journey of discovery and be a part of the conversation about how design shapes the identity of this unique city.
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28 Sep 2025
Guided Tour of the Gardens – Griffith University 1
Meeting Point: The Jabreen Lawn, between G19 and G31 at Griffith University, Gold Coast CampusWhat to Bring: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, waterWhat to Wear: Comfortable walking shoesParking: Public transport options are available nearby, though street parking is limited.Guide: Professor Catherine PickeringDiscover a hidden biodiversity hotspot in the heart of the Gold Coast. Tucked away among lecture theatres and labs, the grounds of Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus now feature more than 10 hectares of native plant exhibition gardens — a living showcase of how native biodiversity can thrive within urban environments.On this guided walk with Professor Catherine Pickering, you'll explore a remarkable transformation: from lawns and low-diversity plantings to a rich mosaic of more than 230 species of native plants, including over 20 of high conservation value. In fact, as the saying goes, “if it’s not grass, it’s native.”This walk is not only a deep dive into local biodiversity, but also a hands-on exploration of how native plants can be used creatively in a range of settings—from homes and school gardens to public parks, residential developments, and civic spaces.Whether you’re a gardener, teacher, student, urban designer, landscape architect, sustainability advocate—or simply someone who loves native flora—this walk will leave you inspired and equipped with practical ideas.Each participant will receive a complimentary copy of Native Plants for School Gardens in South East Queensland, Griffith University’s illustrated biodiversity guide.
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From now until 23 Nov 2025
Harrisville Sunday Farm Day
Looking for a fun family morning out surrounded by animals? Heritage Poultry's Farm Day’s are perfect for you! Sunday Farm Days are a great opportunity to escape the city for a genuine farm experience. These events occur on the last Sunday of every month in Harrisville, a small suburb in the beautiful Scenic Rim - and less than an hour from Brisbane! Sunday Farm Days give kids the chance to have some fun with the animals on a working farm. There is an animal nursery full of baby lambs and goats to feed and play with - and everyone's favourite alpaca George! They also have plenty of piglets to say hello to. There is a designated chick & duckling holding area and some silkie chickens who love a cuddle! Then there is face painting and pony rides for some extra fun! In case you get hungry, coffee and a sausage sizzle is available, and an ice cream van - perfect for the warm weather. All regular poultry and produce is available as well. With plenty of beautiful green space to enjoy, gather your friends and family, bring your picnic blankets and enjoy a beautiful morning out in the picturesque Scenic Rim!
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30 Sep 2025
Movie Mornings at Currumbin RSL - September - ‘Barbra – The Mem-ries, The Music, The Magic’
Join us for our FREE Monthly Movie Mornings at Currumbin RSL. Each month a new movie is selected and screened upstairs in our Waterside Function space.Limited spots are available and registration is required for this event.Speak with our friendly reception team to learn more - 55347999Screening: ‘Barbra – The Mem-ries, The Music, The Magic’
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30 Sep 2025
Movie Mornings at Currumbin RSL - September
Join us for our FREE Monthly Movie Mornings at Currumbin RSL. Each month a new movie is selected and screened upstairs in our Waterside Function space.Limited spots are available and registration is required for this event.Speak with our friendly reception team to learn more - 55347999
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01 Oct 2025
Kids Improv Spring School Holidays
Unleash creativity, build confidence, and make new friends these school holidays at HOTA! Blah Blah Blah Improv's fun-filled workshops use theatre sports-style improv games made famous by the TV show Whose Line is it Anyway? and Channel 9's TheatreDome to help kids aged 6–12 years learn comedy, acting, teamwork, and quick thinking—all while having an absolute blast! The kids improv classes are part of the 2025 Kids Take Over Festival.
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01 Oct 2025 (Monthly)
Distracted
ADHD Expert Panel Discussions and Q&A'sJoin us on the 1st Wednesday of each month at HOTA to mingle with our ADHD community. Listen to ADHD topics presented by industry experts along with time for Q&A's. Bring your coach, teacher, friend, boss, relative, partner or just yourselves. We are always implementing ways to make our events neurodiversity and sensory-friendly.
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04 Oct 2025
Wildlife Heroes Day
Step into the heart of wildlife conservation and spend the day side by side with the people who dedicate their lives to saving Australia's animals. Wildlife Heroes Day is your chance to go beyond the usual day out and experience something extraordinarily wild. All included with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Admission.
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05 Oct 2025
Festival of Small Halls Announces Spring Tour 2025: Mt Nimmel Hall
Festival of Small Halls has announced that Joe H Henry and Georgia Mooney will feature on their upcoming Spring Tour 2025: Outback Queensland to New South Wales. Presented by veteran festival producers Woodfordia Inc, the 47th edition of the much-loved not-for-profit music tour is embarking on a packed schedule to fifteen community halls. These stalwart vessels of community life have been drawn from across the rich and diverse landscapes of Queensland and New South Wales. Halls of all shapes and sizes will throw open their doors, from the quaint hinterlands of the Sunshine Coast to outback locations like Eulo, Blackall and Cameby down into the Granite Belt and finishing up along the coast of Northern New South Wales.
