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  • The 26 Best Family Activities in the Gold Coast Perfect For the School Holidays

    Klook Team
    Klook Team
    Last updated 28 Jun 2021
    Image credits: @hotairgoldcoast & @kingtuttsgc on Instagram, Klook

    Image credits: @hotairgoldcoast & @kingtuttsgc on Instagram, Klook

    Planning for your next holiday with your little ones? Gold Coast is a haven blessed with stunning waters and sands, parks with relaxing greens, as well as several fun-filled city attractions that make it a favourite among tourists. You won’t run out of fun things to do with the whole family in this neck of the woods.
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    Check out these Gold Coast family activities you can do for a holiday well-spent:
    1. Visit Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World Marine Park, and Wet n’ Wild with unlimited entry
    2. Check out Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, and Skypoint Observation Deck with this 3-Day Pass
    3. Ride the Aquaduck on streets and waters of the Gold Coast
    4. Catch some crabs at Tweed River
    5. Explore Wavebreak Island and Stradbroke Island with this half-day tour
    6. Meet fluffy koalas and other wildlife at Currumbin
    7. Let the kids be the captains of your tour on the Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Ferry
    8. Ride a hot air balloon and fly across the Gold Coast
    9. Unleash your inner Tarzan with the Treetop Challenge at Tamborine Mountain
    10. Reach for the clouds and go parasailing
    11. Get the best unobstructed 360-degree view of the Gold Coast at Skypoint
    12. Experience the most thrilling climb of your life with the Skypoint Climb
    13. Ride a jet boat across Main Beach and refresh with drinks
    14. Go on the Jet Ski Island Safari
    15. Get the ultimate Gold Coast water tour on a jet boat AND a helicopter!
    16. Swim at Currumbin Rock Pools
    17. Catch superb shows and feast on fantastic food with the Australian Outback Spectacular
    18. Play mini-golf at the most creative and entertaining courses at King Tutt’s Putt-Putt
    19. Shop ‘til you drop at Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre
    20. Give the kids the Miami Marketta experience
    21. Go wakeboarding at Gold Coast Wake Park
    22. Explore the natural attractions of Tamborine Mountain
    23. Explore the beaches of Burleigh
    24. Go fishing at Tallebudgera Creek
    25. Go on a family picnic at Broadwater Parklands
    26. Get a taste of Gold Coast’s paradise

    THEME PARKS

    What’s not to love about theme parks, especially when you’re a kid? Gold Coast has a slew of themed attractions that would make for a memorable trip for the little ones. 

    1. Visit Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World Marine Park, and Wet n’ Wild with unlimited entry

    Scream at the top of your lungs on Movie World’s wild rides!. Image credits: @movieworldaus on Instagram
    Scream at the top of your lungs on Movie World’s wild rides!. Image credits: @movieworldaus on Instagram
    Ride the rollercoasters and meet your favourite heroes at Warner Brothers Movie World. Meet the marine wildlife at Sea World Marine Park, and brave the thrilling water slides at Wet n’ Wild! With these multi-day options, you can go for up to 14 days of non-stop fun!

    2. Check out Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, and Skypoint Observation Deck with this 3-Day Pass

    Have 3-days of non-stop fun with these fun attractions! Scream on top of your lungs at the Big 9 Thrill Rides in Dreamworld, go sky high at the Skypoint Observation Deck! Make a splash at the slides and attractions at WhiteWater World! Visit at your available time with these open date tickets.

    NOT YOUR ORDINARY TOURS

    If you think run-of-the-mill tours might be a bore to your kids, then these Gold Coast family activities are sure to thrill them with their unique spins on your usual tour!

    3. Ride the Aquaduck on the streets and waters of the Gold Coast

    Explore the streets and waters of Surfer’s Paradise on the Aquaduck. Image credits: @aquaduck_gold_coast on Instagram
    Explore the streets and waters of Surfer’s Paradise on the Aquaduck. Image credits: @aquaduck_gold_coast on Instagram
    This unique Gold Coast family activity takes you on a tour of the streets of Surfer’s Paradise before delving into the waters for a tour of the water surroundings and beaches. This tour will definitely make a splash—literally, so prepare to get wet!

    4. Catch some crabs at Tweed River

    Hop on a cruise on Tweed River where you and the little ones can enjoy the beautiful scenery, try live mud crab trapping, pelican feeding, and yabbie pumping. This is one of the more unconventional Gold Coast family activities that are perfect for those who want to try new things. 

    5. Explore Wavebreak Island and Stradbroke Island with this half-day tour

    Check out what treasures the golden sands of these islands have to offer
    Check out what treasures the golden sands of these islands have to offer
    If your little ones love marine life then they’ll love snorkelling at Wavebreak and meeting the swamp wallaby—a.k.a blank stinker to locals—at Stradbroke. This half-day tour will take you to all the happenings on the islands. Plus, you get to spot marine life like stingrays and turtles, and more!

