How to embrace whimsy this weekend

It’s official: the kids have discovered whimsy. Over the past few months, the number of TikTok posts under the #whimsy hashtag has risen steadily (409,900, at the time of writing), proving a growing desire to embrace a simpler, more enjoyable way of life. Here are a few ways you can, too.

Whimsy (noun): playfully quaint or fanciful behaviour.

Whatever the reason (and we can think of a few), Generations Z and Alpha are leaning away from what feels dark and heavy, and diving headfirst into whimsy. Frolicking in fields, playing pretend, crafting, picnicking, covering everything with stickers and sprinkles – they all feel like useful antidotes to the gloom of the world right now. And who are we to judge?

If you’re tempted to embrace a little whimsy this weekend, we’re here to help. Here are a few ways to try it.

Follow the fairy trail

It doesn’t get much more whimsical than a fairy trail – and it’s fitting that charming Mudgeeraba would be the suburb to have one. As of June 1, the Mudgeeraba Fairy Trail is open for anyone wanting to track down a few special visitors. Wind your way through all 10 stops, keeping an eye out for fairies, mermaids and mystical creatures, before arriving at your final destination: a fairy disco party. Head to the Sensory Boutique to pick up your fairy trail map, and let the magic happen.

Light the night with glow worms

Did you know the Gold Coast is home to not one, but two glow worm experiences? If you want to experience the wonder of these bioluminescent insects, you’re in the right place. Located at Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard on Tamborine Mountain, the man-made glow worm caves are the result of decades of rehabilitation efforts. You’ll be led by biologists through a rainforest boardwalk, getting the chance to meet glow worms up close. For something a little wilder, join a tour of the resident glow-worms (and microbats) at Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park. If you time your visit right, you could also see luminous fungi and fireflies.

Uncover magical eggs

If spending the day digging in the dirt, hunting for literal hidden gems, is your idea of heaven, you need to pay a visit to Thunderbird Park. Not only is it home to adventure activities and unique camping, but it’s also where you’ll find the world’s largest Thunderegg Mine. For the uninitiated, Thundereggs are geological marvels formed over 200 million years ago, containing colourful agate, quartz and crystals. Forget crystal shops – fossicking and panning is the most whimsical way to find the perfect addition to your collection.

Visit the Gold Coast’s home of whimsy

A shop filled with German cuckoo clocks, an old-fashioned confectionary, and a pub guarded by gigantic St. Bernards – there are so many reasons Tamborine is the Gold Coast’s capital of whimsy. Wander through the botanic gardens, browse ancient Australian opals and crystals, and enjoy the view from Rob Sowter Lookout (both of the valley below, and the paragliders descending into it) while picnicking. And if you’d like to extend your stay, there’s even an enchanted cottage to check into.

Touch the night sky

If you thought there was plenty to do at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary during the day, just wait until the sun goes down. Brought to you by global entertainment creators Moment Factory, Astra Lumina is an enchanted adventure that takes you through the sanctuary’s bushland under the cover of darkness. Moving orbs illuminate the pathway, leading you through a celestial immersion of light and sound. It’s the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – and it’s here to stay.

Picnic with alpacas

The most whimsical addition to any picnic? Wildlife. O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards has been home to Mountview Alpaca Farm since 2017, combining delicious food and wine with the unexpected joy of alpacas. Pick up a vineyard picnic basket, breakfast hamper or simply a bottle of wine, and get to know the resident alpacas as you explore the creekside property. You can even walk them! We dare you to find a vineyard experience more whimsical.

Frolic among the flowers

There are few activities more whimsical than frolicking – especially when you’re frolicking through a field of flowers. Lucky for you, there are plenty of places to get lost amongst the blooms both on and around the Gold Coast. From our very own Botanic Gardens to out-of-town options including elderflower, sunflower and lavender farms, our region is made for flower fanatics. Pack a picnic, wear your most whimsical outfit, and let the bees lead the way. Bonus points if you wear a flower crown.

Recharge your energy

Did you know that some of the world’s largest and most beautiful crystals are nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland, about an hour from the Gold Coast? From crystal labyrinths to enchanted caves, rainforest walks and dragon eggs, the aptly-named Crystal Castle should be top of the list for crystal lovers – or anyone wanting to recharge in nature. Impossible colours, unbelievable scale, perfect geometry… even sceptics will admire the magic of crystals after a visit to the castle.