Long beach days, fantastic playgrounds, world-class theme parks and balmy summer evenings. There's nowhere quite like the Gold Coast for a family holiday.

Creating wonderful childhood memories doesn't require an expensive, jam-packed itinerary. Whether it's catching the G-Link to Burleigh Heads, sharing fish and chips by Tallebudgera Creek or spending an afternoon around a hotel pool, this guide will help you choose where to stay and discover free and paid activities suited to your children's ages.

Because parents deserve a holiday too!

My Childhood Gold Coast Holidays

Some of my fondest childhood memories are of family holidays on the Gold Coast in the 1970s. Long days getting terribly sunburnt, playing beach cricket with the family and my brothers thinking it was hilarious to bury me in the sand right up to my neck!

I remember the delicious gelato at Zanette's Gelati, where different flavours were generously paddled into cones. We'd sit at picnic benches near the beach, eating hot chips and fresh buttered bread wrapped in butcher's paper, washed down with cups of Fanta.

Our hotel rooms were hot and stuffy, and I remember wishing that one day we'd stay at the glamorous Pink Poodle Motel with its famous pink poodle sign. To me, it seemed like the height of luxury!

I also remember camping at Tallebudgera with my cousins and sharing the showers with the frogs in the amenities block!

Christmas meant new pyjamas, togs, a boogie board and a brightly coloured beach towel. Evenings were spent playing cards and board games while the adults laughed over a cold beer or a glass of Mosel. There was plenty of sibling rivalry and the inevitable arguments about who was cheating!

Looking back, our holidays were probably more like camping with a roof over our heads than staying in a fancy hotel. It was what my parents could afford, and as children, we didn't know any different. We were simply having the time of our lives.

Choosing the Right Gold Coast Holiday Base

Whether you're staying for a week, ten days or several weeks, choosing the right accommodation can make a considerable difference to comfort and costs.

Self-contained apartments with a kitchen, laundry, air conditioning and swimming pool are particularly convenient for families. Check bedroom configurations, lift access and parking arrangements before booking.

Your children's ages and interests will help determine the best location.

Ages 1–5: Palm Beach, Currumbin and Tallebudgera

For toddlers and preschoolers, sheltered waterways and playgrounds are often more enjoyable than exposed surf beaches.

Free activities: Tallebudgera Creek offers sandy shores and nearby Tallebudgera Creek Park. Currumbin Creek is close to Palm Beach Parklands and its pirate-ship playground, while Laguna Park at Palm Beach is another favourite with young children.

Buckets, spades, sand moulds and watering cans can provide hours of entertainment.

Where to stay: Currumbin Sands at Palm Beach offers self-contained accommodation and swimming pools near Currumbin Creek. Check apartment configurations and stair access before booking.

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Paid experiences: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary introduces children to Australian wildlife, while Aquaduck in Surfers Paradise combines sightseeing with a cruise on the water.

Don't miss: The wild lorikeet feeding at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary takes place daily at 8 am and 4 pm. You don't need a sanctuary admission ticket to watch, and a gold coin donation is requested to participate in feeding the birds.

Ages 6–12: Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads

Primary-school children often enjoy a combination of swimming, beach games, playgrounds and occasional paid attractions.

Free activities: Broadbeach has patrolled swimming areas near Kurrawa Park and Pratten Park, with playgrounds and open lawns. Burleigh Heads offers beachfront parklands, including John Laws Park, with shady trees and coastal views.

Pack a beach cricket set, frisbee or tennis bats for family games.

Where to stay: Victoria Square Apartments in Broadbeach offers self-contained accommodation, a swimming pool and convenient access to the beach and G-Link. Aria Apartments is another option for families seeking a more luxurious stay.

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Paid experiences: Putt Putt Mermaid Beach is ideal for some friendly competition. Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Surfers Paradise offers unusual exhibits and curiosities, while beginner surfing lessons are available for children who meet the operator's age and swimming requirements.

Ages 13–17: Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay

For teenagers who enjoy the outdoors, the southern Gold Coast offers surfing, coastal walks and a relaxed beach atmosphere.

Free activities: Rainbow Bay is close to Pat Fagan Park, with ocean views and walking paths. Coolangatta Beach has Queen Elizabeth Park and its beachfront lawns.

Beach volleyball, bodyboarding and coastal walks are enjoyable ways to spend time together.

Where to stay: Columbia Beachfront Apartments at Rainbow Bay offers self-contained accommodation close to the beach and coastal walking paths.

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Paid experiences: Surfing lessons at Currumbin Alley, indoor skydiving at iFLY Gold Coast and guided Broadwater kayaking offer active teenagers something different.

