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The primary time I visited the Gold Coast, I didn’t go away. We ended up making it our dwelling for six months when our daughters had been small, as a result of we discovered there have been so many issues to do within the Gold Coast for youths, and it’s a really family-friendly metropolis.
My daughers spent their days barefoot, chasing the waves alongside Surfers Paradise, or operating round theme parks, or trying to find the most effective ice cream in a farmers market.
That is the Gold Coast you don’t see from the TV advertisements. The facet away from the spangly resorts and nightlife, however a spot of pure great thing about the hinterland, quiet seashores, and rainforest walks.
Whether or not you’re searching for wildlife encounters, mild surf breaks to study to surf on, or cafés that welcome sandy ft and sticky fingers, these are the highest issues to do on the Gold Coast for households.
Mother and father chill out, the Gold Coast is the place boredom is just not an choice. Whether or not you’re right here for an extended weekend or a full-blown vacation, listed below are the actions and sights which are enjoyable for all ages.
1. Be taught to surf
Studying to surf is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do on The Gold Coast because it has probably the most optimum waves for freshmen. They’re massive sufficient which you can truly surf however mild sufficient that you simply don’t fall off. You’re additionally protected against southerly onshore winds at many bays alongside the Gold Coast.
Kalyra realized the right way to surf at Burleigh Seashore with a world surf champion as her instructor. There should not many locations on the earth the place you possibly can study to surf with such skilled academics.
In truth, many browsing faculties assure they’ll have you ever standing up by the tip of your first 2-hour lesson. There isn’t any doubt that The Gold Coast is without doubt one of the finest locations to study to surf.
If you happen to’re already an skilled surfer, chances are you’ll take pleasure in hitting the waves at Currumbin Alley, which affords world-class waves.
2. Go to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
For animal lovers, a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a should. You possibly can meet all of the Aussie animals, take the acute excessive ropes inexperienced problem, cuddle a koala, feed the kangaroos, see the salt-water crocodiles and Tasmanian Devils.
However maybe top-of-the-line issues you are able to do right here is feeding the wild lorikeets right here twice a day at 8am and 4pm.
This exercise is free to participate in and permits guests to feed lots of of rainbow lorikeets who come flying down from the encircling bushes to get a lick on the candy honey nectar that you simply maintain out in a bowl in your arms. They may climb up your arms, in your head, and simply sit in your arms ingesting.
Within the night, you possibly can watch the Yanguwah Aboriginal cultural present, which is an effective way to expertise the tradition of the land’s conventional house owners.
3. Take the youngsters to Sea World
The Gold Coast is the theme park capital and so it will be a disgrace to go to with out seeing a few of these prime sights. Sea World affords a world of enjoyable and journey. You possibly can watch the world’s finest stunt performers mastering aerial flips and gravity-defying stunts within the Jet Ski Present, and meet the dolphins.
OR, you possibly can even keep at Sea World Resort and have your non-public Dolphin Discovery presentation.
In fact, don’t neglect to take a look at the aquariums and study in regards to the native marine life and conservation. You may also see polar bears and sharks behind glass right here too.
4. Attend the Australian Outback Spectacular
Watch Australian stockmen and ladies convey the legend of Phar Lap to life on this distinctive theatre efficiency.
The present tells the gripping story of two struggling Australian farmers and their battle to outlive within the unforgiving lands. The neighborhood come collectively to assist them and overcome their struggles. It’s a heartwarming present that highlights the difficulties of agriculture in Australia and what number of farmers should stay in such arid situations.
The present is pleasing in itself, nevertheless it’s additionally carried out whilst you take pleasure in a scrumptious three-course meal which is simply spectacular. The Australian Outback Present is a singular factor to do on the Gold Coast for households searching for one thing instructional and enjoyable to do.
5. Cruise over to Moreton Island
Go to Moreton Island, the third largest sand island in Australia, for actions reminiscent of dolphin feeding, tobogganing, quad bikes, archery, tennis, badminton, snorkeling, kayaking, exploring shipwrecks, taking eco walks, and parasailing.
