Plan the best family vacation to Gold Coast!
Sun’s out, fun’s in! The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most iconic cities famous for its stunning beaches, surf breaks, world heritage-listed national parks, theme parks and shopping. Relax by the pristine beach at Surfers Paradise, come face-to-face with marine friends at Sea World Gold Coast or feed some cute animals at a farm stay!
Recently, we sent Nurul Aini and her family on an adventure to Gold Coast. Watch how their exciting journey went!
With so many exciting things to do and places to visit, you’ll wanna make the most of your time there. We’ve curated a fun-filled 7D6N itinerary for you and your family, read on to find out more!
Day 1 - Head to Worendo Cottages for a Delightful Farmstay
1. Pick Up Car Rental
Before starting your trip, you’ll want to rent a car for your adventure ahead! The fastest and most convenient way to get around Australia is by driving. And the best news is that you can book one on Klook at some of the best prices, and pick it up directly at the Gold Coast Airport when you arrive. And you’re good to go!
#KlookTip: You can drop by The Pines Elanora before heading down to Tamborine Mountains to stock up on snacks and other groceries for the drive ahead!
2. Check In Worendo Cottages
Check into Worendo Cottages, where a refreshing farm getaway awaits. Slightly less than a 2 hour drive from Gold Coast, this holiday cottage offers a farm stay experience like no other!
Set in the Lost World Valley and overlooking the World Heritage Rainforest Mountains of Lamington National Park, Worendo Cottages offer simplistic beauty at its best. Their fully Renovated Homestead and Luxury Cottages are perfect for a fantastic family break!
📍97 Cedar Glen Rd, Darlington QLD 4285, Australia
After settling down in your cottage, it’s time to feed the cottage’s friendly farm animals! Hang out with the farm’s gentle cows, fluffy sheep and inquisitive chicken. These cuties are gentle and hungry, so this is your chance to get up close with them and feed them their favourite snacks! Beware though, you might get some licks and saliva on you!
The farm offers many other activities as well. You can choose from high energy activities such as kayaking through the farm's private river or take it chill and enjoy a picnic by the Albert River.
After a whole day full of activities, the best way to end the night is a good campfire with marshmallows and smores! Each cottage has its own outdoor camp fire pit with free firewood provided so you can roast marshmallows and enjoy a campfire under the stars!
Day 2 - Go on an Alpaca Walk & Explore Mount Tamborine
1. Head to Cedar Glen Farmstay
Your second day will be filled with lotsa fun so it’s best to wake up bright and early to make your way to Cedar Glen Farmstay! Only a five-minute drive away from Worendo Cottages, this farmstay boasts four different type of cottages restored from the 1900s to be the coziest cottages for you and your family!
Cedar Glen Farm stay also offers many farm activities, your kids will definitely be entertained. Test your aim as you learn how to throw a boomerang and crack an Australian Stockwhip. If the kiddos love animals, they’ll not only get to feed a whole bunch of them but also go on a guided alpaca walk. Take a walk around the property getting to know your new furry friend!
📍3338 Kerry Road, Darlington QLD 4285
2. Explore Mount Tamborine
After a lively morning at Cedar Glen Farm, take a leisurely drive over to Tamborine Mountain and enjoy the vast greenery on your way there.
Start your nature sesh at Mount Tamborine with the Rainforest Skywalk. The Rainforest Skywalk is a comfortable 1.5km and offers breathtaking views of the rainforest as you stroll on a cantilever bridge 30 metres above! This exciting new Eco-Adventure offer allows you to explore the beautiful rainforest canopies in a new and thrilling way.
Now that you’ve warmed up with the skywalk, it’s time to take on a bolder adventure! Head to the Treetop Challenge and tackle this obstacle course as a family! If you have active kids who love to run, jump and climb - this is the perfect playground for them!
All safety equipment is provided, and there are various activities tailored to suit different fitness levels - it’s fun for the whole family!
#KlookTip: Do wear light and comfortable clothing (preferably dri-fit material) and hiking shoes for the best experience.
📍 TreeTop Challenge, Thunderbird Park, Cedar Creek Falls Rd North Tamborine Queensland 4272 Australia
Once you’re done with your exciting Treetop challenge, it’s time to take a well-deserved break at the Gallery walk. Munch on some chocolatey delights at the Birdwing café or choose from a wide selection of teas! There’s also a gift and souvenir shop nearby with a fantastic variety of colourful gifts.
If you have time to spare, you can also head to their markets such as Makers’ Market and Tamborine Twilight Market.
📍333 Geissmann Drive, Mt Tamborine 4272
Day 3 - Head back to Surfers Paradise, take a cruise, explore the markets and more!
1. Drive back to Gold Coast & Head to Surfers Paradise
After a relaxing two-night stay at Worrendo Cottages, it’s time to head to Surfers Paradise and enjoy the coastal scenery. There are many exciting things lined up for you at this seaside utopia, so buckle up!
To make your stay in Surfers Paradise more enjoyable, it's essential to pick an accommodation that suits you and your family. This area has a couple of fantastic accommodations that are great for families, and we’ve picked out some for you to choose from!
The award-winning Q1 Resort & Spa offers 2 to 3bedroom apartments for you and your family. This lavish hotel is just a walk away from Surfers Paradise Beach where you can relax by the ocean and enjoy the calming view.
📍9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Another place you can stay at is Wyndham Surfers Paradise.
Wyndham Surfers Paradise is perfect for families looking to stay in apartments with a phenomenal ocean view. Just a 2-minute walk from SkyPoint Observation Deck and is conveniently located close to family-friendly attractions such as Sea World and Dream World.
