If you're a lover of all things natural and of wildlife, the Gold Coast is the place to be. There are so many opportunities here to go hiking along glorious trails and meet many animals, both native and exotic.

Here are some places you've got to check out on your travels:

Wildlife Currumbin Sanctuary

This is your one stop shop for all of your wonderful wildlife needs. In 1947 the sanctuary came to be thanks to beekeeper and flower grower Alex Griffiths, who started looking after the wild lorikeets that lived in the area so they wouldn't be so interested in his flowers. 

Quickly, the lorikeets became a popular attraction with tourists, and 30 years later, in 1976, the sanctuary was donated to the National Trust of Queensland. This trust works to conserve and preserve wildlife and native foliage. 

Today, the lorikeets are still a vivid attraction, but there are also hundreds of native animals roaming around the bush. These animals include kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, emus, Tasmanian devils and wedge-tailed eagles.

A completely unique tour offered here is a Segway Safari. On the unique technology that is the segway, you'll make your way through the verdant bush. The tour starts with a 10 minute training session followed by a 40 minute guided tour.

There are also a number of shows on all the time. The Air Asia Free Flight Bird Show is one not to miss. It's a great way to see the birds of Australia and beyond, each more colourful than the last. The show is a fine display of the prowess and beauty of this animal.

The sanctuary is open from 8:00am and the price of general admission starts at $49AUD.

Tamborine Mountain

This attraction is actually an hour out of the Gold Coast, but it's utterly worth it. If you're looking for ways to get there, why not hire a car? Having your own set of wheels means you'll have the freedom to leave and arrive when you want, and you don't have to worry about lugging around all of your gear.

The hinterland is a scenic beauty, and the tropical rainforest here is wild and full of vibrant birds, lush flora and fauna and gorgeous hiking trails.

While there is a lot to see and do here, there are undoubtedly definite highlights for nature lovers. The Glow Worm Caves is one such attraction – they're simply phenomenal.

You'll be taken into a maze of stunning natural caves, with surreal stalagmites and stalactites. Then you will see one of the largest colonies of glow worms in the world, lighting up the cave like extra bright stars.

Half hour guided tours are available. These also take you across Cedar Creek, along a timber walkway above the forest floor, and through the rainforest. 

Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is one of many wonderful natural parks in the area. It's here you'll encounter thriving rainforests with trees hundreds of years old. There are many walking tracks that will take you to picturesque lookouts where you can see why this place is a Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.

Whether you opt for a full or half day walk, with or without a tour guide, you will see waterfalls, lush wildlife and views you won't forget in a hurry. Head out in the morning to see the majestic birds in their natural habitat. Some day walks you should check out are Box Forest, Mount Bithongabel and Stairway Falls.

There are some things you should know about these tracks. Take a map and keep an eye on the signs, don't try to take short cuts and make sure your whole group is staying on the right path. Before you head out, make sure someone knows where you're going and check the weather forecast.