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✈️ Arriving: Gold Coast Airport (OOL) at Coolangatta, about 25–40 minutes to Surfers Paradise. Brisbane (BNE) is about 1–1.5 hours away.
Gold Coast: A-
Scored across 7 things that matter when you travel with babies and young kids. How we grade
Last reviewed November 2026
The Gold Coast is Australia’s playground: long golden beaches patrolled by lifeguards, the country’s biggest theme parks, koala cuddles at wildlife sanctuaries and rainforest a short drive inland. It’s built for family holidays.
Where to stay on the Gold Coast with kids
- Broadbeach: central, with parks, restaurants, the light rail and an easy beach.
- Surfers Paradise: high-rise apartments with pools and ocean views, but busier at night.
- Main Beach: close to Sea World and the calm Broadwater parklands.
- Burleigh Heads & Currumbin: a relaxed vibe, calm creeks and great cafés.
The best things to do on the Gold Coast with kids
- Sea World. Marine life, shows and rides, with a dedicated area for little ones.
- Dreamworld & WhiteWater World. Big rides, animals and kids’ zones in one place.
- Warner Bros. Movie World. Characters, shows and rides from favourite films.
- Wet’n’Wild. Water slides and pools for every age.
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Koalas, kangaroos and lorikeet feeding.
- Broadwater Parklands (Southport). Calm water, a huge playground and an aquatic play area. Free.
- The hinterland. Rainforest walks and waterfalls in Springbrook or Tamborine Mountain.
Getting around the Gold Coast
- G:link light rail: step-free trams along the coast between Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Southport.
- Buses: connect the theme parks and airport.
- Car hire: best for the hinterland and day trips. Australia has strict child seat laws.
- Airports: Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is closest; Brisbane (BNE) is about 1–1.5 hours away.
Where to eat with kids
- Fish and chips on the beach.
- Café brunches with babyccinos for little ones.
- Free public BBQs in parks for easy family dinners.
Parent tips for the Gold Coast
- School holidays are very busy. Book theme park tickets and accommodation early.
- Combine with Sydney for a city-and-beach trip.
See our Australia with kids guide and the official Destination Gold Coast site.
Gold Coast with kids: a 3-day family plan
One main outing a day, a nap window and a playground stop. Swap days around for weather and energy levels.
- Day 1
Beach and Broadwater
- Morning swim at Tallebudgera Creek or Currumbin Alley (calm water)
- Café brunch in Burleigh
- Nap
- Broadwater Parklands aquatic playground in Southport
💡 Parent hint: Creek mouths are calm but tides change fast. Check tide times and stay close.
- Day 2
Theme park day
- Sea World, Dreamworld or Movie World at opening
- Kids zones and shows
- Afternoon break at the hotel pool
Book ahead:🎟️ Theme park multi-pass
💡 Parent hint: One park per day is plenty with small kids. Multi-day passes let you go back.
- Day 3
Wildlife and Burleigh Heads
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for koalas and lorikeet feeding
- Lunch at the beach
- Sunset at Burleigh Heads headland park
Book ahead:🎟️ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary🎟️ Whale watching
💡 Parent hint: Lorikeet feeding is a kid favourite. Check the daily times when you arrive.
Tours worth booking in Gold Coast
Hand-picked experiences that work with kids. Free cancellation is usually available, which matters when naps and moods change.
Theme park multi-pass
Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild bundles save money.
See tour optionsCurrumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Koalas, kangaroos and a mini train around the park.
See tour optionsWhale watching
Humpback season is roughly June to November.
See tour optionsHinterland rainforest tour
Waterfalls, rainforest walks and glow worms on some evening tours.
See tour optionsKid-friendly restaurants in Gold Coast
Places that are relaxed with children, quick to serve and have something for picky eaters.
- 📍 Google Maps⭐ Tripadvisor
- 📍 Google Maps⭐ Tripadvisor
- 📍 Google Maps⭐ Tripadvisor
- 📍 Google Maps⭐ Tripadvisor
Showing: Rick Shores. Tap a place to move the pin.
Opening hours and menus change. Check Google Maps or Tripadvisor before you go, and book ahead for popular spots.
More of Australia with kids
Frequently asked questions
Which Gold Coast beaches are best for toddlers?
Calm-water spots like Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Alley and the Broadwater at Southport are great for little ones. On surf beaches, always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Which Gold Coast theme park is best for young kids?
Sea World and Dreamworld both have dedicated zones for little ones, and Warner Bros. Movie World has a kids area too. Wet'n'Wild is great for older kids who love water slides.