The Gold Coast’s kid cred is renowned – theme parks, sand, sea, cuddly encounters, worlds built entirely for those that bounce, and ice creameries on just about every corner. If its been a while since you’ve been to the Coast, or it’s your first time, follow these local tips to make your trip a guaranteed tribe pleaser.
JET BOATING
Take to the water for a high-octane adventure that will get your heart pumping and head spinning – a jet boating experience will have you slipping, sliding and spinning at incredible speeds of up to 80km per hour.
COUGAL CASCADES
Tucked away from the fast-pace of the city, Cougal Cascades in the Currumbin Valley blends crystalline rock pools with lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls (including a natural waterslide), presenting as the perfect place to just ‘get away’.
LEARN TO SURF
Surfing is part of our DNA ‘round here, so why not give it a go yourself and enrol in a learn-to-surf class? Currumbin Alley is the ideal setting for beginners, with gentle, sand-bottom waves that will have you barrelling and duck diving in no time.
CYCLE IN STYLE
Ditch the car and cruise along the picture-perfect foreshore on two wheels – hiring a bike is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to see our coastline, and better yet, you’ll even burn a few calories as you ride – meaning more room to indulge in a few extra holiday treats.
CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Get up close and personal with some of the friendly locals who also call this neck of the woods home – the furry, scaly and feathery type. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to hundreds of native animals, daily shows, segway safari tours and a treetop challenge. Visitors can also pay a visit to the Wildlife Hospital where vets care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife patients.
THEME PARKS
Theme parks rise from the sand and sea here on the Coast, so choose your own adventure – or visit all four (if you’ve got time) – from splash-tacular water slides and wave pools, to sky-high attractions built for those who want to fly, and roaring wildlife encounters, strap in for one epically awesome ride.
STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
If you’re lacking the coordination or skills to ride a surfboard (we understand), then why not hit the water on a surf craft of a different kind? SUPing is a big deal here and can be tackled by just about anyone, so hire a board from one of the many SUP hires across the Coast and enjoy our calm, clear waters for idyllic paddling conditions.
BURGERS AT BURGSTER
What do you get when you combine a burger with a hipster? Burgster of course. Feast on finger-lickingly good burgers, poutine (Google it) and fried chicken in one of the funkiest venues in town… but don’t let the name throw you – everyone is welcome at this friendly neighbourhood diner.
ZIP LINING
If you’re looking for your next hair-raising rush, take on the hinterland’s Tree Top Challenge for an exhilarating zip lining adventure. Soar above ancient rainforest and canyons reaching speeds of 70kms per hour. Be warned though, you’ll be 60m off the ground (eek!) so if you have a fear of heights you may want to sit this one out.
GELATO TO GO
This sweet-as Cooly ice creamery, Gelato Messina is a real crowd pleaser with local beachgoers, and with 40 utterly delish gelato and sorbet flavour combos to choose from (hello Apple Pie), it’s not hard to see what all the fuss is about.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.