The boat experience to Moreton Island could be very scenic, with views of the glistening Gold Coast skyline getting smaller and smaller as you sail off to extra untouched waters.
On Moreton Island, you possibly can decide to do many alternative issues. Most individuals benefit from the 4WD desert safari because it takes you across the Tangalooma Desert and lets you see a lot of the island.
If you wish to step your Gold Coast trip up some extra, you possibly can strive your hand at sand tobogganing, which is unquestionably not for the faint-hearted. You possibly can attain speeds of as much as 40km per hour, which is ideal for individuals who love adrenaline-filled actions.
For extra rest, take pleasure in a marine discovery cruise the place you possibly can search for dolphins, dugongs, inexperienced sea turtles, sea cucumbers, stingrays, and different marine life. Throughout the correct season, you may even have the ability to do a spot of whale watching.
You may also benefit from the resort services of Tangalooma Island Resort as you discover the island, in addition to use its swimming pools, eating places, and bars. Within the night, you possibly can see a household of untamed dolphins who come as much as the jetty for his or her nightly feed.
6. Spend the day at Dreamworld
Dreamworld is without doubt one of the hottest theme parks on the Gold Coast for households. It’s an enormous theme park with many thrill-seeking rides and rollercoasters. It doesn’t matter what age your youngsters are, there’s something for each member of the household to take pleasure in right here.
Experience the high-action rollercoaster for adrenalin seekers – Buzzsaw, the quick, bone-chilling experience. Or strive your hand on the 6 different thrilling rollercoasters, not for the faint-hearted. For the youthful ones head straight to Wiggles World for some dancing with Dorothy and a few toddler-friendly rides advert actions.
7. Splash round at Moist and Wild
If rollercoasters aren’t your factor, then chances are you’ll take pleasure in Moist ‘N’ Wild extra. It’s the last word water park to go to on these scorching summer season Gold Coast days.
You possibly can take pleasure in a soothing swim, sit again in a cabana, splash round within the wave pool or scare your self on the skycoaster. There are additionally a number of water slides, a lazy river, rafting rides, and for the toddlers, a splash zone.
8. Take a Jet Boat Experience
In case you haven’t observed by now, the Gold Coast is all about excessive enjoyable and journey. What higher method to shake away the morning cobwebs and get the center pumping than by a 55-minute jet boating expertise?
Strap your self in with the fellows from Jet Boat Excessive as you experience across the scenic waterways of Surfers Paradise. You’ll cross by Southport Yacht Membership, the Versace Resort, and SeaWorld. You’ll additionally expertise 360–diploma spins and journey at excessive–velocity throughout the Pacific Ocean.
It’s top-of-the-line adrenaline-fueled sights on the Gold Coast. Craig and I did this one 12 months sans youngsters and had a blast.
9. Tour the Waterways on an Aquaduck
If you’d like a extra sedate expertise on the water, we’ve additionally carried out an amphibious boat tour in Surfers Paradise, which we actually loved.
You get to expertise Gold Coast life from the ocean and the Gold Coast waterways and canals, together with cruising previous millionaire houses! Youngsters will love this enjoyable Gold Coast expertise.
10. Go to The Gold Coast Wax Museum
The Gold Coast Wax Museum is Australia’s largest museum of its form, that includes greater than 110 life-size wax effigies.
You possibly can meet the Presidents, each current and former Prime Ministers, in addition to a number of world celebrities and entertainers. Meet members of the Royal Household, dictators from all over the world, and lots of different well-known folks.
The figures have been crafted by main abroad sculptors, equal in high quality to the world’s finest. If you happen to’ve by no means been to a wax museum earlier than, you then’ll take pleasure in this expertise.
11. Have enjoyable at Thunderbird Park
The place journey meets nature, Thunderbird Park is a component theme park and half nature park. It covers over 112 hectares on Tamborine Mountain and is called Australia’s largest playground.
You possibly can go swinging between the bushes on the excessive ropes and zip line, go tenting, or take a bush stroll by means of the forest to see the waterfalls, together with the cascading Cedar Creek Falls.
