4 days on the Gold Coast

Your Gold Coast adventure starts in the waves. Have some family fun as you learn to paddle, stand and glide on a surfboard at Currumbin Alley Surf School. Or, sign the little ones up for the ‘Frothing Grommet’ Surfing Program.

There are so many ways for visitors of all ages to enjoy the sand and sea. Splash around in rock pools, build sandcastles and rent stand-up paddle boards to explore the creek that flows into the ocean.

A morning of beach fun calls for a lunch overlooking the ocean. Take a seat at the family-friendly Vikings Surf Life Saving Club, which offers casual pub fare with views out to the Gold Coast skyline.

If you have wildlife enthusiasts in tow, don’t miss Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you can meet your favourite Aussie animals like kangaroos and koalas, walk through the ancient Gondwana rainforest and zipline over crocodiles!

Fancy a swim but not a fan of the waves? Tallebudgera Creek is one of Australia’s best family-friendly beaches. Enjoy its calm, sparkling blue waters, perfect for swimming, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

Take a journey back in time on a kid-friendly Indigenous adventure. Listen to fascinating Creation stories, get crafty during an art workshop and discover the Aboriginal people’s connection to their traditional land.

Enjoy the turquoise ocean and golden sands of Burleigh Beach, known for its famous surf break and laid-back vibes. Join a surf lesson, swim in the sheltered waters and enjoy the sunshine.

Burleigh Heads boasts an impressive collection of eateries, but you’ll find the best views in the house at Burleigh Pavilion. Order plates of pizzas, burgers and seafood and enjoy the stellar view.

Ignite your family’s imagination at HOTA (Home of the Arts). HOTA is the Gold Coast’s precinct to play, eat and explore. You can expect live performances, stargazing, sculpture walks, art exhibitions and more.

The Gold Coast’s awe-inspiring beaches are fringed by a 22km (13.7mi) network of coastal paths. Rent bikes for the whole family and hit the trails to ride past beautiful coastal scenery; it’s the perfect relaxed adventure.

Finish your day on a high note at the iconic Q1 – Australia’s tallest building. Take the SkyPoint Climb to scale the outside of the tower, or if you’ve got little ones in tow, check out the Observation Deck for epic views.

A surprise of a fluffy kind awaits in Lamington National Park. Mountview Alpaca Farm is a must-visit for animal-loving families. You’re sure to hear plenty of giggles as you feed, picnic and take a selfie with these adorable alpacas.

Release your inner Tarzan at Tamborine Mountain’s Treetop Challenge – Australia’s largest zip wire attraction. With courses for both juniors and adults, there are plenty of thrills for the whole family.

Follow a guide into the rainforest to discover an enchanting glow worm cave. Venturing inside, you’ll see thousands of glow worms creating a brilliant display of lights. Your little ones are sure to be in awe.

Wander through the rainforest canopy on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. This combination of trails and steel bridges soars 30m (98ft) above the rainforest floor and the beautiful Cedar Creek.

Search for hidden treasures during a fossicking adventure at the ThunderBird Park. You’ll be given a bucket and pick to dig in the prehistoric volcanic lava for a chance to find thundereggs, which look like rocks filled with crystal.

Make your kids' dreams come true as they ride family-friendly rollercoasters, meet native Australian animals and watch thrilling shows at the iconic Dreamworld, Australia’s largest theme park.

Make a splash at Wet’n’Wild waterpark. The whole family will love whizzing down waterslides, floating down the lazy river and cooling off in the giant wave pool. Hire an exclusive cabana for guaranteed shade on sunny days.

Visit Paradise Country to make friends with farm animals and native wildlife. If you have time, stay overnight in an eco tent to watch the sunset beyond the mountains and toast marshmallows around the fire.

At Warner Bros. Movie World, you can hang out with your favourite movie stars and superheroes, like Superman and Wonder Woman. Feel the thrills of adventure rides and sit back and watch a live musical performance.