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From now until 03 May 2026
Spirit Making Class
Craft your signature spirit! In their Spirit Making Class, you will have the opportunity to craft your personalised unaged bottle of Rum, Gin, Brandy, Vodka, or Schnapps. With an extensive selection of botanicals and ingredients sourced from their apothecary, you'll have all the tools you need to design a spirit that suits your taste perfectly. Their Head Distiller will be your guide throughout the process. From selecting the ideal botanicals to operating your own distillation equipment, you'll receive expert guidance every step of the way. This is an interactive class that allows you to roll up your sleeves and create your own unique spirit. At the end of this extraordinary class, you'll proudly take home a 500ml bottle of your very own handcrafted spirit. It's not just a bottle; it's a testament to your creativity and newfound distillation skills. Display it on your home bar or share it as a special gift. Complimentary drink upon your arrival. Guided Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience featuring four samples. Professional distillation guidance provided by our Head Distiller. Exclusive access to their selection of botanicals from the apothecary. A 500ml bottle of your personally crafted spirit. A delightful grazing board to share. 10 percent discount on any liquor purchase made the same day.
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From now until 15 Oct 2025
Songcraft Studio
Songcraft StudioExperience a special season of the Songcraft Studio workshops with Gold Coast's HaydenGoSeek (aka Hayden Andrews of Cheap Fakes). As a collaborative artist with HOTA’s Those Who Rock, Hayden brings a wealth of experience and a unique flair for crafting pop hits with undeniable appeal. Since debuting as a Triple j Unearthed artist in 2007, Hayden has earned a reputation for his versatility across genres and creative mediums. His work has been featured in national campaigns (Pillowtalk, Lexus, HOTA, Central Queensland Tourism), the Netflix series Umbrella Academy, the Hollywood film Move Me No Mountain and more showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend styles while continually pushing the boundaries of his artistry. Hayden’s musical journey has taken him across the globe, performing at iconic music festivals such as Big Day Out, Splendour in the Grass, and many more with his band, Cheap Fakes. A passionate mentor, Hayden is dedicated to helping the next generation of artists thrive. Through his songwriting workshops and collaborations, he guides emerging musicians in finding their unique sound and navigating their artistic journeys. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from one of the best and take your skills—and your music—to the next level!
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22 Oct 2025
Ballun Gawrehma: River Stories
Ballun Gawrehma: River StoriesJoin local Kombumerri man Lann Levinge—a multi-talented artist who is a singer, songwriter, producer, director, and creative designer—for a unique journey into the heart of Kombumerri culture. Lann will guide students through culturally significant sites, sharing local history passed down by elders. Begin your exploration at Wulabora, a dedicated space for sharing and gathering that celebrates Kombumerri heritage. Lann will weave together family stories, local history, the legacy of Jenny Graham and the Keeper of the Light, as well as Dreamtime tales and environmental wisdom. This sensory-rich experience includes hands-on interaction with authentic indigenous artefacts—such as clothing, weapons, and tools—alongside immersive soundscapes composed by Lann himself. As Lann expresses, "I’m passionate about discovering new ways to nurture and inspire a new generation of language and cultural warriors. My goal is to raise awareness and foster connections with indigenous culture, particularly the Kombumerri ways and the Yugambeh Language, through visual art, music, and dance." Don’t miss this opportunity for your students to engage deeply with local indigenous culture. Contact hotaeducation@experiencegoldcoast.com to arrange your education perspectives experience. This tour is open to school groups only.
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23 Oct 2025 (Monthly)
Drawing for Life with Meg Stoios
Drawing for Life with Meg StoiosJoin us for Drawing for Life – a relaxed space to unwind and explore your creativity. Each Drawing for Life session sees leading artists and performers curate poses, subjects and performances for you to draw. All abilities are welcome to enjoy this unique and artful experience. All drawing materials are provided. Ticket includes one complimentary beverage from a selected drinks menu, with food and drinks available to purchase throughout the session. Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm event start. In October and November, Drawing for Life will be led by local artist Meg Stoios. In these workshops participants will draw from a life model to explore processes of change and transmutation. October In the first session we will look at depicting movement, inspired by techniques utilised by Duchamp (Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2) and William Kentridge in his charcoal-erasure animations. November In the second session we will look at varying techniques in mark making and material within a single image to create collages. We will take inspiration from Picasso’s collages (Minotaur, 1933) and Julie Rrap’s work to examine the figure as a site of evolution, fragmentation and possibility. These workshops are inspired by the exhibition HOTA Collects: Metamorphosis, open Sat 30 Aug 2025 - Sun 11 Jan 2026.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.