The Gold Coast with Kids: A handy holiday guide
Gold Coast
Explore Queensland's Gold Coast with your family
The Gold Coast’s kid cred is world-renowned! Here, theme parks seem to rise from the sand, sea and surf. Jump into cute and cuddly wildlife encounters, mind-bending attractions, outdoor adventures, bustling markets and ice-creameries serving up sugar highs from just about every corner.
And if you think you’ve ‘done’ the Gold Coast – think again. We’ve got the local scoop on family-friendly fun, whether it’s budget-friendly activities, epic parks and playgrounds, or the most kid-friendly beaches around.
What would you like to do on the Gold Coast?
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The Gold Coast after dark
When the sun dips behind the horizon, there’s a whole other side of the Gold Coast to explore — one that’s a dream come true for both kids and parents.
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Gold Coast family travel guide
Your Gold Coast family holiday guide
Surfers Paradise
Did you know kids laugh on average 400 times a day, whereas adults manage a measly 15 to 20? Perhaps it’s time to loosen up with a family trip to Surfers Paradise. Mums and dads, let your imaginations run wild and embrace your inner child as you experience all of Surfers’ top attractions.
Currumbin
As well as Currumbin Beach and the beloved wildlife park, Currumbin Creek is a great spot for families with waves for the older kids and calm pools for the little ones. There’s endless sand and some handy shade too. Nearby, you’ll find a lovely freshwater swimming hole at Currumbin Rock Pools and the scenic lookout at Elephant Rock, which has views out to Surfers Paradise.
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Gold Coast Hinterland
There is plenty to do with kids in the Gold Coast Hinterland as well. You can go walking or hiking, or if you like a little adrenalin bump, then consider some 4WDing. There are quaint little country villages to meander through, big national parks to explore and vineyards just waiting to serve you a glass of wine or two over lunch. In other words, there’s something for everyone!
Gold Coast theme parks
You’ve got the cream of the theme park holiday crop on the Gold Coast, with the choice of Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, Paradise Country and more! Dreamworld offers rides to for practically every member of the family from the joys of Kenny and Belinda’s Dreamland through to the white knuckle Steel Taipan. Even Sea World has upped the thrill level with the Atlantis precinct, which includes the Leviathan wooden coaster and Vortex, a colossal ride that twists, turns and then spirals 18 metres back to sea level.
Indigenous tours and experiences
The Gold Coast may seem like a paradise of ever-modern, ever-reaching, ever-sparkling skyscrapers all clamouring for front row seats to the beach. However, beneath this growing city, the country has always been home to eight different tribal groups connected by the one Yugembeh language.
Take a two-hour walking tour around the iconic Burleigh Headland with Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre to understand the first history and culture of the region. For a deeper dive into the Gold Coast’s Indigenous roots, Mt Barney Lodge offers a three-day Yarriba Dreaming walking tour with a Ugarapul and Bidjara guide.
Cruises and boat tours
Why wouldn’t you take a cruise on the Gold Coast? Calm waters, sunshine, the sun sparkling on the surface of the water – and if it’s the right time of year, you may see some of our favourite marine life on your travels.
A day trip down the Tweed River is an outstanding option, with your choice of lunch, afternoon tea or sunset dinner cruises. Board the mighty Aquaduck for a land and sea adventure all on the one vessel or keep your eyes on the prize with a Gold Coast whale watching cruise.
Of course, you can always hire a boat for the day and cruise the Broadwater, or pull up on your own patch of private sand for a picnic on South Stradbroke Island.
Beaches, parks and playgrounds
Balancing ‘big ticket’ attractions with laid-back, unstructured activities is essential for a well-rounded Gold Coast family holiday. The region’s are stunning beaches the obvious choice for a morning or afternoon of free play, where kids can search for shells, build sandcastles, explore tidal rockpools and splash in the waves.
The Gold Coast’s parks and adventure playgrounds are another great place for kids to burn off some energy. Broadwater Parklands, for instance, features water play zones, adventure playgrounds, barbecues and picnic areas, making it a budget-friendly option for a fun-filled day out These relaxed, unstructured outings give some much-needed balance to the high-energy pace of the theme parks.
Kid-friendly restaurants on the Gold Coast
Seaway Kiosk - Main Beach
Head to the Seaway Kiosk at the end of The Spit, Main Beach. Their freshly-made crab sandwiches are legendary! This spot is also a favourite local haunt for whale watching, so be sure to take a look.