    6. Meet fluffy koalas and other wildlife at Currumbin

    Get up close with the koalas as you have some tasty treats!. Image credits: @currumbinsanctuary on Instagram
    Get up close with the koalas as you have some tasty treats!. Image credits: @currumbinsanctuary on Instagram
    If the whole fam loves wildlife, then you’ll love visiting the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary! Meet the Tasmanian devil, lemurs, and even get a close encounter with the most adorable koalas! 

    7. Let the kids be the captains of your tour on the Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Ferry

    Be the captain and chart the course for your own tour with the Gold Coast Hop on and Hop Off Ferry Tour, one of the Gold Coast family activities that take you to the must-see landmarks, except this one lets you make your own itinerary. Explore at your own pace and let the little ones lead the way!

    LITTLE ONES CAN GO SKY HIGH!

    Every kid dreams of flying. Make your kids’ dreams come true with these Gold Coast family activities that take you sky high!

    8. Ride a hot air balloon and fly across the Gold Coast

    Soar among the clouds on a hot air balloon. Image credits: @hotairgoldcoast on Instagram
    Soar among the clouds on a hot air balloon. Image credits: @hotairgoldcoast on Instagram
    Fly across the stunning green landscapes of the Gold Coast on a hot air balloon and have the best view of the golden sunrise. Your kids will also love the feeling of riding a hot air balloon floating thousands of feet in the sky, rocking with the movement of the breeze.

    9. Unleash your inner Tarzan with the Treetop Challenge at Tamborine Mountain

    Zip through the trees at the courses of Treetop Challenge
    Zip through the trees at the courses of Treetop Challenge
    With its 6 courses and 100 challenging and thrilling Treetop Challenges, this attraction on Tamborine Mountain offers a slew of Gold Coast family activities that will ensure a day of pure fun in the great outdoors. Walk across hanging bridges, cross ropes from one tree to another or climb rope ladders—there something for all ages starting from 7-years-old and all skill levels!

    10. Reach for the clouds and go parasailing

    Parasailing is an exciting experience that lets you fly close enough to reach for the clouds! On the Gold Coast, you’ll even have stunning panoramic views of Surfer’s Paradise and the mountains of the hinterland. If you and your kids are in for a little thrill, then parasailing is a must-do for you!

    11. Get the best unobstructed 360-degree view of the Gold Coast at Skypoint

    Bring the whole family up to the Skypoint Observatory Deck and witness stunning views of the Gold Coast. Image credits: @skypoint_au on Instagram
    Bring the whole family up to the Skypoint Observatory Deck and witness stunning views of the Gold Coast. Image credits: @skypoint_au on Instagram
    If you wanna see almost all of Gold Coast from one viewpoint, then head on out to the Skypoint Observatory Deck, the only beachside observatory deck in Australia! In just a 42.7-second elevator ride (one of the fastest in the world!) you’ll reach the deck where you’ll be greeted by an unbridled view of the city and the ocean. 

    12. Experience the most thrilling climb of your life with the Skypoint Climb

    Conquer your fears with the whole fam and go on the highest external building climb in Australia with the Skypoint Climb, where you’ll reach the very top of the Q1 Resort Building! Feel the wind as you gaze out onto the unobstructed view of the waters and the city. As proof that you’ve managed this outstanding climb, you’ll be given a snazzy certificate. 

    MAKE A SPLASH!

    If the kids love water activities, then it’s time to make a splash with these Gold Coast family activities that take you to the seas in the most exciting ways!

    13. Ride a jet boat across Main Beach and refresh with drinks

    Ride a jet boat and zoom on the waters of Main Beach with the whole fam
    Ride a jet boat and zoom on the waters of Main Beach with the whole fam
    An exciting ride awaits you and the whole fam with this jet boat experience across Main beach. Feel the thrill of the speeding jet boat and the occasional 360-degree spins and high-speed drifting! After the ride, you can cool down and enjoy two free drinks at Fisho’s Tavern.

    14. Go on the Jet Ski Island Safari

    Go on a water safari like no other with the Jet Ski Island Safari on the Gold Coast. You can tandem up with your kids on a Yamaha jet ski and weave through waters and narrow passages as well as visit isolated pristine islands. 

    15. Get the ultimate Gold Coast water tour on a jet boat AND a helicopter!

    Tour the Gold Coast with the whole fam on a chopper
    Tour the Gold Coast with the whole fam on a chopper
    If you think you’ll enjoy the jet boat experience, why not add a helicopter ride as the cherry on top? After touring the seas on a 55-minute jet boat ride, take to the skies on a chopper and get a fresh aerial perspective of the area. 

    16. Swim at Currumbin Rock Pools

    Discover Currumbin Rock Pools, a hidden gem where you and the kids can swing off ropes and jump into the waters and make a splash! There are several pools with varying depths, so there’s something for everyone, even your tiny toddlers.

