Here is the perfect 7-day itinerary for your next family holiday, to the Gold Coast Australia. The Gold Coast in sunny Queensland, Australia is a perfect destination for families. Offering a mix of theme parks, beaches, and outdoor adventures you won’t have to worry about keeping the kids entertained.
Traveling with toddlers or pre-teens, this 7-day itinerary will fit most families and ensure your Gold Coast holiday is filled with unforgettable memories.
The question you should be asking, is why not?
At a short 3-hour flight from Auckland, the Gold Coast offers all the fun, sun and excitement, without compromising quality and experience. Every time I head to the Gold Coast, there’s always something new to explore.
On my most recent trip, we opted to explore Sea World and Movie World, buying a 3-day pass through the Village Roadshow app. With over 28 years, of yearly visits to the Gold Coast, here is a 7-day itinerary to get the most from your visit to the sunny Gold Coast:
You can access the Gold Coast easily, by flying in to Coolangatta Airport. A short drive from Surfers Paradise, this airport has grown significantly over the last 10 years. If it’s your first time to the Coast, this is the ideal airport to fly into. It will give you awesome views over Surfers Paradise, the wider Gold Coast and even into New South Wales on the way in. Most major airlines fly into this popular and busy airport.
But there is another airport you should consider flying to, if you’re wanting the best deals on flights.
We opt to fly into Brisbane, over Coolangatta. I’ve found it saves us between $100-$150 per person on flights in recent years. If you’re looking for a cheaper flight, then checkout Brisbane. The only downside is, it is an hours easy drive down the M1 or by train. Brisbane can be a cheaper and quieter alternative to flying direct to the Coast.
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After arriving on the Gold Coast (either by plane, or a quick drive down from Brisbane) you’ll want to get settled into your accommodation. Choose a family-friendly hotel or apartment close to the action, such as Sea World Resort (yep, right out by the theme park) or Mantra Sun City in Surfers Paradise. These accommodations offer amenities like pools and kid-friendly dining options, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone. Our favourite spot has always been Paradise Resort in Surfers, with it’s awesome swimming facilities for kids because if you’re travelling during the warmer months (November – February) you will want somewhere to relax after a hot days exploring.
When thinking about accommodation, we always find a couple streets back from the main beach in Surfers always has great, affordable accommodation and short walk to the action. If you are thinking of staying out by Sea World, it is a small drive into Surfers and isn’t particularly close to many eating/shopping places. Driving from out on the spit (where Sea World is located) back into town is easy, but it does get busy on weekdays at the usual commuter times.
For transport, consider renting a car for the week. Having your own vehicle will give you the flexibility to explore the Gold Coast at your own pace. Rentalcars.com offers competitive rates and a wide selection of vehicles to choose from. Our favourite place to rent from is Apex Rental Cars – they offer the most competitive rate each time we have been and are easily accessible from both airports via a shuttle van. If you’re after a unique drive for your stay on the Coast, also check out Turo. It’s like Air BNB but for cars.
Kick off your Gold Coast adventure with a visit to Dreamworld, Australia’s largest theme park. With rides, attractions, and shows catering to all age groups, Dreamworld is a must-visit for families. Toddlers will love Wiggles World, while older kids can brave the Big 9 Thrill Rides.
Some of the best attractions at Dreamworld if you have little kids like us, are the animal interactions. Get up close and personal with tigers, cuddle a Koala and see some of Australia’s most famous wildlife. If you’ve got an animal lover in the family, than this is definitely a great choice to begin your holidays.
Dreamworld is typically an all day activity and may leave the little ones in your group in need of a quiet night to get ready for tomorrow. To get the best deal on tickets, check out Experience Oz for discounted passes that often include extras like entry to WhiteWater World, Dreamworld’s water park.
Day three is perfect for a more relaxed pace with a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, your kids can hand-feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, and enjoy the free-flight bird show. The sanctuary also has a mini-train that’s a hit with younger children.
While you can cuddle koala’s at Dreamworld, Currumbin is a sanctuary for animals and kids (and adults alike) will have the opportunity to learn about how the impacts of humans on their natural habitats are threatening their abilities to live in the wild safely. This is a great family activity that all generations will enjoy.
For tickets, you can purchase directly from the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary website, where you’ll often find family passes or online discounts.
No trip to the Gold Coast is complete without a day at the beach. Head to Surfers Paradise, one of the most iconic beaches in Australia. With its soft sand and gentle waves, it’s perfect for kids to play and swim. There are also plenty of nearby playgrounds and picnic spots for a relaxed family day out.
If your kids are keen to learn surfing, book a family lesson with Go Ride a Wave. They cater to beginners of all ages and offer group lessons right on Surfers Paradise beach.
When you’re done with the water, head on up the main strip for something tasty for lunch! We like to head to the beach early – if you’re visiting Surfers in summer, midday temperatures can soar above 40degrees, at least in the morning it’s relatively cooler and easier to lounge around on the beach.
On day five, dive into the underwater world at Sea World. This marine-themed park offers a combination of thrilling rides and up-close animal encounters. Don’t miss the dolphin and seal shows, and be sure to check out the new Atlantis precinct, which includes adrenaline-pumping rides like the Vortex and Leviathan.
To save on Sea World tickets, look for combo passes on Village Roadshow Theme Parks, which may include entry to Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild.
Take a break from the theme parks and head into the Gold Coast Hinterland for a day of natural beauty at Tamborine Mountain. Start with a visit to the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, where you can explore the rainforest canopy on elevated walkways. The kids will love the interactive displays and the chance to spot native wildlife.
For a fun and educational experience, visit the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the glow worms’ environment and lifecycle.
Wrap up your Gold Coast adventure with a visit to Warner Bros. Movie World. This park is perfect for kids aged 5-10, with rides themed around popular movies and cartoons. The whole family will enjoy the live action shows and parades featuring their favorite characters.
For the best ticket prices, consider purchasing a multi-park pass from Village Roadshow Theme Parks, which offer significant savings.
A 7-day holiday on the Gold Coast with kids promises a perfect blend of excitement, relaxation, and family bonding. With its world-class theme parks, stunning beaches, and outdoor activities, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone. By planning ahead and taking advantage of the best ticket deals and transport options, you can ensure a stress-free and unforgettable vacation for your family.
Checkout our blog for more information on how to plan the BEST family adventures here. If you have some favourites you’d love to share with our readers, on the Gold Coast, then send me an email at nicola@prettyfarfromhome.com or share it with us on instagram.
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