HOW TO HOLIDAY ON THE GOLD COAST ACCORDING TO KIDS

There’s only weeks left until the Easter school holidays (yikes, how is it almost here, you gasp?…), but relax, we’ve done the hard yards for you, asking some of Australia’s most well travelled kids what they would love to do here on the Gold Coast these coming school holidays.

It is our youngest panel so far, but don’t let the tender age of these tiny travel experts fool you, this posse has a combined Instagram audience of over 150K and regularly share their adventures alongside their travel writing mums in magazines, blogs and on Instagram.

First up – Rafferty Laight (aged 11)

Holidays with Kids “kid editor” and foodie from @boyeatsworld

An adrenaline seeking 11 year old, Raff loves heading out at high speed on the Broadwater with the crew of Jet Ski Safaris. Currently he sits as a pillion passenger for his rides, but is counting the days until he turns 12 so he can take the controls himself… and treat mum or dad to a wild, wild ride.

More action with Jetpack Adventures for Raff where kids can literally launch themselves into the atmosphere connected by a pulsing throttle of water that forms rocket streams. The only restriction is that you need to be 30kg or more to fly, which may rule out some of the little guys, but for those that are brave enough to give it a try, Raff says this is as close as you can come to being a real life superhero and it is heaps of fun.

Top Raff tip – don’t forget to pack your Go Pro.

Emily Farrell (aged 9)

@mumpacktravel 105K

With almost 105K followers on Instagram alone, and having wandered the world with her travel-hooked mum Evie, Em is a tiny traveller with a big heart. She lists animal conservation as her priority focus and a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary as one of her favourite things to do while holidaying on the Gold Coast.

Em is a huge fan of the Currumbin Wildlife hospital and loves seeing first hand the work vets, handlers and carers are doing to help the native animals that are brought in from the wild, often injured, distressed and in need of expert care and attention.

A wander around to see what is new is also on Em’s itinerary next visit, as she has heard that Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has recently welcomed an adorable echidna puggle to the family.  Em is very keen to check out the new little arrival, affectionately called Pooh Bear, plus the new WildSkies Free Flight Bird Show starring some of Australia’s most beautiful bird species.

Top Em Tip – don’t forget to leave a donation for the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital (please).

Pepper Smith (aged 11)

@smithsholidayroad 14.2K

Pepper is one of the three children from popular family travel blog Smiths Holiday Road, focused on accessible travel and run by mum Bron. Peps is most looking forward to catching some waves these holidays.

Having surfed for the first time on the Gold Coast at Currumbin with Currumbin Alley Surf School, and standing up on her first lesson, Pepper was hooked and is ready to roll again. With some of the best learner waves on offer and a loyal local following of other groms who love to froth, Currumbin Surf School presents a fun, safe and active learning environment for kids of all ages and abilities.

For mum Bron, there is also the option to join the surfing squad with mum lessons being one of the most popular classes, or just relax and take some time out on the sand, catch some sun and bask at the popular Currumbin Alley with the other wannabe surf star mums.

Top Tip – wear a wet suit, not because the water is cold (it is not), to protect you from the sun and sand.

Tiah Bouveng (aged 7)

@alittleatlarge 20.2K

The littlest of our Australian tiny travellers, Gold Coast beach-loving local Tiah spends most of her spare time hitting the sand and has picked out her favourite beaches that are perfect for little beach bums.

With warm crystalline waters and shallow places to play along the shore, Tallebudgera Creek is Tiah’s all time favourite. There are lots of shady spots under a canopy of pandanus trees on either side of the creek, (also pretty fun to climb, according to Tiah) and Neptune Cafe is a great spot for mum to grab a coffee and Tiah a babycino.

For the best kiddie sized waves, Tiah recommends Rainbow Beach at Coolangatta, which is adjacent to Snapper Rocks so kids can watch pro’s catch the best waves out the back while they surf the little left overs closer to shore. Waves here are little but long, so perfect for jumping over, diving under and giving the boogie board a spin too.

For the beach with the best treasure, Burleigh Heads is where Tiah suggest you should beach comb for shells, stones and driftwood. Local kids love to build stacks of driftwood into sea-inspired beach cubby houses, which Tiah says look beautiful decorated with shells. With a playground close by and a huge grassy headland to roam, Burleigh really does have it all when it comes to pleasing the family.