The Top 5 Gold Coast Attractions For Kids
The Gold Coast is a wonderful holiday destination for families thanks to our amazing weather and the fact there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, adrenaline-junkie, or you’re just after some much-needed relaxation – Australia’s Gold Coast will have something for you. If you’ve got an upcoming family holiday planned but you’re not sure where to take your young ones, then here’s a helpful list of the top 5 Gold Coast attractions for kids that they are sure to enjoy!
1. Theme Parks
If you’re visiting the Gold Coast with the kids in tow, it’s well and truly worth taking them to some of the nation’s greatest theme parks. Dreamworld, Whitewater World, Sea World, Movie World, and Wet’n’Wild are all a short drive out of the city centre and make for a full day of solid family fun. Spend the day riding roller-coasters, browsing in funky boutique shops, and eating from a number of great food stores. Each of the theme parks also have dedicated areas for kids of all ages, some with wonderful mini shows featuring their favourite characters - all included in the one ticket price! And even if you’re not an adrenaline enthusiast yourself, just walking through the front entrance of Movie World and seeing Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, and some of your favourite characters will overwhelm you with a sense of nostalgic excitement!
2. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Keep the kids entertained while also educating them on Australia’s native wildlife. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful day-trip destination, and home to some of nature’s greatest, including dingos, crocodiles, kangaroos, and echidnas. There are several daily shows to choose from – you can watch birds of prey free-flying or crocodiles being fed. Or, if you’re more drawn to the soft and cuddly, then you can pose for a photo with a koala or feed the kangaroos. If the kids are a bit older, you could offer them a truly unique experience by booking a Tree-top Challenge session which enables you to take in all that the park has to offer from a tree-top view! Why walk around the park when you can zipline across it?
3. The Beach
For a fun-filled-day that won’t put a dent in your holiday budget, you can’t beat the beach! You can head over to the seaside hub of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, and spend the day soaking up the sun or catching waves. For those who aren’t keen on surfing, the Gold Coast Seaway is also just a short drive away. Be sure to pack goggles though, because the rocks surrounding the quiet strip of water are home to some amazing sea life! Alternatively, if you’re further down the coast, you might want to venture over to Mermaid Beach or Burleigh Heads Beach. Build sand castles, play beach cricket, or splash about in the waves. A day at the beach is what a Gold Coast holiday is all about!
4. Thunderbird Park
Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland about an hours drive from Surfers Paradise you will find this natural wonderland. Full of awesome outdoor activities for kids, Thunderbird Park is home to a high ropes course (catering to all ages and abilities), ziplining, thunderegg fossicking, mini golf, laser skirmish, bird feeding and so much more. You can choose to camp overnight enjoying access to all amenities or simply take a day trip to Tamborine Mountain to take part in the wide range of activities on offer. The on-site kiosk has loads of yummy snacks too!
5. Burleigh Heads National Park
Seek refuge from the grilling summer sun under the shade of the rainforest and surrounding eucalyptus trees at Burleigh Heads National Park. There are several scenic strolls to choose from, and amazing panoramic views to take in. You can have a picnic lunch alongside the mangrove forests or by Tallebudgera Creek, and then spend the afternoon paddle-boarding or kayaking at Echo Beach. Sometimes, if you’re lucky and the timing is right, you may even catch a glimpse of whales breaching or sea-eagles soaring along the coast.
Bonus: The Quack'rDuck Tour!
How could we not mention the Quack'rDuck tour! Kids and adults of all ages will have a blast aboard our purpose built duck boat and bus - our sightseeing tour will take you from land to see using our special amphibious vehicle to see the sights of Surfers Paradise. If you’re planning family activities on the Gold Coast, be sure to include your own amphibious adventure.
Book your Quack’rDuck Tour online or call (07) 5679 3279.
Still in planning mode? Make sure you check out our picks for the best family resort accommodation on the Gold Coast! These resorts and holiday parks will provide the perfect base for a family holiday with plenty of activities for the kids, some even have their own dedicated kid's clubs!
