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The primary time I visited the Gold Coast, I didn’t go away. We ended up making it our residence for six months when our daughters have been small, as a result of we discovered there have been so many issues to do within the Gold Coast for teenagers, and it’s a really family-friendly metropolis.
My daughers spent their days barefoot, chasing the waves alongside Surfers Paradise, or working round theme parks, or attempting to find one of the best ice cream in a farmers market.
That is the Gold Coast you don’t see from the TV adverts. 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, light 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.
Dad and mom calm down, the Gold Coast is the place boredom will not be an choice. Whether or not you’re right here for a protracted weekend or a full-blown vacation, listed here are the actions and sights which might be 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 essentially the most optimum waves for inexperienced persons. They’re giant sufficient which you can really surf however light sufficient that you just don’t fall off. You’re additionally shielded from southerly onshore winds at many bays alongside the Gold Coast.
Kalyra learned how to surf at Burleigh Seaside with a world surf champion as her trainer. There should not many locations on this planet the place you possibly can study to surf with such skilled lecturers.
In reality, many browsing faculties assure they’ll have you ever standing up by the tip of your first 2-hour lesson. There is no such thing as a doubt that The Gold Coast is without doubt one of the greatest locations to study to surf.
If you happen to’re already an skilled surfer, chances are you’ll get pleasure from hitting the waves at Currumbin Alley, which provides world-class waves.
2. Go to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
For animal lovers, a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a should. You may meet all of the Aussie animals, take the acute high ropes green challenge, cuddle a koala, feed the kangaroos, see the salt-water crocodiles and Tasmanian Devils.
However maybe probably the greatest 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 a whole lot of rainbow lorikeets who come flying down from the encircling bushes to get a lick on the candy honey nectar that you just maintain out in a bowl in your palms. They’ll climb up your arms, in your head, and simply sit in your palms ingesting.
Within the night, you possibly can watch the Yanguwah Aboriginal cultural present, which is a good 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 could be a disgrace to go to with out seeing a few of these high sights. Sea World provides a world of enjoyable and journey. You may watch the world’s greatest stunt performers mastering aerial flips and gravity-defying stunts within the Jet Ski Show, 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. It’s also possible to see polar bears and sharks behind glass right here too.
4. Attend the Australian Outback Spectacular
Watch Australian stockmen and ladies deliver 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 struggle to outlive within the unforgiving lands. The group 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 need to dwell in such arid circumstances.
The present is satisfying in itself, but it surely’s additionally carried out whilst you get pleasure from a scrumptious three-course meal which is simply spectacular. The Australian Outback Present is a novel factor to do on the Gold Coast for households searching for one thing instructional and enjoyable to do.
5. Cruise over to Moreton Island
Visit Moreton Island, the third largest sand island in Australia, for actions resembling dolphin feeding, tobogganing, quad bikes, archery, tennis, badminton, snorkeling, kayaking, exploring shipwrecks, taking eco walks, and parasailing.
The boat journey to Moreton Island may 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 various issues. Most individuals benefit from the 4WD desert safari because it takes you across the Tangalooma Desert and means that you can see many of the island.
If you wish to step your Gold Coast trip up some extra, you possibly can attempt your hand at sand tobogganing, which is unquestionably not for the faint-hearted. You may attain speeds of as much as 40km per hour, which is ideal for many who love adrenaline-filled actions.
For extra leisure, get pleasure from 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 best season, you would possibly even have the ability to do a spot of whale watching.
It’s also possible to 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 children are, there’s something for each member of the household to get pleasure from right here.
Trip the high-action rollercoaster for adrenalin seekers – Buzzsaw, the quick, bone-chilling journey. Or attempt 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 get pleasure from Moist ‘N’ Wild extra. It’s the last word water park to go to on these sizzling summer season Gold Coast days.
You may get pleasure from 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 Trip
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 Extreme as you journey across the scenic waterways of Surfers Paradise. You’ll go by Southport Yacht Membership, the Versace Resort, and SeaWorld. You’ll additionally expertise 360–diploma spins and journey at excessive–pace throughout the Pacific Ocean.
It’s probably the greatest adrenaline-fueled sights on the Gold Coast. Craig and I did this one 12 months sans children and had a blast.
9. Tour the Waterways on an Aquaduck
If you would like a extra sedate expertise on the water, we’ve additionally executed 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! Children 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 may 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 plenty of different well-known folks.
