For a fun and free family outing on the Gold Coast, head to Ian Dipple Lagoon in Labrador for the daily pelican feeding on the beach outside Charis Seafoods Restaurant.
You could combine the pelican experience with time at the beach and lagoon, easily making an afternoon of it.
Daily Pelican Feeding at Ian Dipple Lagoon at 1.30pm
Every day, starting around 12.30pm, the local wild pelicans begin gathering along the waterfront outside Charis Seafoods Restaurant, getting ready for their daily feed by staff at 1.30pm.
The pelicans line up along the edge of the lagoon, waiting patiently as they are fed fish provided by Charis Seafoods.
It’s a great opportunity for children to see these impressive birds up close and watch them jostle for their share of the food. You may even spot the odd seagull trying its luck and joining in for a fishy snack.
The pelican feeding is completely free to watch and makes a great addition to a family day out at Ian Dipple Lagoon.
One tip is to avoid standing too close if you have younger children, as the birds can get aggressive with each other at times while fighting for food. They can also come close to the crowd if the fish is thrown too close.
There’s lots of space to watch the feeding, but it is quite popular with tourists and locals.
Make an Afternoon of It at Ian Dipple Lagoon
It’s worth arriving early, particularly on busy days, as parking can be challenging in the car park and along the road. If you aim to get to the lagoon around 1pm, you will hopefully have time to find a parking spot, settle in and explore the waterfront before the feeding starts.
Harley Park is right next door (a fenced playground!), which makes it perfect for younger children who might not have the patience to wait for the feeding to begin.
Rather than just coming for the 1.30pm feeding, you could bring everything you need for an afternoon by the water. There is a sandy beach, calm lagoon water and shaded seating, making it easy to find a spot to relax before or after the pelicans arrive.
Pack a picnic blanket, rashies, beach toys and a cabana or sun shelter, if you have one, and let the kids enjoy some playtime by or in the water.
The calm lagoon waters make this a particularly easy outing with younger children, although, as always around water, little ones need to be closely supervised.
There are public toilets along the beachfront, showers and shaded seating nearby, adding to the convenience for families spending a few hours here.
What We Love About the Pelican Feeding at Ian Dipple Lagoon
The pelican feeding at Ian Dipple Lagoon is a simple Gold Coast outing that combines wildlife spotting with some relaxed beach time, and best of all it’s completely free to watch.
Arrive early, grab a parking spot and settle in for the afternoon. The kids can play by the water while you wait for the pelicans to gather for their daily feed.
You could even grab some fish and chips from the restaurants nearby before or after the feeding.
Please don’t bring your own food or try to feed the birds. Leave the feeding to the Charis Seafoods staff.
While You’re in the Area
You could combine your lagoon visit with a day exploring some of the Gold Coast’s family attractions, such as the theme parks.
Meanwhile, here are some other popular Gold Coast playgrounds you could visit while you are in the area.
How to Get to Ian Dipple Lagoon
The pelican feeding takes place outside Charis Seafoods Restaurant at 371 Marine Parade, Labrador, Gold Coast 4215, beside Ian Dipple Lagoon and the waterfront.
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