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The Family Guide to a Gold Coast holiday
When I first moved to the Gold Coast the first thing I did was get an apartment in Surfers Paradise. That was the best place to be right? For the first year that is what I thought but as I became more of a local I realised that the Gold Coast had so much more to offer than the bright lights and chaotic partying scene of Surfers Paradise.
Having now lived on the Gold Coast for 12 years I wanted to share some advice for families coming to the Gold Coast. So often I hear of families visiting who stay in Surfers Paradise and base their holidays around Theme Parks and visiting the expensive retail outlets in the Surfers Paradise mall. While this will make for a fun time for all, there is so much more to be scene.
My suggestions are as follows:
Accommodation
Avoid staying in the heart of Surfers Paradise – try staying in one of the more ‘local’ areas such as Broadbeach, Burleigh or even Coolangatta. A friend recently stayed at Coolangatta and said that being there made her want to move to QLD. The Suburban accommodation options will provide you with a more relaxed option and all of the above 3 options are located close to some of the best beaches, parks and shopping precincts on the Gold Coast. Buses will still take you directly to the theme parks and to Surfers Paradise.
Family outings
The Gold Coast has some of the most beautiful nature reserves in Australia. Why not spend a day at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where your children can pat the Kangaroos, hold a Koala, watch a live Aboriginal dance show and much more. Or hire a car and take a drive to Mount Tamborine – this beautiful location has a wonderful botanical garden and lots of trendy cafes and shops to browse through. It is also a beautiful drive. If you would like to combine an afternoon at the beach with play time at the park for your children – try the Pirate Park at Currumbin Beach. This park is very popular with children from as young as 1 through to the teens. It is also located right on the beach.
There is so much to do and see. I’m sure if you step away from the ‘norm’ you will find the Gold Coast has so much more to offer than just bright lights and over crowded malls.

Posted by alioop, 19th March 2014

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