🍦 Affordable Takeaway Treats on the Gold Coast

Ice cream, gelato, doughnuts and hot chips are essential ingredients for a family beach holiday. Skip the expense of dining in and pick up these local favourites to enjoy at a beachfront park, by the creek or back at your apartment.

The Gelato Shop – Broadbeach

Located at 97 Surf Parade, The Gelato Shop is a family-owned favourite for freshly made gelato and sorbets. Grab a cone or cup before wandering over to Kurrawa Park.

Paddock Bakery – Burleigh Heads

Located at 20 Hibiscus Haven, Paddock Bakery is a popular morning stop, famous for its indulgent pastries and signature crème brûlée doughnuts.

Scoop Gelati – Burleigh Heads

Located at 23 James Street, Scoop Gelati offers a rotating selection of classic and creative flavours, plus convenient takeaway tubs to keep in your apartment freezer.

Burleigh Gelato Co. – Burleigh Heads

Located at 9 Connor Street, Burleigh Gelato Co. is a family-owned gelateria serving artisan Italian gelato in traditional and creative flavours.

Ottimo Gelato – Coolangatta

Located at Shop 18, 52 Marine Parade, Ottimo Gelato is a lovely stop for Italian-style gelato or sorbet after a morning at the beach.

💡 PT Tip: For an easy, affordable family dinner, find a local fish and chip shop, pick up a takeaway parcel and claim a shady picnic table overlooking the water. Bring your own drinks and enjoy dinner with a view, without restaurant prices.

Sometimes it's these simple holiday pleasures that children remember most.

Gold Coast Theme Parks and Family Experiences

Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld, Sea World and the Gold Coast's water parks are popular full-day outings.

Admission tickets can be expensive, particularly for larger families, so consider which attractions best suit your children's ages and interests. Booking ahead may help with availability during school holidays.

For a more relaxed experience, a sunset sightseeing cruise offers views of waterfront homes, luxury yachts and Gold Coast architecture.

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For more attractions and sightseeing ideas, see our [Gold Coast Travel Guide – insert internal link].

Making the Most of a Gold Coast Summer Holiday

Summer days are often hot and humid, with occasional afternoon storms.

Enjoy beaches and playgrounds in the morning, return to your accommodation during the hottest part of the day, and head outdoors again in the late afternoon.

Always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches. Sheltered creeks and waterways also require close adult supervision.

For rainy days, HOTA Children's Gallery offers changing exhibitions and creative activities.

Leave room for unplanned days. A picnic, a family barbecue or an afternoon around the pool can be just as enjoyable as an expensive attraction.

What to Pack for a Gold Coast Family Holiday

Packing a few essentials from home can save families money, particularly when visiting theme parks or spending long days at the beach.

For beach and creek outings, bring SPF50+ sunscreen, rash shirts, broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses, beach towels and a mesh bag for buckets, spades and sand toys. A lightweight pop-up shade tent is particularly useful for families with babies and toddlers, providing a shaded spot for supervised play and rest. Don't forget wet bags for damp swimmers and towels.

For theme parks and day trips, pack comfortable walking shoes, refillable water bottles, snacks, a waterproof phone pouch and lightweight rain ponchos for unexpected summer showers. A few cards or travel games are also handy for quieter afternoons.

💡 PT Tip: Keep a beach bag packed with sunscreen, hats, towels and water bottles so you're ready for a spontaneous outing without buying essentials you've left behind.

Getting Around the Gold Coast: The 50-Cent G-Link

The G-Link is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to explore the Gold Coast.

G-Link services operate between Helensvale and Burleigh Heads, connecting Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, Nobby Beach and Miami along the way.

Fares are just 50 cents per journey. Children aged four and under travel free, while children aged 5–14 travel free on weekends with an orange child go card.

Staying near a G-Link station makes it easy to visit different beaches, restaurants and attractions without worrying about parking.

For routes and timetables, visit G-Link. For fares and children's travel conditions, see Translink.

Hiring a Car on the Gold Coast

Families staying in Palm Beach, Currumbin or Coolangatta may find a hire car more convenient, particularly when travelling with young children or carrying beach equipment.

Book ahead during school holidays if you need a larger vehicle or child restraints.

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Australian School Holiday Dates

School holiday dates vary across Australian states and territories, so it's worth checking before booking your Gold Coast getaway.

You can find the latest published dates using the Australian School Holiday Calendar.

Australian School Holiday Dates

School holiday dates vary across Australian states and territories, so it's worth checking before booking your Gold Coast getaway.

You can find the latest published dates using the Australian School Holiday Calendar.