11. Stay at an adventure lodge
Alongside a variety of camping, glamping and self-contained accommodation, Mt Barney Lodge in the Scenic Rim offers abseiling, rock climbing and trekking activities. Binna Burra Lodge in Beechmont has plenty of bushwalks, birdwatching trails and a Happitat eco-adventure park set to open in 2024.
12. See the Gold Coast from a hot air balloon
The views are simply spectacular in this part of the world – so why not take them in from a hot air balloon? On one side, you can see the ocean and all the region’s waterways converging, and on the other, the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland. Balloons Aloft can take you up on your choice of tour.
13. Book a fishing charter
There is some quality fishing off Queensland’s South-East Coast, so if you’re keen to reel in a catch, you’re in luck! The Gold Coast has an abundance of fishing charter options, many of which are kid-friendly and even have flushing toilets on board. Gold Coast Fishing Charters offers half-day group charters and private charters for deep sea fishing. Join a ladies-only expedition withBK’s Fishing for a unique girls’ trip, or take the whole family out on the calm Broadwater (ages six and up).
17. Take a tour to Stradbroke Island
Yes, Queensland has some beautiful islands this far south too! South Stradbroke Island is the most well known and commonly visited. The waters here are full of marine life such as dolphins, turtles and stingrays. A lot of tours from the Gold Coast will stop at other islands on the way where you can do some great snorkelling. If you are feeling adventurous, sign up for a Stradbroke Island kayak tour.You can also take the SeaLink ferry out to North Straddie for a day of snorkelling or scuba diving.
18. David Fleay Wildlife Park
Visit the volunteer-run research program at David Fleay Wildlife Park, Burleigh Heads, to see a huge variety of native animals.
19. Glow worm caves at Cedar Creek
Explore the magical Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves at Cedar Creek Estate, a real spectacle of thousands of unearthly creatures glowing together. Entry to the guided cave tour also includes the Frog Hollow exhibit where kids can spot their favourite insects and amphibians.
20. Ecopark Fishing World
You’re guaranteed to catch a fish atEcopark Fishing Worldin Luscombe, though don’t forget to throw it back! As well as their kid-friendly catch-and-release fishing experience, the attraction is a fully fledged farm stay with animals, buggy rides, paddle boats, mini golf and a jumping castle. Choose between camping and lodge accommodation for your ideal Gold Coast hinterland getaway.
21. Racing experiences on the Gold Coast
Go go-karting atKingston Park Racewaywith its own dedicated kids section. If that’s not enough, over-12s can test themselves atOff Road Rush, Alberton, the most extreme V8 race cars around. Their Family Drive Package lets two adults and up to three kids experience the power of a V8 Race Buggy or WRX Subaru.
22. Scenic flight over the Gold Coast
Fly over the Gold Coast’s famous beaches on a scenic helicopter flight with Sea World Helicopters. There are several packages to choose from, ranging from a 10-minute coastal city experience to the 20-minute Family Package – Southern Gold Coast to Stradbroke Island.
The latter begins by climbing over the Broadwater before crossing over the golden sands of Main Beach. Once the helicopter reaches the coastline, you will begin your journey south, flying over towering high-rises. You will then fly inland and see Mt Tamborine, Springbrook National Park and the rest of the Gold Coast hinterland in the distance. Then head further south before turning around over Gold Coast Airport, taking in views of Point Danger and Coolangatta. The journey back will showcase Currumbin Creek, Elephant Rocks, Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads National Park, the Q1 and Porpoise Point. For the final leg, you will fly over South Stradbroke Island and descend over the Broadwater.
23. Skypoint Tower
Ride one of the world’s fastest elevators 230m up to Skypoint Towerfor spectacular 360 degree views from Brisbane to Byron Bay. For the ultimate experience, go for the breakfast buffet.
24. Strike Bowling Cavill
Hit the alleys at Strike Bowling in Surfers Paradise. The ever-expanding entertainment precinct now offers escape rooms, pool tables, Holey Moley mini golf and interactive darts.
25. Iconic Surfers Paradise attractions
Meet movie stars, scientists, explorers, villains and world leaders at theSurfers Paradise Wax Museum, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Learn a thing or two at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and trip out at Infinity, a futuristic maze of about 20 multi-sensory environments, which use sound and light to create surreal optical illusions.
26. Yatala Drive-in movie theatre
Step back in time and take the kids to a movie atYatala Drive-in Theatre, just off the Pacific Motorway.
27. Queensland Theatre of Puppetry
Check out a show by theQueensland Theatre of PuppetryinMacintosh Island Park.
28. Zero Latency VR Experiences
With a whole host of worlds to enter, each game lasting different lengths, Zero Latency VR is an awesome way for anyone over 13 to experience free-roam VR technology. In Engineerium, the first ever physics-based VR puzzle, you’ll test your coordination as you overcome obstacles in a marine alien world. Experience a world without gravity in Singularity, set on a space station invaded by drones and robots. Older groups of up to 8 people can stave off zombies using team work to rebuild a fort and keep the undead at bay in Outbreak, which is not for the faint-hearted and best suited to teens!
Where to stay on the Gold Coast with kids
Paradise Resort Gold Coast – Surfers Paradise
Paradise Resort Gold Coast has it all for the ultimate in Gold Coast family fun. There is a giant Kids’ Water Park right in the centre of the resort, an indoor and outdoor playground, a permanent ice-skating rink, plus a whole range of free daily activities and entertainment.Read our first-hand review here.
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
Without doubt, the biggest drawcard of this holiday park is its waterpark. At ten metres high, it’s the tallest waterpark at any holiday park in Australia, with a huge tipping bucket and several slides catering to kids of different ages. And it’s heated! But if that’s not enough,here are 12 more reasons families love it.