A part of the park, is the Mount Tamborine Journey Park is an excessive exercise on the Gold Coast! It takes parts of SAS commando coaching (so you understand you’re getting a exercise in) however is delivered in a secure, enjoyable and thrilling approach.
You possibly can expertise over 100 challenges over 5 programs, every combining ropes and wire challenges, flying foxes, suspended bridges, and far far more. It’s for youths 8 and over. You possibly can even keep in a single day in one of many Thunderpark lodges or of their campsites, or glamping, when you don’t wish to camp.
12. Experience the rollercoasters at Film World
Film World is owned by Warner Bros. If you happen to’ve ever been to Common Studios in Orlando, one can find related vibes at Film World.
Tackle the steepest drop within the Southern Hemisphere, attain as much as speeds of 66km/h and pull 3.5G’s n hairpin bends and inverted spins on Inexperienced Lantern Rollercoaster.
There are thrill-seeking rides, family-friendly rides, a film star parade with a few of your favorite characters, and meet and greets with film star characters.
You possibly can see a 4D cinema film, watch a stunt present, or change into a film further! There’s a lot to see and do right here, chances are you’ll even want two days to see all of it.
13. Experience a 160m Flying Fox
There are some nice nationwide parks in Australia and significantly across the Gold Coast. One in every of our favourites is Lamington Nationwide Park, which is legendary for its historic Gondwana Rainforests and the place the uncommon Albert’s lyrebird lives.
It’s excellent for a day journey. You possibly can hike the numerous climbing trails across the Binna Burra and Inexperienced Mountains, or to the overlooks over the Coomera Valley.
One in every of my favorite methods to expertise the park although is to fly by means of the world heritage-listed Lamington Nationwide Park on O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat flying fox expertise.
It is a zip-line that flies by means of the canopies of the bushes, similar to a flying fox. The expertise is enjoyable for all ages, however you should be aged 3+ to do that exercise.
You possibly can learn extra about our keep at Binna Burra Lodge right here!
14. Go Quad Biking within the Hinterland
If you happen to’re a nature lover, you’ll love exploring the landscapes of the Hinterland by quad bike. You possibly can drive by means of grasslands, forests, and previous native landmarks on a two-hour quad-biking tour.
As you discover the Numinbah Valley you’ll cross by rivers and creeks, or climb to new heights to expertise a number of the finest views the Gold Coast.
A quad bike is just not solely a way to discover these rugged terrains and off-the-beaten-path locations however a enjoyable expertise in itself.
Associated: Close by is O’Reillys Rainforest the place Craig loved a Segway tour by means of the rainforest.
15. Dine at a Beachfront Restaurant
The Gold Coast is all in regards to the ocean, so when selecting locations to eat, decide a restaurant with a view. You possibly can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at one of many Gold Coast’s family-friendly Surf Life Saving Golf equipment.
Head over to Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Membership for some scrumptious meals, a chilly beverage or simply someplace to chill and chill out after a day on the waves.
Our favorites are North Burleigh Surf Membership and Rainbow Seashore Surf Membership at Rainbow Bay Surf Membership at Snapper Rocks (finest sundown view from right here!).
16. Go to The Stradbroke Islands
If you happen to’re searching for one other island to expertise as a getaway from the Gold Coast, then the Stradbroke Islands supply an incredible escape. Study its wealthy indigenous tradition and discover the range of wildlife on this laid-back island.
Folks have a tendency to not go to South Stradbroke Island as lots of the finest issues to do are within the North, however when you do get the possibility to hit the South it’s top-of-the-line locations to get some peace and quiet.
Right here you possibly can study Minjerribah, the title given to the island by its conventional house owners, in addition to the Quandamooka individuals who stay right here.
It’s additionally an incredible place to go scuba diving on the Gold Coast. Straddie, because the Aussies name it, is a soothing, nature-lovers paradise. We extremely suggest staying at Couran Cove Island Resort. You possibly can learn all about our keep at Couran Cove right here.
