Australia's Gold Coast is one of the most visited regions within the country, filled with thrills, spills, excitement, incredible food, pristine white beaches and a whole lotta family fun!
We at Family Days Out love the bustling and vibrant Gold Coast, which is why we're excited to share with you our Gold Coast City Guide featuring our "Top 9 Family Attractions", jam packed with just some of the amazing family attractions that you can find in this really fun city.
So make sure check out the entire Gold Coast City Guide which has been put together especially for you, so you can plan your perfect family day out in the Hollywood of Australia!
Main Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
In this Gold Coast City Guide, we are so excited to share with you our top 9 things to do with kids in the Gold Coast, plus we share some fun attractions to bring out the kids in everyone!
We know budgets are often a factor when travelling - especially with kids - so also in this Gold Coast City Guide we share some free things to enjoy that won't cost you a cent!
Getting around the Gold Coast without a car is easy, so if you need tips on public transport, you're in the right place! You'll also uncover some fun facts about the Gold Coast that might just surprise you!
There is so much to see in and around the Gold Coast area, so keep reading as in our Gold Coast City Guide we list one of our favourite day trips, and you'll discover some famous faces who were born right in the city!
So whether this is your first trip saying "Yes, take me to the Gold Coast" or perhaps you've lived here for years yet never explored and you wonder "What is there is to do near me in the Gold Coast?", keep reading because we have the top 9 things to do in the Gold Coast with kids...and so much more!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Today the Gold Coast is a thriving tourist hub, but the area certainly has a fascinatingly rich history!
Arcaheological evidence suggests that indigenous Australians lived in the area as far back as 23,000 years prior to European settlement - and continue to live in the area today!
Then, in the late 1700s, the first early European colonizers began arriving, and settlement soon followed.
It was the famous English navigator Captain James Cook who became the first European to actually visit the Gold Coast area when he sailed past on 16 May 1770.
Then, this settlement of Europeans stretched on throughout the 19th century.
During WWII, the Gold Coast was not attacked directly by a foreign power, however the war itself did make an impact on the Gold Coast just as it did most other coastal towns whe in 1942, the American soldiers began arriving. In fact, the commandeered the Coolangatta beach area to establish rest areas.
Once WWII was over, the South Coast region became a very popular holiday destination for servicemen returning from the war, then in 1959 the town of was proclaimed a city - and "the Gold Coast" was officially born.
Today, the Gold Coast is one of the country's most fastest-growing cities and we can't wait to hear all the stories from your family adventures!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
The Gold Coast has long been a popular spot for families, and that is because there is so much to do and experience! Ready to start exploring?
First, the Gold Coast is famous for those thrilling and exciting theme parks! Delve into the magic of movies at Warner Bros. Movie World, make a splash at Wet 'N' Wild, or take on the coasters at Dreamworld - you will have plenty of action packed adventures waiting for all ages!
How about some wildlife in your day? Check out places such as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and David Fleay Wildlife Park where you can meet some beautiful Aussie creatures, or take to the waters with a Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching cruise! There is nothing quite like seeing those gentle giants in their natural habitats.
Don't miss a trip to Australia's Sea World too!
To really see the Gold Coast from a whole new perspective, stop by attractions such as SkyPoint Observation Tower, where you will want to remember your camera!
With stunning beaches too, such as Miami Beach, Burleigh Beach or the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach, you won't want your Gold Coast experience to end!
With so many fun things to do in the Gold Coast, you might just find yourselves staying for longer than just one day - don't say we didn't warn you!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
If you don't have a car during your time on the Gold Coast, don't you worry because you have public transportation options that can get you around to all the best sights!
The TransLink’s bus, train and tram network connects visitors to places all over the Gold Coast. They have an integrated network that includes the G:link trams and Surfside buslines, as well as the extensive Queensland Rail.
If you plan on taking the G:link trams, the first stop is at the Gold Coast University Hospital then connects to 16 stations across 13 kilometres, through Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, with the bus network at certain interchanges.
For the trains, you can start your journey at Varsity Lakes Station and then up at Ormeau Station. The train then continues its journey up to the Brisbane CBD and terminates at Brisbane Domestic Airport.
Then, you have the Gold Coast bus system! This network will get around most Gold Coast suburbs, with the majority of routes taking you to not only to the train stations, but also major shopping centres and some attractions too.
Make sure you check out the TransLink’s integrated tickets which are a great way to get around. With this, you can travel on the buses, trains and trams with go card, or just grab a "Gold Coast go explore" for bus and tram travel which are perfect for visitors.
You can find more information at Gold Coast Australia
For something truly Aussie during your time on the Gold Coast, why not take the family to enjoy the dinner and show experience of the Australian Outback Spectacular? Saddle up as you embark on a journey to the heart of Australia through an epic show featuring true Australian characters, all within a impressive transformative arena, complete with mesmerising animals and very cool immersive technology!
The journey tells of the gripping tale of two struggling Australian farmers who have the courage, bravery and generosity of the community to help them overcome a stunning, yet unforgiving life on the land! Don't forget about that delicious three course dinner too!