The figures have been crafted by main abroad sculptors, equal in high quality to the world’s greatest. If you happen to’ve by no means been to a wax museum earlier than, you then’ll get pleasure from this expertise.
11. Have enjoyable at Thunderbird Park
The place journey meets nature, Thunderbird Park is part theme park and half nature park. It covers over 112 hectares on Tamborine Mountain and is called Australia’s largest playground.
You may go swinging between the bushes on the excessive ropes and zip line, go tenting, or take a bush stroll via 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 already know you’re getting a exercise in) however is delivered in a protected, enjoyable and thrilling method.
You may expertise over 100 challenges over 5 programs, every combining ropes and wire challenges, flying foxes, suspended bridges, and far way more. It’s for teenagers 8 and over. You may even keep in a single day in one of many Thunderpark lodges or of their campsites, or glamping, if you happen to don’t need to camp.
12. Trip the rollercoasters at Film World
Movie World is owned by Warner Bros. If you happen to’ve ever been to Universal Studios in Orlando, you’ll find comparable 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 may see a 4D cinema film, watch a stunt present, or develop 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. Trip a 160m Flying Fox
There are some nice national 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 ideally suited for a day journey. You may hike the various mountaineering 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 via the world heritage-listed Lamington Nationwide Park on O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat flying fox experience.
This can be a zip-line that flies via 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 may learn extra about our stay at Binna Burra Lodge 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 may drive via grasslands, forests, and previous native landmarks on a two-hour quad-biking tour.
As you discover the Numinbah Valley you’ll go by rivers and creeks, or climb to new heights to expertise a few of the greatest views the Gold Coast.
A quad bike will not be solely a method 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 via the rainforest.
15. Dine at a Beachfront Restaurant
The Gold Coast is all in regards to the ocean, so when selecting locations to eat, choose a restaurant with a view. You may 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 sit back and calm down after a day on the waves.
Our favorites are North Burleigh Surf Membership and Rainbow Seaside Surf Membership at Rainbow Bay Surf Membership at Snapper Rocks (greatest 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 provide an important escape. Study its wealthy indigenous tradition and discover the variety of wildlife on this laid-back island.
Folks have a tendency to not go to South Stradbroke Island as lots of the greatest issues to do are within the North, however if you happen to do get the possibility to hit the South it’s probably the greatest locations to get some peace and quiet.
Right here you possibly can find out about Minjerribah, the identify given to the island by its conventional house owners, in addition to the Quandamooka individuals who dwell right here.
It’s additionally an important place to go scuba diving on the Gold Coast. Straddie, because the Aussies name it, is a soothing, nature-lovers paradise. We extremely advocate staying at Couran Cove Island Resort. You may learn all about our stay at Couran Cove right here.
17. Go on a Coastal Stroll
There are numerous Gold Coast walks so that you can select from because the complete metropolis was constructed across the nice outside. Stand up at 6 am and also you’ll discover everybody out strolling, biking, and browsing. You may’t assist however get caught up within the power of the place.
And the beauty of taking a bush stroll on the Gold Coast is that it’s free, which is nice you probably have discovered your self spending loads on theme parks in your journey. Get energetic and get past the concrete skyline on one in every of 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 sweetness 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.
Through the day there are interactive cultural teaching programs with hands-on participation in cultural actions, demonstrations, and historic ceremonies.
At night time, there may be the award profitable dwell 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 Red Sand is positioned in Beenleigh Historic Village simply outdoors of the Gold Coast on the way in which to Brisbane.
19. Play on the playgrounds and parks
If you happen to’re searching for free things to do on the Gold Coast with children, 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 get pleasure from too.
You may play along with your children and have a picnic at one of many picnic tables if you go to one of many many lovely parks alongside the coast. If you happen to’re unsure which park to go to, Laguna Park in Palm Seaside is the locals favorite.
Take a look at the best playgrounds on the Gold Coast and the best BBQ areas on the Gold Coast.
20. Go to Springbrook Nationwide Park
One other nationwide park value visiting is Springbrook National Park, recognized for its refreshing waterfalls, rainforest, historic bushes, and distinctive rock formation often called Pure Bridge.
The Pure Bridge is constituted of the power of the waterfall over a basalt cave, which types this distinctive bridge-like formation.
You may stroll to the bridge inside 10 minutes from the automobile 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.