17. Go on a Coastal Stroll
There are lots of Gold Coast walks so that you can select from because the complete metropolis was constructed across the nice open air. Stand up at 6 am and also you’ll discover everybody out strolling, biking, and browsing. You possibly can’t assist however get caught up within the power of the place.
And the wonderful thing about taking a bush stroll on the Gold Coast is that it’s free, which is nice when you’ve got discovered your self spending so much on theme parks in your journey. Get lively and get past the concrete skyline on one among these Gold Coast bush walks.
18. Hook up with Indigenous Australia Tradition at Spirits of the Crimson Sand
Take time in your Gold Coast trip away from the adrenalin actions and theme parks, to study the historical past of the normal house owners of our land and hook up with the wonder and vibrancy of their tradition.
Impressed by the Tamaki Maori Village in New Zealand, the Spirits of the Crimson Sand is a cultural present and expertise that shares over 60,000 years of Aboriginal Australia tradition, the world’s oldest.
In the course of the day there are interactive cultural teaching programs with hands-on participation in cultural actions, demonstrations, and historic ceremonies.
At night time, there’s the award successful stay theatre and dinner expertise that takes you from Dreamtime to 1800’s Australia when the British and Aboriginal methods of life collide.
There are some Indigneous meals on the menu together with tasting skewers of kangaroo, crocodile and emu. Spirits of the Crimson Sand is positioned in Beenleigh Historic Village simply exterior of the Gold Coast on the best way to Brisbane.
19. Play on the playgrounds and parks
If you happen to’re searching for free issues to do on the Gold Coast with youngsters, then you possibly can’t go mistaken with a go to to the play park. Sure I do know, play parks may be discovered in every single place, however the parks on the Gold Coast are proper by the ocean and have some lovely scenic views that mum and pa will take pleasure in too.
You possibly can play along with your youngsters and have a picnic at one of many picnic tables whenever you go to one of many many lovely parks alongside the coast. If you happen to’re undecided which park to go to, Laguna Park in Palm Seashore is the locals favorite.
Take a look at the finest playgrounds on the Gold Coast and the most effective BBQ areas on the Gold Coast.
20. Go to Springbrook Nationwide Park
One other nationwide park price visiting is Springbrook Nationwide Park, recognized for its refreshing waterfalls, rainforest, historic bushes, and distinctive rock formation referred to as Pure Bridge.
The Pure Bridge is constructed from the drive of the waterfall over a basalt cave, which kinds this distinctive bridge-like formation.
You possibly can stroll to the bridge inside 10 minutes from the automotive park because it’s solely 1km away. However don’t simply go to for this attraction and go away. Take a while to wander the strolling trails into the rainforest and revel in being in nature.
Make sure to try the Purling Brook Falls strolling monitor circuit, the Pure Bridge Rainforest Circuit, Canyon lookouts, and the Twin Falls stroll.
21. Play Minigolf at Putt Putt Golf, Mermaid Seashore
Putt Putt Golf affords three fantastically themed 18-Gap programs together with a Jungle Path, Enjoyable Run, and Waterways course. There’s additionally an arcade the place you possibly can kill time after your sport of minigolf.
It’s open every single day and night time and our youngsters love going there! Hey – what would a trip to the Gold Coast with youngsters be with no sport of putt putt?
22. Marvel at Ripley’s Imagine It Or Not!
Ripley’s Imagine It Or Not museums are positioned all around the world and are devoted to showcasing the extraordinary’s of this world.
Often known as an Odditorium, the museum is a Gold Coast attraction that’s interactive and enjoyable. You possibly can see genuine, unbelievable displays, unbelievable illusions, uncommon tales, magic, thriller, interactive video games, and wonderful films.
23. Store till you drop at Carrara Markets
If you happen to’re within the metropolis of the Gold Coast on the weekend, then a go to to the Carrara Markets is a should. That is Queensland’s largest and finest everlasting markets, with over 500 stalls protecting 10 acres.
