Surfers Paradise Beach is a popular attraction well-known for its white sandy beach and clear blue waters. It's perfect for families' morning or afternoon strolls, or an all-day beach trip. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby to grab a bite or go shopping after taking a swim.
The Star Gold Coast is a vibrant and entertaining location for families to enjoy an excellent indoor experience. It features various entertainment options including shops, restaurants, bars, and a casino. Moreover, the place has a cinema and hosts live music events.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect place to take the little ones for an outdoor adventure. Here, you can see many iconic Australian animals, like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. The sanctuary also offers interactive shows and exhibits that educate visitors about these animals and their habitats.
Dreamworld Theme Park is one of the most thrilling destinations on the list. It has plenty of rides, roller coasters, water slides, and animal exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. The park is famous for its Tiger Island, where visitors can get up close with the park's tigers and watch their shows.
Mount Tamborine is the perfect location to experience the outdoors while enjoying scenic views. It has various hiking and walking trails through lush rainforests and waterfalls. Additionally, the mountain is famous for its wineries, cheese factories, and fudge shops that offer a great opportunity to indulge in local food and drinks.
Families visiting Gold Coast will have various options for getting around, including buses, trains, and taxis. Nevertheless, the most convenient way is to rent a car which will cost around $30-50/day. Estimated travel times are based on Google Maps' estimates, but keep in mind that traffic might cause delays.
If you have more time, consider visiting other family-friendly attractions such as Sea World, Warner Bros Movie World, or Wet'n'Wild Water World. If you have less time, skip one of the locations or spend only half a day in one of them.
Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is located in Coolangatta, about 28 km from the city center. It is the primary airport that serves both domestic and international flights. Visitors can also fly to Brisbane Airport (BNE), which is approximately an hour and 30-minute drive to Gold Coast.