Why the Gold Coast is the best destination for holidays with kids: a seven day itinerary

A trip to the theme parks is a quintessential part of any family holiday to the Gold Coast. And while the kids might want to spend all week bouncing between the rides and attractions, you can scoop up great deals on three-day passes with both Village Roadshow or Dreamworld.

This offers ultimate theme park access, with MovieWorld, SeaWorld, Wet’n’Wild included in the Village Roadshow three day pass, and Dreamworld, White Water World and Skypoint Observation Deck on the other. If three days at the parks is a tad too much (and it has to be consecutive days), you can also opt for one day and just pick your preferred park.

Luckily for parents, the parks offer plenty for big kids too. Release your inner child on the rides, or sit back with a barista coffee, grab yourself something healthy to eat and enjoy quiet time while the kids give the rides a work-out.

Day Four: hit the beach

Home to some of Queensland’s best beaches and with over 57 kilometres of coastline to wander, there will definitely be more than one spot on the sand to suit your style of beach day.

Do your kids want to learn how to surf? The Gold Coast is a mecca for all things surfing, and Get Wet Surf School at The Spit is one of the best. With beginner lessons in waist deep water, all gear is provided, and an emphasis placed on surf safety by friendly expert instructors. Your little grommets will be carving up the waves in no time. If you're further south today, Walkin' On Water in Coolangatta is another great surf school. 

For a more laid back beach vibe make your way to Burleigh Heads. After a paddle and a play, the grassy headland that locals claim is one of Queensland’s best coastal spots to relax. There’s also plenty of places to pick up provisions or grab a bite with cafes, restaurants and family-friendly surf clubs close by.

Burleigh is also the central point of the Gold Coast Oceanway, a 36-kilometre pathway that stretches from Point Danger in the south to The Spit in the north. It’s a big trek for little legs to do it all at once, but try a few kilometres in either direction from Burleigh to sample the Gold Coast’s best way to sight-see and exercise simultaneously.

Otherwise, get amongst the trees and head into Burleigh Head National Park for the Oceanview Walk. The path skirts the coastline for maximum views for minimum effort. Catch stunning views back to Surfers Paradise, or head south towards Tallebudgera Creek for a refreshing reward of a dip in warm, calm waters.

For dinner, Tallebudgera Surf Club is close by with kids’ nipper meals including a complimentary drink and an ice cream.

Day Five: get wild

You’ll smell the scent of fresh eucalyptus being chewed before you even reach the gate of local favourite, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Home to native Australian animals like kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, wombats and dingoes (and plenty of other furry, feathered and finned friends too), expect to be impressed with your kids’ knowledge after a day spent wandering around this wildlife oasis.

Parent tip: jump on the free train as soon as you get there and feed the kangaroos early in the day before they get too full.

Another Gold Coast park to consider is nearby David Fleay Wildlife Park in Burleigh. Sign your kids up to become junior rangers for a day, so they can learn more about curious creatures alongside conservation efforts to protect them.

Day Six: head for the hills

Trade golden sandy shores for emerald green Gondwana Rainforest in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

After just an hour’s drive from the coast, you’ll be exploring its waterfalls, fresh water swimming holes and a sprinkling of charming mountain villages.

A visit to Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park is an easy walk with kids under a canopy of rainforest giants.  Your littlies will love seeing scampering wildlife or if you can plan to visit after dark, join a guided tour to visit caves filled with glow worms and micro bats. In summer months, keep an eye out for fireflies and even fungi that glows in the dark!

O’Reillys Tree Top Walk in Lamington National Park will get their little hearts racing. Walkways suspended 15 metres above the ground make for a fun walking track, and you can all enjoy a spot of forest bathing by peering out over the ancient canopy and deep down into the gullies where waterfalls splash and creeks bubble.

For an easy to reach waterfall that also has a freshwater swimming hole, make your way to Mount Tamborine’s Cedar Creek Falls. A flat walk from the carpark to the top in just under 500m (suitable for prams and wheelchairs) or carry on a little further by foot to reach the pools that are icy all year round, but worth a quick dip if you are brave. 

Stop into Mount Tamborine Village afterwards to sample creamy local fudge with the kids, while you stock up on cheese, locally produced wine and small goods. Fill the picnic basket just in time for sunset over the Scenic Rim at Rotary Lookout, and on the way back down to the Gold Coast, you’ll be mesmerised by the view of a sparkling Surfers Paradise’s skyline by night.

Once back in the city, end the day at the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 5pm) or nearby Cavill Mall which boasts  plenty of affordable options to suit all tastes.

Day Seven: soak up southern charm

You won’t get any last-day holiday blues on this trip because we’ve saved the best for last. Coolangatta awaits, and it brings southern charm with spectacular beaches, iconic surf breaks, all you can eat pancakes for $9.99 at Pancakes in Paradise AND some world famous felines.  

Haven’t heard of Catmantoo? These skateboarding, high-five capable cool cats have put “Coolancatta” on the world map. The only cats on skateboards to break a world record and pull off a half pipe have amassed a huge social media following. 

You can find them on sundown (weather and cat behaviour dependant), at the Coolangatta car park. They do ask for a gold coin donation for a high five (cats gotta eat after all), but you can sit back and watch them pull some pretty rad moves on their skateboards for free too.

For a bit more fun

Got a little extra spare time? Try a few more fun activities on the Gold Coast.

Feel the rush of a vertical wind tunnel at iFly in Surfers Paradise for an indoor skydiving experience. Or get your SUP on in Surfers Paradise, where you can hire a stand up paddleboard for 1 hour for $25, or a full day for $100.

Splash out at Australia’s largest inflatable obstacle course with a killer combo of bounce, flop, slide and splash. Aqua Splash is located at the Broadwater Parklands and is priced from $19 for 50 minutes for ages 10 and over, or $29 for 100 mins.

Before you arrive, check out these:

• What to do on the Gold Coast after dark on holidays with kids
• Best kid-friendly spots to eat on the Gold Coast
• More inspiration with awesome things to do on the Gold Coast