It’s a preferred household time out with buskers, pony rides, merry-go-round rides, bungee trampolines, meals stalls, and face painters.
Free entry, free parking, indoor and outside purchasing, and over 100 style retailers. What extra might you ask for? Oh and over 10 cafes, six plant nurseries, and tons of enjoyable stuff for the youngsters
24. Hang around on the seashore
In fact, no journey to the Gold Coast can be full with out taking a visit to the seashore. Absorb the sunshine alongside the 72 km of pristine Gold Coast seashores. You’ll discover clear white sand, turquoise waters and mild waves – good for swimming.
A few of our favorite seashores embody Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads, Greenmount, Currumbin (the Currumbin rock swimming pools are price testing), and Broadbeach.
25. Bounce out of a airplane
Skydiving isn’t for everybody, however if you wish to have unbelievable views of the coast from the sky, that is one action-packed method to do it!
Gold Coast Sky Dive is the most effective rated Tandem Skydive on the Gold Coast! Boasting a superb security document, state-of-the-art tools, and a pristine beach-side location.
For a extra distinctive expertise, take into account this tandem-skydive expertise from a helicopter over Surfers Paradise.
26. Discover the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
For a soothing, native expertise, hit the native markets. The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are an informal, open-air night time market with over 100 market stalls, promoting all the pieces from native arts and crafts, road meals, native artisans, and stay leisure. It’s held each Wednesday and Friday night time alongside the coastal stretch.
27. Go stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) at Tallebudgera Creek
Okay, time for an additional native’s secret My final favourite factor to do on the Gold Coast, esepcially with my youngsters, is rise up paddleboaridng on Tallebudgra Creek.
Most individuals drive over the Tallebudgera Creek Bridge on the southern entrance to Burleigh on their method to Surfers Paradise with out realizing this pristine waterway on the sting of the Burleigh Heads State Park is a child’s dream journey playground.
It’s crystal clear, calm waters are good for swimming, however even higher for rise up paddleboarding. You possibly can lease boards on the shoreline. And for these skilled paddlers, you possibly can even exit to the place the waves are breaking on the seashore shoreline because the creek spills into the ocean.
One time, we missed seeing dolphins who had been swimming aruond the creek solely 5 minutes earlier than our arrival.
If you happen to’re staying in Burleigh, I like to recommend strolling round by way of the Burleigh Heads State Park coastal path. It’s my favourite place on the Gold Coast. I’ve that picture above from Tumgun Level on my workplace wall. We additionally noticed dolphins from right here so much.
28. Cycle the Gold Coast Oceanway
Among the best methods to see a metropolis is to cycle it. The Gold Coast has a 36 kilometre community of pathways alongside seashores from the Gold Coast Seaway (The Spit) to the Level Hazard Lighthouse (Coolangatta).
You possibly can merely pack your individual lunch, loads of water, your swimmers, and a digicam, and get peddling! Get pleasure from entry to a variety of coastal environments together with spectacular coastal vistas, seashores, headlands, mangroves, and dunes.
Now we have not cycled the complete Oceanway, however we’ve got biked and walked many smaller sections of it. Craig and I walked a 10km part one-way from Burleigh Heads to Surfers Paradise which took us 2 hours with minimal stops.
We cherished our dwelling part from North Burleigh Level to Burleigh Heads State Park and the part from Coolangatta to Level Hazard is beautiful. Presumably my favourite stretch of the Gold Coast. Time your explorations with sundown at Snapper Rocks – you received’t be disillusioned. (You possibly can learn extra on this publish on Gold Coast walks)
29. Go to HOTA – House of the Arts
House of the Arts has one thing for all ages in your loved ones, significantly those that love a sprinkle of artwork with their way of life. Even if you wish to go to simply to take in it’s beautiful 17-acre location on the lake, surrounded by parklands with views of Surfers Paradise.
This district, which has had a recent, trendy revamp since 2018 is turning into fairly a hotspot for performances, lake-side strolls, star-gazing, cinema-watching, artwork and new-ideas.
