Gold Coast: Why city ticks all boxes for family holidays

WHERE in Australia can parents and kids really disconnect to reconnect? In the holiday destination you least expect.

picnic in gold coast

AS PARENTS we all want to create those cherished family holiday memories that last a lifetime: running free, spending time outdoors, and enjoying the warmth of each other’s company. But in the era of ‘always on’ digitally savvy kids, achieving this can be a challenge, and making your kids shut down Fortnite level tricky.

In generations past, holidaying was as simple as pointing the car toward the nearest holiday park. No matter how it panned out, memories were made, both good and bad. Good: playing until dark, reading stories by torchlight. Bad: leaky tent, nonstop rain, over-friendly mosquitos, and eating only Spam and Cornflakes because mum was sure the remote campground would have a store (Cue therapy whenever the word ‘Spam’ triggers sensory recall). Given the same situation, today’s Generation Z (or ‘iGen’) would likely order Uber Eats, upgrade the tent site to a leak-free cabin on their iPhones, then promptly get bored and disengage before you’ve even hashtagged your first holiday snap on Instagram. #Blessed

So how do you create a family holiday that keeps the whole tribe entertained, yet retains the traditional elements that make going away so special? It’s all about choosing a destination that has family-friendliness imprinted on its DNA, and the Gold Coast’s genealogy passes with flying colours. It’s modern yet naturally stunning, overflowing with activities to suit all age groups, and able to deliver holidays that are equal parts — thrill and chilled. Here are five ways to create Gold Coast holiday experiences that bring the whole family together, no Spam-triggered therapy required.

1. STOKE THEIR IMAGINATIONS

Expanding little brain cells makes for vivid memories, and the Gold Coast has no shortage of imagination-popping options. Simulated freefalling from 14,000 feet? That’s sure to make an impression. Indoor skydiving centre iFly sends you sky-bound in a safe air tunnel and is accessible for children from three years upwards. Or for extra thrillseeking points, try park-hopping the coast’s infamous theme parks. Get greeted by superheroes, defy gravity on rides like the Green Lantern Coaster or Batwing Spaceshot, and get immersed in the 3D and 4D experiences at Movie World. Meet tiger cubs, get lost in the flagship Lego store, and let little imaginations run wild in the DreamWorks Experience at Dreamworld. Then swim with dolphins, rays and reef sharks or make friends with polar bears through an animal adventure (subject to entry upgrade) at Sea World.

2. CONNECT WITH NATURE

If you’ve got outdoor lovers in tow, nothing ignites wonder like big bucket list natural encounters. From May to November, the coast is the prime position for whale watching with multiple cruise options to transport you breathtakingly close to these giant, awe-inspiring creatures.

TreeTop Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary will have the whole family swinging through forest canopies and gliding by flying fox over crocodile-filled lagoons, while the sanctuary’s newest attraction, Lost Valley, gets you up close to the wonders of ancient rainforest flora and fauna.

The Gold Coast’s National Parks are also tantalisingly handy for a quick nature fix; energetic families looking for big scenic views of the coast should hike Burleigh’s lush green headland — it’s also within easy striking distance of Burleigh’s great swimming and dining options for post-hike rewards.

3. CHALLENGE THEIR SPORTY SIDE

Learning a new sport together (or skilling up on an existing fave) is often a standout holiday moment for adventure-loving families.  

Brand new attraction Topgolf brings gaming technology to the world’s most technical sport, allowing for teams to track shots and game their skills in a multi-level shootout.

One of the country’s most accessible Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) locations, you’ll find stand up paddle lessons or hire available at most scenic, calm stretches of Gold Coast’s extensive waterways. Popular picks include Currumbin or Tallebudgera Creek, Budds Beach or the Broadwater.  Also home to more surfing world champions than any other city, the Gold Coast’s shores are unmatchable for learning to surf. For credentials plus, try former four times runner-up world champ Cheyne Horan’s surf schools in Surfers Paradise or Burleigh, five times Australian champion Mark Richardson’s Surfing Services at Currumbin Alley, or former Aussie team coach Dave Davidson’s surf school at Rainbow Bay.

4. GET PLAYFUL

Nothing is more intrinsic to childhood than play, and the Gold Coast is ripe with gorgeous backdrops for big outdoor family rumpuses. Home to over 2300 parks and 700 playgrounds, the city’s star play spaces look like they’ve been kitted out for the express purpose of making kids bounce with sheer glee. Overlooking Gold Coast’s watersport capital, Broadwater Parklands has play equipment, water play areas, jumping pillows and a world-class swimming complex only minutes from Southport CBD for snacks or dining options. Palm Beach has two big kids outdoor play areas; riverside Palm Beach Parklands (Pirate Park) has a climbable pirate ship, slides and BBQ areas next to a lagoon popular for swimming and SUP, while Laguna Park has fenced, giant climbing infrastructure and pedal-powered trains. Broadbeach’s Kurrawa Pratten Park has an expansive multi-age playground with inbuilt slides, flying foxes, and swings. And for airy-fairy little dreamers? Main Beach’s MacIntosh Island Park has a tiny theatre that hosts community-run puppet shows each school holidays, a cave and waterfall worthy of Bigfoot, roaming peacocks and ducks, and a footbridge to the beach, while Benowa’s Gold Coast Botanical Gardens is fit for a fairytale with its fragrant sensory gardens, play areas and butterfly garden.

5. ROOM TO MOVE & RECHARGE

Having a great base with the right amenities to suit your family can make or break a holiday. Luckily when it comes to marks for child-friendly accommodation, the Gold Coast is top of the class.

Self-contained options with multiple bedrooms, kitchens and lounging space come in extra handy when travelling with ever hungry, ever active kids. For options that don’t compromise on style, try Hilton Surfers Paradise Residences, Peppers Broadbeach, or get in first to sample The Ruby Collection (opening Nov 2018, bookable now). On the southern end, Kirra’s Nirvana by the Sea has ocean-view luxury apartments with heated pool, a gold class cinema, and tempt-worthy ground floor shops.

Then there are resorts with recreational areas worthy of an admission ticket. Boasting a golf course and extensive sporting facilities, RACV Royal Pines Resort also has a giant pool and water play area. Paradise Resort is uber kid-centric, incorporating an ice skating rink and themed kids bunk bed rooms. Sea World Resort has a giant tipping bucket, pools and water play, close proximity to the Broadwater and beach, and packages including theme park entry. Glamping at Paradise Country Farmstay offers a country style alternative to thrill any little animal lovers. Or for the best of both worlds, the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa combines luxury and play. Exuding class in its grand foyer and array of eateries (including some of the Coast’s best teppanyaki and seafood buffet), while outside is a tropical atoll; swim and snorkel in the resort’s saltwater lagoon filled with tropical fish, complete with sandy beaches and a waterfall.

Originally published as Gold Coast: Why city ticks all boxes for family holidays