Image Credit: Australian Outback Spectacular
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is 27 WILD hectares of beautiful wildlife, as well as lush eucalyptus and rainforest. Kids will love coming face to face with unique and amazing wildlife through the varous shows and encounters you can enjoy together.
Get ready to cuddle a koala (we're not kidding), or you might prefer to get up close to a crocodile. Eeek! Maybe you'd like to hang out among a mob of kangaroos, or visit the many reptiles, marsupials and birds who appear in the amazing shows! Everyday is a new animal adventure at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Get ready to make a SPLASH on the Gold Coast at the popular Wet N Wild Water World! This iconic family water park offers something for everyone, from those water babies enjoying their first time swim, right through to that family member that loves taking on a challenge and teting their bravery! (Did we mention there are experiences such as the Extreme H20 Zone or the terrifying Tornado?)
For those younger kids, Wet N Wild Junior is a really fun zone just for the smaller water adventurers, complete with a giant wave pool giving kids the feeling of being in the ocean! So much water fun, and the perfect respite from that Gold Coast sunshine!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Dreamworld Australia really is one of the country's most popular theme parks, and after you and the family visit, you will see why! At this iconic theme park you will find a host of incredible and exciting things for do for everyone. Enjoy the tallest and fastest thrill rides and really test your bravery as you experience that adrenaline rush, plus you can check ouot a number of live interactive shows and unique animal attractions too!
Are you ready for your spine to tingle!? The thrill rides are mammoth! Then, for those little ones, make sure you stop at Wiggle World - a kooky little town just for them with smaller rides and family fun!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Did you know that each year about 30,000 majestic Humpback Whales make an incredible 10,000 km return journey between Antarctic and Australia? It's on this journey that you can see them swim, breach and slap their fins thanks to the Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching! Enjoy a 2.5 hour cruise out in the waters, with 100% guarantee sightings or a free return cruise!
Seeing whales out in nature is something that really has to be experienced to be believed, and with such an incredible experience right on the Gold Coast's doorstep, it really is an unforgettable tour to enjoy with the family!
Photo by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash
Time to enjoy some amazing nature and wildlife at the David Fleay Wildlife Park, home to a host of native species in special naturalistic habitats. Many of the species at this park are threatened or endangered, with their habitats split into four zones: wetland, rainforest, mangrove and eucalypt forest.
The nocturnal house at this wildlife park offers kids a fascinating insight into the night time lives of animals, compelte with an extensive platypus display too! There are plenty of fun educational animal presentations you can enjoy throughout the day, plus kids will have the opportunity to play Keeper For A Day too!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Australia's Sea World is where the whole family can dive into meeting some of the most beautiful creatures of the ocean - and YOU don't have to even get wet! Sea World is an experience where you can meet, play and learn about these beautiful creatures and also learn about the importance of conservation at the same time.
Check out the cheeky penguins, see sharks up close, learn about intelligent dolphins and even Seabird Rehab offers the perfect place for kids and adults alike to learn all about why we should be looking after our oceans! A splash-tastic day out with Australia's Sea World!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Lights, camera and ACTION! Also referred to as "Hollywood on the Gold Coast", Warner Bros. Movie World really is the ultimate theme park for familieswho love the magic of the movies, with the thrills and spills of your favourite theme parks!
From stunt driver shows, to driving school, and thrilling rides that get you feeling over 4Gs! Don't worry if you have little ones in the family who aren't quite up for the huge coasters. Make a stop at Fun Zone, a kiddie area perfect for play with all their favourite Looney Tunes characters - from Bugs Bunny to Porky Pig!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
SkyPoint Observation Deck is where you can be on top of the world on the Gold Coast, offering outstanding panoramic views! Grab some high powered binoculars available there, take in the view and even enjoy a short documentary on the area's development too!
Over 12s can brave Australia's highest exterior building climb, taking you 90 minutes under your own power to the very top of the building! Then, on your way back down, climbing towards the massive spire you can lean along the edge to experience a real thrill!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Get ready for a wold of oddities at Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Embark on a a weird and wonderful journey of education, entertainment, and of course fun! Hear incredible stories, uncover magic and mystery, and witness amazing illusions as the whole family can explore the various exhibits and interactive displays.
Visit Mars, navigate double spinning tunnels, discover rare artefacts in the mysterious Egyptian Tomb, check out the world's smallest car and even find out all about "Ripley's Fab Four"! With so much to see and do, Ripley's Believe It Or Not might make you question reality!
Image Credit: Ripley's Believe It Or Not!
Famous Folk from the Gold Coast!
Cody Simpson
Cody Simpson is an Australian singer, actor & swimmer. He has to date released four solo albums & also appeared on Broadway.
He is also a twice national swimming champion.
Image Credit: dualdflipflop
Mick Doohan
Mick Doohan is an Australian former Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champion. He has won five consecutive 500 cc World Championships.
His career spanned 10 years, retiring in 1999.
Image Credit: Box Repsol
5 Fun Gold Coast Facts
Impress your friends with your amazing Gold Coast knowledge!
