Gold Coast Getaways: Relax with the kids at NRMA Treasure Island in Biggera Waters

Kids are spoiled for choice with swimming options, from a pirate-themed waterpark with a tipping bucket and splash area, to a larger pool area with water cannons

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HOLIDAYING with kids is never a thrifty exercise, they’re always hungry, bored and desperate to be busy, busy, busy.

That’s why an all-inclusive holiday resort such as NRMA Treasure Island in Biggera Waters ticks all the boxes for families of five like mine.

Best of all, it’s a short drive from anywhere on the Gold Coast making it an inexpensive staycation with zero “are we there yet” comments from impatient kids.

NRMA Treasure Island water park.

FAMILY PACKAGE DEAL

The resort offers three-nights in a family-style cabin or villa that includes daily breakfast, two coffees and two bar drinks each day as well as free pizzas. Kids get a goodie bag on arrival, unlimited daily kids club that includes free craft activities such as T-shirt painting, 18-hole mini golf and a bouncy pillow. You’ll also get 50 per cent off go kart hire, a firm favourite with everyone, including me.

RESORT-STYLE VILLAS

Our lagoon deluxe villa had all the trimmings; airconditioning, dishwasher, full cooking facilities, two bunk beds, a queen bed, one-and-a-half bathrooms and a dining table. Undercover parking means vehicles, scooters and bikes are safe, and our alfresco area offered unfettered access to the pool, lounger chairs and a barbecue. Two spa pools with waterfalls are just metres away underneath tall palm trees. Such is the comfort level, you could be in any tropical location.

The water cannon NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort.

SLIDES, POOLS, WATERPARK

Kids are spoiled for choice with swimming options, from a pirate-themed waterpark with a tipping bucket and splash area, to a larger pool area with water canons, a water slide and a shade sail to keep precious skin safe from the sun. Parents have loungers to watch kids run from pool to pool and then across the path into two more spa pools. Because of the myriad of options, there’s always room in at least one of the pools, resulting in tired kids who crash nice and early each night.

KIDS CLUB WITH A DIFFERENCE

Staff who love their job make Treasure Island’s kids club top rate and there’s a raft of activities for every kid. There’s Nerf wars, craft, scavenger hunts, handball comps, tennis and sports competitions. We chanced upon a day when hair braiding and plaits were on offer. With Harbour Town Shopping Centre around the corner, parents can shop guilt-free knowing their children are safe and entertained. Book a spot to avoid disappointment. Playgrounds are also dotted throughout the park, with a focus on smaller school-aged children.

Kids enjoying go karts at NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort.

EATING IN OR OUT

Being centrally located means restaurants, cafes, takeaway stores remove the chore of cooking, but for those who prefer it, supermarkets are nearby also. Onsite is a fully licensed bar, with nightly cocktail specials for adults, and a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu that covers the basics. You can eat in or take it away to your villa, camp site or cabin.

The NRMA Treasure Island waterpark lagoon pool.

HOT TIP

The beauty of Treasure Island is it’s spaciousness, so pack kids bikes instead scooters. Their helmets can be used in place of the communal go kart ones. Pack lots of extra pool towels because unless you want to spend a fortune using the dryer, you’ll get through them. Small pool toys and balls may keep older kids swimming for longer and keep in mind the bouncy pillow shuts when it rains but the tennis court, basketball hoops stay open.

The writer was a guest of NRMA Treasure Island

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