    CITY LIVIN’

    If the busy city is more your speed, fret not. These Gold Coast activities will take you to the best attractions the city has to offer!

    17. Catch superb shows and feast on fantastic food with the Australian Outback Spectacular

    A true Australian experience awaits you and the fam with the Australian Outback Spectacular! Catch the superb show that features immersive cutting-edge technology and the story of two struggling Aussie farmers, and then grab some hearty grub for a memorable family night out!

    18. Play mini-golf at the most creative and entertaining courses at King Tutt’s Putt-Putt

    Mini golf is a family affair. Image credits: @kingtuttsgc on Instagram
    Mini golf is a family affair. Image credits: @kingtuttsgc on Instagram
    Bring out your competitive spirit for a fun family night of mini golf at King Tutt's Putt Putt! With its 3 exciting themed courses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, no matter the experience or skill level. It’s all about enjoying the course and having fun while bonding with the fam. 

    19. Shop ‘til you drop at Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre

    Shop and eat with the whole fam at Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre, where you can shop for your favourite brands from their direct factory outlets. Great deals and good meals await with its slew of stalls and outlets!

    20. Give the kids the Miami Marketta experience

    Take the kids on a gastronomic food trip with cuisine from different parts of the world, all in one laneway! Miami Marketta is lined with food vendors from all over the world, ready to serve you delicious local signature dishes. There’s even live music and events for the music-loving teens!

    21. Go wakeboarding at Gold Coast Wake Park

    Take the kids wakeboarding, kneeboarding and more at Gokd Coast Wake Park. Image credits: @goldcoastwakepark on Instagram
    Take the kids wakeboarding, kneeboarding and more at Gokd Coast Wake Park. Image credits: @goldcoastwakepark on Instagram
    Take your kids to Gold Coast Wake Park and get instant cool parent points! This park offers a slew of Gold Coast family activities from wakeboarding, kneeboarding, to playing on inflatables at the aqua park! The park also offers lessons for beginners so you and your kids can sharpen your skills. 

    NATURE APPRECIATION

    If you and the fam love the great outdoors, then we’ve got the perfect places for you to visit! Become nature explorers with the little ones at these great destinations. 

    22. Explore the natural attractions of Tamborine Mountain

    Take a nature stroll with the fam at Tamborine Mountain. Image credits: @visittamborine on Instagram
    Take a nature stroll with the fam at Tamborine Mountain. Image credits: @visittamborine on Instagram
    Tamborine Mountain is not just home to the Treetop Challenge, it’s also filled with natural attractions such as national parks, waterfalls, and lush green rainforests. Explore all the attractions like a true blue nature explorer!

    23. Explore the beaches of Burleigh

    Burleigh Heads, a.k.a. Burleigh to the locals, is a suburb on the Gold Coast famous for its world-class beaches where people love to swim and surf and simply take in the gorgeous views of the coastline. You and the fam will enjoy frolicking in the sand, taking a dip in the water, or simply taking in the relaxing surroundings. 

    24. Go fishing at Tallebudgera Creek

    Tallebudgera Creek is a hotspot for a slew of Gold Coast family activities—from swimming, camping, kayaking, and fishing. It’s the perfect place to step away from city life and the gadget screens, as well as spend time in nature with the fam. 

    25. Go on a family picnic at Broadwater Parklands

    Sit back, relax, and take in the lush green sights as your kids run around and play. Image credits: @broadwatertouristpark on Instagram
    Sit back, relax, and take in the lush green sights as your kids run around and play. Image credits: @broadwatertouristpark on Instagram
    Go on a picnic or grill some barbecue with the free or for hire facilities at Broadwater Parklands, a.k.a the Parklands. Your kids will love running around in the wide-open spaces or playing on the playgrounds while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights.

    26. Get a taste of Gold Coast’s paradise

    They weren’t kidding when they called this place paradise—Surfers Paradise Beach is a haven for surfers, swimmers, and beach dwellers alike. Its wide expanse of beautiful golden sand and its blue waters are a treat for the eyes.

    TRANSFERS

    If you’re visiting the Gold Coast for the very first time and want to skip the hassle of learning how to navigate from venue to venue, fret not. These transfers will get you where you need to be in a jiffy. 

    1. Wet'n'Wild Return Shared Shuttle Transfer from Gold Coast Hotels

    After a fun day at Wet'n'Wild, have a hassle-free return trip to your Gold Coast Hotel with this transfer. Simply relax in the vehicle and let the driver take you to the destination. 

    2. Movie World Shared Shuttle Transfer from Gold Coast Hotels

    Have a hassle-free ride from Movie World to your accommodation
    Have a hassle-free ride from Movie World to your accommodation
    Get to Movie World from your hotel in a jiffy with this shuttle transfer. Just sit back and relax inside the comfy vehicle as you’re taken to your destination.