- The Gold Coast actually has more canals than Venice in Italy, with over 600km of water ways and 260km of canals that you can actually naviagate!
- Love movies? Well, the Gold Coast is actually the largest film production facility in the country! Films shot here include Elvis, Aquaman, and Thor: Ragnarok!
- The Gold Coast is the most biologically diverse city in the whole of Australia, with nearly 600 species of native animals, and just over 1700 species of native plants!
- Love sun? Great! The Gold Coast has on average a whopping 285 days of sunshine a year!
- The Gold Coast is a surfing dream, and one of the best spots to surf in the world with the waves drawings in keen surfers from all corners of the globe!
Free Things To Do on The Gold Coast!
Surfers Paradise Beach
In the heart of the Gold Coast you'll find the incredible iconic Surfers Paradise Beach, a favourite for so many families! Spend the day swimming, surfing and taking in that incredible sun along the 2km stretch of beaches. Also at Surfers Paradise Beach the waters are patrolled by lifeguard towers, so you know your family will be safe within the designated areas)
Surfing is incredibly popular at Surfers Paradise Beach and the experience really is made simple with a host of hire companies plus you can also find surf lessons available too!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Burleigh Beach
Located at Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Beach neighbours Surfers Paradise Beach and Miami Beach, and is one of the most popular in the Gold Coast area for families to visit! The stunning Burleigh Beach is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and has a really great atmosphere.
In fact, surrounding Burleigh Beach is beautiful parkland, as well as BBQs scattered about, plus really fun playgrounds and facilities for the whole family to enjoy. Don't miss a chance to visit the nearby Burleigh National Park either! Take those walking shoes to enjoy the many bush walks through lush rainforest!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Miami Beach
Miami Beach is on the Gold Coast is the perfect spot for families and kids can to get those feet playing along the pristine white sands on this golden stretch of Queensland beach. Enjoy the walking path that runs parallel to the sands and is one of the most picturesque areas you can find on the Gold Coast! Follow it all the way to the south and you can experience the iconic rainbow staircase. This staircase leads to Mick Schamberg Park complete with uninterrupted views of the coastline!
Bordering Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Heads, Miami Beach is a stunning, picturesque and popular Gold Coast beach working checking out!
Image Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Carrara Markets
Markets are always a great way to really get to know a place, the locals, and what drives the heart of the community, and Carrara Markets happens to be Australia's largest marketplace and is open every weekend! Explore over 300 stalls filled with food, variety items and a host of attractions.
With free entry and free parking, spending the day exploring is a great way to enjoy the Gold Coast without breaking the budget! Don't miss checking out the Carrara Mini Golf, also open weekends, and also claims to be the cheapest mini golf in the country!
Image Credit: Carrara Markets
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Set across 31 hectares, the beautufiul Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens are so much more than just parkland! Here the family can spend the day surrounded by lakes, butterflies, swans, marshlands, mountail trails and rose gardens too!
These year round gardens also host fun events across the year, plus you can enjoy free guided tours to really make the most of your day! There are also barbecue facilities ready for you to enjoy, as well as picnic areas. Don't miss the children's playground!
Image Credit: City of Gold Coast
The ULTIMATE Gold Coast Food Guide!
Only 92km from the Gold Coast you will find one of the coolest, most energetic and one of the most visited cities in the country - we are talking about Byron Bay!
Perfect for surfing, swimming, sandy white beaches and even some whale spotting, Byron Bay is a culture in of itself just over the border in New South Wales and definitely worth a visit!
Photo by Shubham Sharma on Unsplash
Whilst Byron Bay today draws in people from all around the world, the area on which this beachside town sits was occupied by the Minjungbal and the Widjabul people for over 20,000 years.
Then, 1770 changed that with the arrivial of Lt. James Cook, who went on to name the town after Vice Admiral John Byron (who was also the grandfather of poet Lord Byron)
During the 1830s, European settlement expanded with cedar logging fast becoming the first industry to put Byron Bay on the map. Then, did you know gold was found on the beaches in 1870?
The town became a hub for primary industries - from whaling, to diary, fishing and became an important sea port (albeit dangerous at the time, with a number of shipwrecks still scattered along the coast).
In 1901, one of the most iconic structures was built - the Byron Bay Lighthouse, marking the most Easterly point in the whole of Australia (and a key motivation for tourists today!)
Over the past century, Byron Bay has grown into one of the most upmarket residential areas in the whole country. With its stunning beaches and coastal views, amazing food and just an incredible energy, Byron Bay surely is our top day trip from the Gold Coast - but you might just find yourselves staying longer than a day!
Here’s our top 4 Byron Bay things to do:
We hope you found this content useful! Please share with your friends, and if you have any comments, or want to let us know what we can do to further help you find fun days out with the family, then just email our team at [email protected]!
Let's get the family adventure started!
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Lisa
Lisa has been a content writer for Family Days Out for nearly 10 years, and a keen travel writer for nearly 20. She loves experiencing the best of a city, discovering the many things to do and immersing herself in the culture, and sharing these experiences with others through her writing.
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