The great outdoors
In the Gold Coast’s central sprawling streets, surrounded by towering high-rises and buzzing shops, it's easy to forget that the city is close to deep tropical jungles full of waterfalls and wildlife - so don’t forget to explore the great outdoors with your kids.
South of the city centre, in the Carrumbin neighborhood, you’ll find this vast wildlife sanctuary. Your kids are bound to go wild for the cool kangaroos, bright rainbow lorikeets, and bouncing dingos - you can even see saltwater crocodiles. You can even tour the sanctuary by Segway, and show off your Tarzan moves on the rope swings and zip-wires of the adventure park.
28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, QLD 4223.
Theme parks
Spread throughout the Gold Coast and its surrounding areas you’ll find several theme parks ideal for a quick visit or full day out, whether your kids feel like slippery water slides or speedy roller coasters.
Warner Bros. Movie World
This huge theme-park is worth the short drive from the central Gold Coast to nearby Oxenford. Kids and parents can enjoy movie-themed roller coasters, including spooky scare-rides, Wild West log slides, and head-spinning space shots. Meanwhile, younger kids can earn their souvenir junior driving licences at the educational driving course, or meet their favourite cartoon characters at the carnival-like fun zone.
Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, QLD 4210.
The Rockpools
If you’re travelling with tiny tots, the Rockpools is the perfect park to take them to. Water jets and waterfalls flow throughout these man-made rock pools, and magical animal statues speckle the beachside park. The shallow water is the perfect depth for toddlers to splash around in complete safety, and there tree-shaded play parks to frolic in as well.
Marine Parade, Southport, QLD 4217.
Museums
While avant-garde art and history exhibits may not be most kids' bag, there are certainly enough wild and wacky attractions o get younger minds whirring. Here's one that'll have jaws dropping.
This quirky kid-themed museum is full of weird, wonderful showpieces that'll amaze and disturb in equal measure. The remarkable jewel-studded skulls, shrunken heads, and exotic treasures of the "Odditorium" tell of mystery and adventure, and kids can even try their luck at making it through the laser maze - just like in the movies.
Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217.
Family dining
Australians like their food big on flavour and big in size, so there's no risk of the family being let down by overly fussy or pretentious eateries in the Gold Coast. Here's a couple of places that will get mouths watering.
Italian is one of the city’s most loved cuisines, and Mario’s Restaurant is the place to sample some fresh authentic Italian cooking. This relaxed and spacious restaurant - with old-world frescos painted on the walls - is great for the whole family, providing a children’s menu of mini pizzas and pastas, and full baby facilities.
Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach QLD 4218.
Cav’s Steakhouse
Established in 1984, this local gem is a popular family restaurant thanks to the warm and welcoming owners, community vibe, and impressive menu of signature steaks, seafood, and kid's dishes which are great value for money. There’s also a play area on-site for tiny toddlers, making this hacienda-style restaurant an all-round favourite.
30 Frank Street, Labrador QLD 4215.
