The Gold Coast has – and will always be – a source of never-ending family fun that'll leave your young'uns with memories to last a lifetime.
1.BURLEIGH HEADS NATIONAL PARK
Beautiful Burleigh Heads National Park; this lush green outcrop on the Gold Coast makes the list because of its accessibility and ease of the trails. Send the kids on a scavenger hunt and see who can spot the most critters. From water dragons and other scaly lizards to kites and eagles and other feathered friends, it's no wonder the wildlife likes to take refuge in this beachside national park.
2.NATURAL BRIDGE AT SPRINGBROOK + GLOW WORMS
Just a few hours inland from the shoreline, Springbrook National Park is home to one of the most fantastic natural wonders in Queensland. Surprise your mini waterfall-chasers when you show them a waterfall that goes underground to a glow-worm cave! Does nature get any more interesting than that?!
3.BEACH DAY
Grab your beach towels, slap on the sunscreen, throw your water bottles in a bag and head to any one of the gorgeous beaches on the Gold Coast. Just be sure to choose a guarded beach for the best beach safety with the kids. For those a little more adventurous enrol in a surf school and watch your kiddies learn to ride those waves!
4.CURRUMBIN ROCK POOLS
Keen to get away from the salty seas but still want a spot to cool off and let the kids splash around? Ditch the sand and make your way to the Currumbin Rock Pools. What used to be a secret locals' spot is now a happening hinterland waterhole, so bring a picnic, nap (yeah right!) in the shade, and let the kids wear themselves out.
5.BROADWATER PARKLANDS
If your kids need to burn off some steam, look no further than the Broadwater Parklands. This is the free Disney World of the Gold Coast, with multiple playgrounds (one being the fun-filled Rockpools, a sculptural water haven complete with fountains and vibrant marine-themed equipment), public pool, a calm-water beach, and the pièce de résistance… a jumping bouncy pillow!
6.THEME PARKS
The Gold Coast is home to not one, not two, but five large-scale theme parks and they have all the goodness you would expect: grand shows, roller coasters, fairy floss and furry friendly animals. The most complicated part is choosing which one to visit first.
7.MEET THE WILDLIFE
With a history of Australian wildlife preservation dating back over half a century, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary could be the best place to be on the Gold Coast with kids, especially for cute and cuddly encounters of the animal kind.
8.JELLURGAL ABORIGINAL CULTURE CENTRE
Take a trip to the Dreamtime, courtesy of the Gold Coast's Yugambeh people (one of the oldest living cultures in the world!) as they tell tales of Jellurgal (Burleigh Mountain) and its origin. Tours walk you through picturesque Burleigh Heads National Park, where the family can learn about the cultural history of the Gold Coast. Afterwards, enjoy some bush tucker and tea at the café, and stop by the library or the in-house art workshop.
9.AQUA SPLASH GOLD COAST
Why just go for a dip when you can splash, jump and slide on a playground of water at Aqua Splash Gold Coast. This inflatable obstacle course will definitely tire even the toughest little munchkin out.
10.LILLIPUTT MINI GOLF
Head to Robina and have a go at the newest mini putt on the Gold Coast - Ice Age Mini Golf Course. With 18 holes each themed to the era of the Ice Age, you'll learn and have fun at the same time. There's also a glow-in-the-dark hole, so be sure to bring your A-game.