They’ve an artwork gallery, cinemas, theaters, a restaurant, wekely markets and common stay mjusic and occasions. That is Gold Coast dwelling at its finest and can be a beautiful enjoyable addition to your Gold Coast itinerary.
30. Take a look at the Skypoint Climb
Are you able to climb Australia’s highest exterior constructing climb? The SkyPoint Climb is a Gold Coast journey that mixes excessive sports activities with unbelievable scenic views.
You’ll climb as much as 270 metres above sea degree from the Skypoint Statement Deck to the summit, while being linked to an inside handrail for security.
Following the information and benefit from the views. If you happen to actually wish to expertise the joys, climb the steps towards the large spire and lean alongside the sting. That was fairly scary!
The climb takes roughly 90 minutes from begin to end, together with the briefing, suiting up, the Climb, and de-gearing on the finish.
31. Go whale watching
Do you know you possibly can go whale watching on the Gold Coast? It’s a winter exercise – as migration season is between June and October – so rug up. Though you’re on the Gold Coast, so it received’t be too chilly, however it may be whenever you get out on the water, particularly early within the morning.
Anxious chances are you’ll not see them? Take it from this native, we’d see whales breaching off shore virtually every day once we lived at Burleigh Heads – typically from the balcony of our condominium, on our every day seashore walks, whereas consuming lunch at North Burleigh Heads Surf Membership, and even tremendous near shore and the surfers at Snapper Rocks. Now that was a second!
So at all times preserve a watch open when visiting the Gold Coast within the winter. As an alternative of ready for these unpredictable occasions, why not be part of a whale watching tour. (E-book your tickets right here)
The boats will safely observe humpback migratory path, while staying a respectful and lawful distance. We noticed a lot up shut – together with breaching – and our youngsters cherished it. The wonderful thing about a whale watching cruise is you’ll study extra about these magnificent Australian animals and the significance of defending them. Plus, you get nice views of the Gold Coast shoreline.
Is the Gold Coast price visiting?
With greater than 300 days of sunshine, 70 kilometers of shoreline, and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest vary of sights and actions, it’s no marvel it’s excessive on the household journey bucket checklist.
The Gold Coast has issues to see and do to fulfill all ages, from small youngsters to tweens, and fogeys, of all tastes.
Love theme parks? Carried out! Love pristine seashores? Lots! Love the Gold Coast hinterlands? It’s there! Love train? Begin stretching! Love sunshine? Acquired that too! Indubitably, The Gold Coast is price visiting for all these causes.
The place to remain on the Gold Coast
If it’s your first time visiting the Gold Coast, I like to recommend you keep in Surfers Paradise, the motion hub, recognized for its seashores and shut proximity to sights. It’s busy, sure, however splendidly handy as all the pieces is accessible by way of public transport.
Alternatively, head south to Burleigh Heads, Palm Seashore or Coolangatta and the tempo slows and feels extra relaxed – suppose village vibes, glorious playgrounds and seashores with fewer umbrellas and extra native surfers.
Yow will discover family-friendly lodging within the Gold Coast on this interactive map:
Learn extra: See extra family-friendly lodging on the Gold Coast
Greatest time to go to the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is blessed with year-round good climate, so you possibly can throw out your calendar when planning a visit.
Heat, sunny days roll on year-round, however for households on a funds, the candy spot is the shoulder seasons of April to Might and September to October when the climate is beach-perfect, however the crowds have thinned out.
Summer time (December to February) brings warmth, humidity and school-holiday power, together with afternoon storms, and Winter (June-August), has delicate temperatures and clear skies, that are nice for exploring the hinterland or recognizing migrating whales.
Closing ideas
“Well-known for Enjoyable” is the Gold Coast tagline, and it actually lives as much as its declare. Often known as the theme park capital of Australia, and residential to beautiful seashores, in addition to being the gateway to Lamington Nationwide Park, the Gold Coast affords loads of issues to do.
Now we have visited the Gold Coast many instances, and lived there for a brief interval, so we all know what to do on the Gold Coast as a household. Now, we hope you do too.
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