DinoFest Gold Coast returns for Easter school holidays
DinoFest returns to the Gold Coast from 3 to 19 April 2026
What’s happening?
DinoFest will return to the Gold Coast during the 2026 Easter school holidays with an expanded outdoor dinosaur event for families.
The experience will take place at Country Paradise Parklands in Nerang, bringing interactive prehistoric creatures and family activities back to the popular venue.
Visitors will encounter walking and interactive dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Spinosaurus, Pachycephalosaurs and Ankylosaur.
Baby dinosaurs will also appear during the event, allowing children to touch and pat them during the experience.
In-character rangers will guide families throughout the attraction and help bring the prehistoric theme to life.
The event previously sold out when it visited the Gold Coast, and organisers say the upcoming event will include more dinosaurs and activities.
Why it matters
DinoFest combines outdoor entertainment with hands-on learning activities for children.
The experience encourages families to spend time outdoors while children learn about dinosaurs through interactive displays and guided activities.
The event also provides a school holiday option designed for younger children.
By the numbers
More than 30 dinosaurs will appear along the Dino Trail, featuring a range of prehistoric creatures, including a life-size Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Three daily sessions are scheduled for visitors, beginning at 10.30 am, 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm AEST, allowing families flexibility during the day.
A 45-minute Dinosaur Encounter forms part of the experience, where families interact with walking dinosaurs during ranger-led sessions.
Zoom in
DinoFest founder Laurence Taylor said the outdoor setting is an important part of the experience.
“There’s nothing like experiencing DinoFest in the fresh air where kids can really immerse themselves in a prehistoric adventure that’s away from screens and devices,” Mr Taylor said.
“It’s about sparking curiosity, imagination, and wonder in a way that’s active, fun and memorable.”
He said the parkland setting proved popular during the event’s last visit.
“When we last visited Country Paradise Parklands in 2024, our dinos were very reluctant to leave given the area’s lush mix of trees, shrubs and grasses,” he said.
“It may have been the lingering human scent on many of the parkland’s plants cultivated by the local community over the past two decades that especially appealed to our carnivorous creatures.”
Mr Taylor said attendance is limited during each session to maintain the experience.
“We have a cap on participant numbers per session at DinoFest, not just for safety reasons, but also because we’re conscious of giving every family an up-close and magical experience to remember forever.”
Zoom out
DinoFest Gold Coast 2026 will run on two preview weekends on 21 to 22 March and 28 to 29 March 2026.
The main event will then run daily from 3 to 19 April 2026, excluding 8 to 9 April and 14 to 15 April.
The experience is especially suited to children aged nine years and younger.
Families can also enjoy additional activities, including Dino Dig, themed arts and crafts and a “feel a fossil” experience using real dinosaur bones.
Local impact
The event will be held at Country Paradise Parklands, 231 Beaudesert Nerang Road, Nerang.
The venue offers free parking, picnic areas and nearby amenities, making it accessible for families attending the school holiday event.
Coffee and ice cream carts will also be available during the experience.
What to look for next
Families planning to attend are encouraged to pre-book tickets online as session numbers are limited.
Tickets cost $28.50 for adults and $26 for children, while entry is free for children younger than two.
Family and group tickets are available, along with discounts for seniors and people with disability.
Full details and booking information can be found at dinofest.com, with tickets available HERE