Family holidays on Queensland’s Gold Coast are a tradition. Not only because the Gold Coast has some of the best Theme Parks in the country, but it also has a bounty of water and nature based activities to keep the kids entertained for weeks on end.
Here’s the top 10 Gold Coast Activities with kids in tow:
1. Cuddle a Koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Explore the wonder and natural beauty of 27 hectares of Currumbin rainforest, wandering through open animal enclosures, feeding kangaroos and cuddling koalas along the way. There is plenty to see and do at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for animal lovers and adrenaline junkies alike.
Experience the wild lorikeet feeding, free flight bird shows and Aboriginal performances. Get adventurous on the TreeTops Challenge High Ropes Course and see the wonderful vets in action within the Wildlife Hospital precinct. There is also a huge outdoor themed playground, Wild Island, plenty of entertainment for kids to enjoy as they tour the sanctuary on a miniature train.
2. Ride the Waves with a Learn to Surf Lesson
Learn to surf right on Burleigh Beach with one of the top Gold Coast Surf Schools with highly experienced surf coaches. Paramount Adventures Burleigh Heads “Learn to Surf” school will have you up and catching waves in no time.
Enjoy learning how to ride waves on beautiful Burleigh Beach with a group of friends or by yourself. Paramount’s structured surf lessons have a high rate of success with the majority of surfers experiencing the thrill of standing up after just one lesson. All equipment is provided and lessons start from $55 per person.
3. Hike or Bike the Oceanway
The Gold Coast Oceanway is a 36-kilometre network of coastal pathways stretching from the Gold Coast Seaway (The Spit) to the Point Danger Lighthouse (Coolangatta). There are nine segments that make the experience easy and enjoyable with navigable timber and stainless steel distance marker posts that provide information about where you are along the Oceanway.
The stretch along Burleigh Esplanade has wide concrete footpaths, green parklands with shady trees and picnic shelters, BBQs and playgrounds along the way. The park is also equipped with outdoor fitness equipment, such as bars, step and rowing machines, at intervals beside the pathway. Stop at each one and see how many reps of each exercise you can master!
4. Walk Burleigh Headland
Head south along Burleigh Beach until you reach the entrance to Burleigh Headland. There are a few options for walks across the headland, including a flatter track tracing the shoreline around the hill or a more challenging walk up to the top of the hill which has several spots to stop and take in the magnificent views over Burleigh Beach and Tallebudgera Estuary.
Enjoy the coolness of the rainforest and the variety of native animals and birds as you meander through the centre of the headland and National Park. Once you reach the other side cool off with a swim in Tallebudgera Creek.
5. Go Beach Hopping
There are 21 stunning beaches on the Gold Coast! Starting from north to south the Gold Coast is adorned with the most stunning beaches where you can swim, surf, paddle, fish or dive into. And the good thing is that most of the beaches are patrolled by surf lifesavers and are very safe.
Burleigh Heads beach is a lovely headland protected beach that is safe for swimming, or head further north towards North Burleigh Beach where the beach is more open and generally has a bigger swell.
6. Get Some Air
Get some air at the Air Factory at Burleigh Waters. This massive factory warehouse converted into an urban adrenaline zone, is full of wall to wall trampolines and sports training zones. From the professional athletes looking to develop their aerial skills through to the little ones just having fun, there is a zone for everyone! They also have an amazing mezzanine level Cafe with great coffee and food. Watch the kids having fun from air conditioned comfort. Plus they offer free WiFi.
7. See the Sea Life
The Gold Coast’s iconic Theme Park Sea World is a full day of family fun that is not just enjoyment but also educational. There is magnificent marine life, from dolphins to seals, Polar bears, penguins and more.
Watch the amazing World of Dolphin Presentation, Seal Guardians and Jet Stunt Extreme Shows. Head to Sea World’s newest splash pad attraction, The Reef at Castaway Bay. Enjoy heaps of cool rides and make friends with the amazing sea life. Tickets start from $69 per person.
8. Get out on the Water
The Gold Coast is the perfect location to get out on the water on a boat cruise, whale watching adventure or a thrilling jet boat ride. You can either get out on the ocean, the protected waters of the Broadwater or canals and creeks of the Gold Coast, or cruise over to South Stradbroke Island on a day trip. Experience the high adrenalin rush of Jet Boating or hire a Jet Ski. There are plenty of options to get out on the water. Ask our friendly staff at the Tour Desk for some suggestions.
9. Slip & Slide at Wet ‘N’ Wild
Wet’n’Wild offers a world class line-up of pools and slides for the young and young at heart. Experience Wet’n’Wild Junior, a huge new zone just for little adventures. Designed especially for kids, Wet’n’Wild Junior features kid-friendly water slides including miniature versions of our larger thrill slides like Tornado and the Aqua Racers. Wet’n’Wild Junior also features a multi-level interactive play structure complete with a giant tipping bucket. Tickets start from $69 per person.
10. Have a Round of Mini-Golf
Putt Putt Mermaid Beach is a fabulous mini golf experience for the whole family centrally located on the Gold Coast. Discover a hole world of fun with three themed 18 Hole Courses, games arcade, 19th hole refreshments, barbecue zone and free onsite parking. Games prices start from $6.30 per course.
Book a spacious apartments centrally located on the Gold Coast at Burleigh Heads, the perfect place to stay for your next family holiday. Burleigh Esplanade offer open plan apartments with separate bedrooms for the entire family to have space to enjoy their holiday. BOOK NOW