📍3018 Surfers Paradise Blvd Surfers Paradise, QLD, 4217, Australia
2. Take a Ride on the AquaDuck Land Water Cruise
After checking into your hotel, hop on the Aquaduck for a unique city tour featuring famous landmarks and gorgeous properties! This tour isn’t just like any other city tour, the Aquaduck travels on both land and sea to bring you on an hour-long safari city tour and river cruise. The kids will love it - they’re invited to drive the Aquaduck while on the water and become a captain!
📍Shop 34, Circle on Cavill, 47 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
3. Marvel at the view from SkyPoint Observation Deck
This is the best place to catch the sunset! Enjoy incomparable views of the Gold Coast at the SkyPoint Observatory Deck and sip on a drink or two as you soak in the stunning sight from one of the cafes and bars.
📍Level 77, Q1 Building, 3003 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
#Klooktip: For those who are daring enough, try out the SkyPoint Climb that’ll take you to the top of Q1 Resort Building!
4. Explore the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets is something you definitely won’t want to miss - featuring artisan and iconic Australian goods, fresh produce, gourmet provisions, handmade wares and SO much more. Vibe to live music, get artsy with the crafts and admire (and even buy) handmade jewellery and wares!
📍The Foreshore, Surfers Paradise
🗓Every Wed, Fri & Sat, 4 - 9pm
Day 4 - Fun at Theme Parks!
1. Visit Sea World
Take a trip to Australia’s #1 Marine Park! Encounter marine animals from the smallest penguins in the world to sea jellies all in one place. Get to learn more about these amazing creatures and their unique habits!
#KlookTip: Download the Village RoadShow Theme Parks App for interactive maps, show timings & ride wait times
Catch some of Sea World’s captivating shows and performances that you’ll definitely enjoy! From the high-energy PAW Patrol on holiday show to the Seal Guardians Feature Presentation, they have shows that are suitable for all ages.
In between shows, you can head to the Ray Reef located in the centre of the park to pet some stingrays and learn more about these majestic creatures. If you’re looking for a thrill, hop onto one of the 19 and scream your heart out at the Vortex or Storm Coaster!
#KlookTip: Bring swimwear or an extra change of clothes because you may get splashed on some rides or at Castaway Bay!
📍Main Beach
2. Meet Your Favourite Characters at Movie World
If marine animals are not your thing, you can head to Movie World and hop on some thrilling rides instead!
Get your adrenaline pumping with the thrilling rides at Movie World! From mild rides suitable for the kids to maximum thrill rides for those who are feeling brave, there’s a ride for everyone! The kids will also get to meet iconic characters like Wonder Woman and Scooby Doo.
📍Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia
#KlookTip: Get a Multi-day pass on Klook for entry into Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World & Wet'n'Wild!
Day 5 - Get Up Close with Wildlife, Enjoy Nature & Do Some Shopping!
1. Hug a Koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
There are many activities you can do at Currumbin Wildlife, and here are some of the absolutely must-dos!
Don’t miss your chance to hug a koala! Here, you can get up close with them and snap a memorable picture with this cuddly creature! After that, catch the Free Flight Bird Show featuring Australia’s colourful birds from the Australian Pelican to parrots and eagles.
#KlookTip: Come early at 8am to feed some wild lorikeets!
After learning about Australia’s vibrant birdlife, it’s time to make friends with Australia’s iconic kangaroos! The kids will have a blast feeding the adorable kangaroos and getting up close with them! With so many activities, it’s understandable if you and the kids get tired of walking, fret not! Hop on the sanctuary’s train which will take you on a leisurely ride around the park.
#KlookTip: Visit the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and get a birds-eye view of the vets hard at work!
📍28 Tomewin Street, Gold Coast
2. Take a Stroll Through Burleigh Head National Park
On your way back to Surfers Paradise, stop by Burleigh Head and enjoy the ocean breeze. Take a walk along the coastline and relax by the creek at Echo Beach. Don’t forget to pack some snacks and have a delightful picnic along Goodwin Terrace. The natural environment at Burleigh Head National Park is full of rich and diverse wildlife and geology!
📍Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
#KlookTip: Look out for humpback whales during winter and spring!
3. Shop Till You Drop at Pacific Fair
With over 400 stores to explore, this is a shopper’s paradise. Conveniently located just 30 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport, Pacific Fair is one of Australia’s largest shopping centres and features an exceptional collection of luxury, high-street fashion, and dining and bar experiences.
📍1571 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Day 6 - Whale Watching & Jet Boating
1. Spot Humpbacks During Whale Watching
Come see these spectacular creatures up close! These gentle giants are one of nature’s longest-lived mammals, and the cruise will take you through the stunning Nerang waterways to meet them. Plus, your cruise is topped off with complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the journey!
📍Sea World Cruises Terminal Main Beach, Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
⏱️ Tours: 9.30am - 1pm or 2.30pm - 6pm
#KlookTip: Take a motion sickness pill if you need!
2. Have a Blast on the Paradise Jet Boat
Get ready for an exhilarating tour mixed with panoramic views and sightseeing. It’s time for scenic views mixed with thrilling rides - the Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride is perfect for those who want both an exhilarating jet boat ride and a top-notch sightseeing experience.
View the stunning mansions from the water at the Sovereign Island Estates and sail through Moreton Bay Marine Park with wild dolphin sightings!
#KlookTip: Bring a change of clothes because you are bound to get wet while jet boating!
📍Mariner's Cove Marina, Shop 7b, 60 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Day 7 - Time to Head Home!
All good things must come to an end, it’s time to head to the airport to catch your flight home! To make things even more convenient, you can return your rental car at the airport. Hope you had fun in sunny Gold Coast!
