Santa’s Arrival and Buggy Parade is a free Christmas morning at Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island, on Saturday 28 November, starting at 10 am. Creatively decorated golf buggies take part in the Rotary Hope Island Buggy Parade, and Santa shows up for a show afterwards.
It is a short morning event that suits little kids.
Date, time and cost
The event starts at 10 am on Saturday 28 November at Sanctuary Cove, Masthead Way, Hope Island. Admission is free. The parade moves through the Marine Village and the streets of Sanctuary Cove, and Santa’s arrival is part of it. The event is run by Sanctuary Cove with Ray White Sanctuary Cove. It may be postponed or cancelled in bad weather.
What’s on
- The Buggy Parade, with creatively decorated buggies
- Costumed characters
- A Santa Show after the parade
- A sausage sizzle raising funds for Rotary Hope Island
Entering a buggy in the parade
The best decorated buggy wins a 2-night stay at the Hayman InterContinental Great Barrier Reef Resort. Registration is through Ray White Sanctuary Cove (07 5577 9999 or [email protected]), so ask them about any fee and whether spots remain.
Planning your visit
- Timing: the parade starts at 10 am. No separate Santa show time or finish time is published.
- Weather: the event may be postponed or cancelled in bad weather, so check the Sanctuary Cove event page on the morning.
- Food: the sausage sizzle raises money for Rotary Hope Island.
- Questions: Sanctuary Cove Marine Village is on 07 5577 6500 or [email protected].
Is it right for your family?
A 10 am start on a Saturday suits toddlers and preschoolers: it is early in the day, there is a parade to watch, characters to meet and a Santa show to follow. Nothing on the program is listed as an all-day commitment, so you can drop in for the morning and head off for lunch.
Older kids may enjoy the buggies themselves. The parade is about creative decorating, so the trimmings are the show. Registered buggies compete for the Best Decorated Buggy prize, which gives the parade a bit of friendly rivalry to watch.
If you want to be in it rather than watch it, contact Ray White Sanctuary Cove about registration before you turn up on the day.
Making a morning of it
The sausage sizzle gives you a quick, cheap snack, and the money goes to Rotary Hope Island. Bring a hat and sunscreen, since a parade means standing outside in late-November sun, and a water bottle for the kids.
More Christmas events at Sanctuary Cove
Sanctuary Cove’s own Christmas page also lists a free Carols on the Lawn and Christmas Market on Thursday 10 December (market 4 pm to 8 pm, entertainment 5 pm to 8 pm, fireworks 8 pm to 8.10 pm), plus Santa Breakfast Cruises and Photos with Santa sessions in December.
Getting there and parking
Sanctuary Cove is about 55 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD. Parking may be limited and parking regulations still apply during the event. The City of Gold Coast recommends the EasyPark app for metered parking and encourages public transport, walking or cycling. Plan a trip with the Translink journey planner.
Nearby
- Mayor’s Christmas Carols at HOTA – carols on the same weekend.
- Evandale Lake and Parklands
- Things to do on the Gold Coast
- More events on What’s On
Details can change, so check the organiser’s website before you go.
Quick answers
Is Santa’s Arrival and Buggy Parade free?
Yes, watching is free. To enter a buggy, ask Ray White Sanctuary Cove on 07 5577 9999 about registration.
What time does it start?
The parade starts at 10 am on Saturday 28 November. A finish time is not published.
Where is it?
At Sanctuary Cove, Masthead Way, Hope Island.
What is on?
A decorated buggy parade, costumed characters, a Santa Show and a sausage sizzle.
Where do I park?
Parking may be limited. The City of Gold Coast recommends the EasyPark app for metered parking and suggests public transport, walking or cycling.
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