Remember 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 Seaside
Putt Putt Golf provides 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 recreation 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 children be with no recreation of putt putt?
22. Marvel at Ripley’s Consider It Or Not!
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museums are positioned all around the world and are devoted to showcasing the bizarre’s of this world.
Generally known as an Odditorium, the museum is a Gold Coast attraction that’s interactive and enjoyable. You may see genuine, unbelievable displays, unimaginable illusions, uncommon tales, magic, thriller, interactive video games, and wonderful motion pictures.
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 greatest and greatest everlasting markets, with over 500 stalls masking 10 acres.
It’s a well-liked 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 procuring, and over 100 style shops. 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 seaside
In fact, no journey to the Gold Coast can be full with out taking a visit to the seaside. 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 value trying out), and Broadbeach.
25. Leap out of a aircraft
Skydiving isn’t for everybody, however if you wish to have unimaginable views of the coast from the sky, that is one action-packed method to do it!
Gold Coast Sky Dive is one of the best rated Tandem Skydive on the Gold Coast! Boasting a superb security file, state-of-the-art gear, and a pristine beach-side location.
For a extra distinctive expertise, contemplate 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 every part from native arts and crafts, road meals, native artisans, and dwell 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 children, 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 may hire boards on the shoreline. And for these skilled paddlers, you possibly can even exit to the place the waves are breaking on the seaside shoreline because the creek spills into the ocean.
One time, we missed seeing dolphins who have 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 through the Burleigh Heads State Park coastal path. It’s my favourite place on the Gold Coast. I’ve that photograph above from Tumgun Level on my workplace wall. We additionally noticed dolphins from right here loads.
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 may merely pack your individual lunch, loads of water, your swimmers, and a digicam, and get peddling! Take pleasure in entry to a variety of coastal environments together with spectacular coastal vistas, seashores, headlands, mangroves, and dunes.
We’ve got not cycled all the Oceanway, however we’ve 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 beloved our residence part from North Burleigh Level to Burleigh Heads State Park and the part from Coolangatta to Level Hazard is beautiful. Probably my favourite stretch of the Gold Coast. Time your explorations with sundown at Snapper Rocks – you received’t be dissatisfied. (You may learn extra on this submit on Gold Coast walks)
29. Go to HOTA – Residence of the Arts
Residence of the Arts has one thing for all ages in your loved ones, significantly those that love a sprinkle of artwork with their life-style. Even if you wish to go to simply to absorb 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 changing 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 dwell mjusic and occasions. That is Gold Coast residing at its greatest 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 unimaginable scenic views.
You’ll climb as much as 270 metres above sea degree from the Skypoint Remark 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 need to expertise the joys, climb the steps towards the huge 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 if you get out on the water, particularly early within the morning.
Nervous 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 – usually from the balcony of our residence, on our every day seaside 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 all the time hold an eye fixed open when visiting the Gold Coast within the winter. As a substitute of ready for these unpredictable occasions, why not be part of a whale watching tour. (Book your tickets here)
The boats will safely comply with humpback migratory path, while staying a respectful and lawful distance. We noticed a lot up shut – together with breaching – and our youngsters beloved 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 value 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 listing.
The Gold Coast has issues to see and do to fulfill all ages, from small children to tweens, and oldsters, of all tastes.
Love theme parks? Achieved! Love pristine seashores? Lots! Love the Gold Coast hinterlands? It’s there! Love train? Begin stretching! Love sunshine? Bought that too! Unquestionably, The Gold Coast is value 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 every part is accessible through public transport.
Alternatively, head south to Burleigh Heads, Palm Seaside or Coolangatta and the tempo slows and feels extra relaxed – suppose village vibes, wonderful playgrounds and seashores with fewer umbrellas and extra native surfers.
You’ll find family-friendly lodging within the Gold Coast on this interactive map:
Learn extra: See extra family-friendly accommodation 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 price range, the candy spot is the shoulder seasons of April to Could 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 gentle temperatures and clear skies, that are nice for exploring the hinterland or recognizing migrating whales.
Last ideas
“Well-known for Enjoyable” is the Gold Coast tagline, and it actually lives as much as its declare. Generally 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 provides loads of issues to do.
We’ve got visited the Gold Coast many instances, and lived there for a short period, so we all know what to do on the Gold Coast as a household. Now, we hope you do too.
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