Southport Sharks - Southport
Southport Sharks has a Wobbygongs kids’ zone including an indoor rock climbing wall, basketball hoop, movie room and art station. There’s free entertainment on Sunday nights, and kids eat free from the Frenzy’s buffet twice a week — Monday for dinner and Saturday morning at breakfast.
Charis Seafoods - Labrador
For an easy fish and chip lunch, Charis Seafoods is right beside Ian Dipple Lagoon and the kids’ playground at Harley Park, Labrador. If you’re around at 1.30 pm, you’ll see the local pelicans getting a feed of fish scraps, thanks to the restaurant’s generous staff.
Gold Coast surf clubs
The bistro restaurants BMD Northcliffe Surf Club and Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club are fantastic for hassle-free dining with kids (while still delivering enjoyable food for grown-up palates). These venues go above and beyond to accommodate families across breakfast, lunch, dinner and cafe options, providing high chairs, activity packs to keep little ones entertained, and staff who are warm and welcoming to younger guests. With children’s meals priced affordably between $9.50 and $12, dining out won’t break the bank either.
O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards - Gold Coast Hinterland
Picnic at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards on the banks of the Canungra Creek, enjoying a glass of award-winning wine. There’s plenty of room for the kids to play, and they’ll love visiting the alpaca farm on-site.
Gold Coast Fishermen's Co-operative - Main Beach
Buy fresh seafood direct from the person who caught it at the Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-op, Main Beach. If you’re staying somewhere without a kitchen, go for the great-value cooked prawns.
Getting around
The Gold Coast has a good public transport system providing convenient access to many attractions along the coastal strip. However, you’ll need your own vehicle (or to book a tour or private transfer) to explore further afield, like the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Public transport
Light rail: Running from Helensvale to Broadbeach, the Gold Coast’s light rail or tram network, G:link, is a stress-free way for families to get around. Services run every 7-15 minutes with stations positioned near major beaches, shopping centers and theme parks. Children under 5 travel free, while discounted family passes make this an economical choice for larger groups.
Bus: The Gold Coast bus network complements the light rail with integrated journey planning options, extending transportation options to areas not serviced by the G:link.
Fares: The Go Explore card offers unlimited daily travel for $15 per adult and $7.50 per child, representing significant savings for families planning multiple trips.
Planning your trip: The TransLink journey planner app allows families to map efficient routes between attractions, providing real-time updates on arrivals and service changes.
Rideshare
For families planning to visit multiple attractions spread across the region, combining public transport with occasional rideshare services is a cost-effective strategy. Popular ridesharing apps like Uber and DiDi are widely available on the Gold Coast, with family-sized vehicles often available for a small premium over standard rates.
Car hire
Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring attractions beyond the public transport network. With lots to see and do in the Gold Coast Hinterland, a rental vehicle allows families to create personalised itineraries. Rental cars can be picked up at Gold Coast Airport (or Brisbane Airport if that’s where you’re flying in).
Prices start from approximately $50 per day for economy vehicles, with family-sized SUVs available from $70-90 daily. Most major rental companies offer child seat installations for an additional fee.
Safety
The Gold Coast has an excellent safety record in tourist areas, supported by dedicated police patrols and security personnel at major attractions. Even so, you should take basic safety precautions to look after your family and belongings (just like you would at home).
Beach safety is particularly important, as surf conditions on the Gold Coast can change rapidly. Always swim between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards actively monitor the water.
If you’re heading out on a bushwalk, sharing your daily itinerary with someone who isn’t joining you provides an extra layer of safety in case something goes wrong. Save the local emergency number (000) in all family members’ phones and establish a meeting point at each attraction in case people get separated.
Sun protection is critical on the Gold Coast, as Queensland experiences some of the highest UV levels in the world. The Cancer Council of Australia advises applying sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying every two hours.
Heat-related illnesses can be a risk, particularly for young children who might not recognise the signs of dehydration. To stay safe, set regular water breaks throughout the day to keep everyone hydrated and healthy.
By following these straightforward tips, you can enjoy the Gold Coast’s stunning attractions while keeping your family safe and comfortable.
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Opening image: A family on Surfers Paradise Beach on the Gold Coast. © Tourism and Events Queensland