Gold Coast family-friendly travel guide

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About the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a playground for all ages, with plenty of options for couples, thrill seekers and singles out for a good time, but there’s no doubt that it’s extra special for kids. Most children are happy if they have a swimming pool at the hotel or apartment, a beach with plenty of sand for their artistic creations and a park where they can run riot on the play equipment.

The Gold Coast is a huge winner in all departments, and when it comes to parks, we’re not talking a few swings and a slide: we’re talking about the best theme parks in the country! Sea World, Dreamworld, Movie World, Paradise Country and Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast are every child’s idea of the perfect holiday. Parents can be assured of a peaceful night, as after a day at one of these parks, the kids will be completely tuckered out.

Gold Coast facts

State

QLD

Population

592,330 (2017)

Time zone

GMT+10

Landmass

414.3 km²

Currency

Australian dollar (AUD)

Emergency number

000

Helpful information

Where to go

South Stradbroke Island

Escape the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast for a day on a luxury cruise over to South Stradbroke Island, seeing dolphins on your way, and then hop into a 4WD buggy for an eco-tour of magnificent beaches and sand dunes. The narrow, 21-kilometre-long sand island is largely undeveloped and ripe for exploration.

Surfers Paradise

This famous Australian beach is aptly named and is home to an exciting array of beachside markets, shopping options and excellent dining venues, in addition to the stunning views of the water. It’s also a great place to base yourself for a holiday to the region with its array of family-friendly accommodation options.

Lamington National Park

World Heritage-listed and breathtaking in its beauty, this rainforest is home to more than 160 kilometres of walking trails. Follow them to discover the rare wildlife, wildflowers and hidden waterfalls within its borders.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has long been one of the most popular attractions in south Queensland, and it isn’t hard to see why. Spend the day wandering through 27 hectares of rainforest while peering into animal enclosures – highlights will no doubt include feeding kangaroos and cuddling up to koalas!

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is a 1.5-kilometre rainforest walking experience which inlcudes the Skywalk Bridge, the 40-metre Skywalk Cantilever and the Cedar Creek Viewing Platform, joined by a winding pathway along the canopy floor. The 45-minute walk is perfect for little ones, who will adore seeing the rainforest from a whole new perspective!

Best time to go to the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast boasts pleasant temperatures all year round. Its coldest month is July, with an average of 21 degrees Celsius, and its hottest January, with an average of 29 degrees Celsius.

Getting in and around for families

Major airport

Australian visitors normally travel to the Gold Coast by car or plane. The main domestic airport serving the Gold Coast is Gold Coast Airport.

Drive

The Gold Coast is a 10-hour drive from Sydney and a 20-hour drive from Melbourne. An overnight stop is recommended when driving from Sydney, and three stops from Melbourne. The Gold Coast is roughly a two-hour drive from Brisbane.

Public transport

The Gold Coast is connected by trains and buses. You can find timetabling information and routes here.

Food and drinks that kids will love

The Gold Coast boasts a huge range of dining opportunities. There are plenty of great family restaurants as well as a myriad of smaller outlets for grabbing a snack at any time of the day or night.

Dining highlights include fresh seafood and modern Australian cuisine along with brilliant French, Italian and Japanese options. One of the culinary centres of the Gold Coast is around Tedder Avenue in Main Beach where the Gold Coast’s top restaurants and bars conveniently line either side of the street.

Other parts of the Gold Coast such as Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise also offer good variety. Surfers Paradise is a popular dining area for families with many cafes and eateries offering well-priced family meals.

Shopping

Shopping is a major tourist activity in the Gold Coast, with an incredible range of shopping resorts, boutiques and themed shopping villages.

Sanctuary Cove, Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre are the major developments, but you’ll find a treasure trove of fashion, art, crafts and gifts around every corner, as well as monthly or bi-monthly markets in places like Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta and Robina Town Centre.

Harbour Town offers outlet shopping and is only a 15-minute drive from Surfers Paradise.

Customs

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

What to wear

Casual lightweight clothing is the norm in the Gold Coast. A jacket or warmer clothing may be required for cooler winter evenings. Long pants and comfortable walking shoes are recommended if you plan to do any bushwalking or horse riding. To ensure adequate protection from the sun, wear a broad-rimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen. These are essential all year round.

Courtesy

Australia is renowned for its laid-back, egalitarian culture. By and large, friendliness is equated with good manners.

Electricity

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

Safety and health precautions

Health precautions

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

Safety

By and large, the Gold Coast is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

Most photographed places

Q1

Perhaps the most iconic Gold Coast building, the Q1 Resort and Spa’s Skypoint Observation Deck rises 322.5 metres above Surfers Paradise, with 360-degree views over the hinterland and Pacific Ocean, all the way to Byron Bay (on a clear day).

Burleigh Hill

This stunning piece of coastline is made up of numerous parks, walking tracks, viewing platforms, hilly grassed areas and restaurants overlooking the water – perfect for a day trip and a quaint picnic spot.

The Surfers Paradise sign

The Surfers Paradise sign is located right where bustling Cavill Ave meets the beach and makes the perfect backdrop for your holiday shot. Get there at sunrise for the best lighting!

Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park

This waterfall and natural arch has been formed over millions of years by water wearing away the basalt rock and under cutting into the cave below. The best place to snap a picture is from inside the cave looking out or from up on the walkway looking into the cave. The added bonus? If you visit after sunset, glowworms can be seen inside the cave!

Big Koala Sculpture

If you’re on a budget and can’t make it to the wildlife sanctuary for the real deal, the sculpture in Coolangatta makes a cool substitute. If you have time to make a tour out of it, there are actually 30 koala sculptures scattered around the Gold Coast, starting in Tweed all the way up to Southport!