Gold Coast for Kids : Top 12 Attractions - TheWackyDuo.com - Singapore Wacky Digital Underground Outpost

Gold Coast for Kids : Top 12 Attractions

Gold Coast for kids
If you had been following us on Instagram, you would have seen our escapades to Gold Coast attractions during our July holidays. That was our 3rd consecutive year in Australia and our official first self drive trip. Being a free and easy tour, we managed to cover a wider region in Gold Coast to bring you this list of activities for kids in Gold Coast.

If you had missed our earlier editions of Holidays for kids in Australia, simply click on the following links to catch up.


Without further ado, we bring you the top 12 activities in Gold Coast as experienced by us.


1 See the DC Heros at Movie World
DC Heros at Gold Coast
Gold Coast is synonymous with theme parks, thus it is a no brainer to include them on the list. Movie World is a must go if you have the following
  • Fans of DC comics
  • Fans of Warner Brothers
  • Kids!


Home to DC rides and characters, it is a hit with both adults and kids alike. From the famed Superman Escape ad Arkham Asylum rides to the new Justice League 3D ride, there is something for young and old alike. Kids have their own dedicated WB Fun Zone where they can try a smaller size road runner rollercoaster.

Fun Factor : 5/5
Location : Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia

Warner B

2 Faceoff with the Sharks at Seaworld
Boy vs Shark
The theme parks adventure continues with Seaworld. Watched the popular dolphin shows, have a close encounter with sharks at Shark Bay or ride the Viking Flume ride for a fun filled day. Do note the kiddy section is currently under renovation and will reopen in late 2015 with Nickelodean land.

Fun Factor : 3.5 / 5
Location : Sea World Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia

Dolphin show
3 Hug a Koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cuddle a Koala

Fancy going to the great outdoor to cuddle a Koala?

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to go for a taste of Australia outdoors. There are plenty of Koalas to see, Kangeroos to feed and even playgrounds to explore. We like the walk in the mini forest as well as the choo choo trains that took us from different areas of the park. There are also Bird shows, crocodile feeding, aboriginal dance and sheep shearing shows. Our only regret is that we did not spend a whole day there!

Fun Factor : 4.5/5
Location : 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223, Australia


Add caption

4 Ride the Waves to WHALE WATCH
Whale watch
If you at Gold Coast between May and November, do go and experience Whale Watching. This once is a lifetime experience is simply breathtaking especially when the whale swims along the ship or does a breech. There are several whale watching companies operating during this season. We had taken the Whales in Paradise on previous trips and Seaworld Whale Watch for the last trip. In comparison, Seaworld whale watch has a bigger boat and is more stable in the choppy waters of Gold Coast. It is a better recommendation if you are travelling with families.

The other bonus for getting out to the sea is the seaview of Gold Coast skyline.

Fun Factor : 3.5 / 5
Location :
Seaworld Whale Watch -130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4215, Australia
Whales in Paradise - 23 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia


Gold Coast Skyline

5 Feed a Kangeroo at Paradise Country
Paradise Country
For a glimpse of Australia Farm, Paradise country would be a good introduction in Gold Coast. There are kangeroo feeds, a small farm for kids and other (paid) activities such as Gold and Opal Mining . It is quite similar to Currumbin Wildlife but on a much smaller scale. Choose the latter if you are making a choice between each other. This destination is good for a half day tour.

Farm animals
Fun Factor : 2.5 / 5
Location : Entertainment Rd, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia


6 Head to the Beach for a surf

Beach run

Gold Coast is well known for its long and beautiful beaches. There are at least 21 beaches on the stretch of Gold Coast. From the 3 km long popular Surfer's paradise to the clean white sands of Currumbin beach, you will be spotlit for choice for a day out in the sun.
Surf's up!
Even when it was winter, we still see surfers on the beach. Other than surfing, you might like to look down on the sand for the numerous beautiful seashells.

Fun Factor : 3.5/5 ( 5/5 during Summer)

Sand under my feet
7 Experience the 'Glow' of Tamborine Mountain
Glow Worms at Tamborine Mountain (NOT!)
Spend a day self drive to Tamborine Mountain. Take the Nerang route for some breathtaking views of Gold Coast along the way. There are plenty to do at the Mountains so plan your itinerary before the trip.

Activities include glow worm caves, skywalk, waterfalls trek and even a high rope course at Tunderbird park.
View from Tamborine Mountain
Activities include glow worm caves, skywalk, waterfalls trek and even a high rope course at Tunderbird park. Do make a stop at Gallery Walk for breakfast or lunch during the trip.

Want to do a night tour?
Book your Nature Bridge Glow Worm Night Tour from Klook here


Fun Factor : 4/5
Waterfall Trek


8 Head to the Outbacks with High Country Legends
For a unique Australia performance, the Australia Outback Spectacular is a must do when you are in Gold Coast. This Dinner and show is certainly an eye opener for us. The shows varies over time but the main focus would be stunt riders on horses from the Outback. We watched the High Country Legends and am suitability impressed.

Fun Factor : 4/5
Location : Entertainment Drive, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia

9 Explore the many (FREE) beach playgrounds
Playground at Boardbeach
The Gold Coast has numerous outdoor playgrounds along the coast. We had seen large playgrounds at Boardbeach and Southport. Some of the playgrounds even comes with flying fox rides. Best of all , it is free and you probably can spend an hour or more there with kids.

Fun Factor : 4/5
Location :
Pratten Park, Broadbeach, Brisbane
Washington Waters Park , Southport, opposite Australian Fair

Mermaid found!


10 See to believe at Ripley's believe it or not

Ripley's Believe it or Not Surfer's Paradise

Welcome to the world of oddities in Ripley's Believe it or Not at Surfer's Paradise. There are interesting oddities for you to explore at Ripley's. Otehr than that , you can also have a go at their Ripley's impossible laser race. With several interactive exhibits, this would make an interesting addition to your trip.

Believe it!

Fun Factor : 4/5
Location : Cavill Mall, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Who is taller?
11 Catch a toy at TimeZone
Spidey is Free!

If you had been following us, it would not surprise to learn that we are avid fans of UFO or Claw Catchers. We even wrote a post on tips on UFO Catching . It is awfully hard to resist a visit to the largest indoor arcade in Gold Coast , Timezone. The Timezone at Surfers is 10 times bigger than what we have in Singapore. There are arcade games, bumper cars and even claw catcher machines that works. We even caught a Spidey while we were there!

Fun Factor : 4/5
Location : Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia

12 LEGO hunting at Department Stores
Roar , LEGO Time!

This is added to the list because we found a really sweet deal in Myer's Pacific Fair. With the attractive exchange rate of 1.035 from SGD to AUD at the time of writing, we found a LEGO Detective set for about 40% off Singapore retail price after tax.
Resistance is futile. Join the Dark side.
Cheap LEGOs in Gold Coast
We like shopping in the toy department, there are interesting toys that you will chance upon that are not available in Singapore. We particularly like the old school games found in vintage looking boxes.
Cool heh?

Fun Factor : 1 /5 ( 5/5 if you found a toy you like for 40% discount!)
Childhood games

Tips for travelling with family

Lastly here are some tips that you might find it useful if you are travelling with family

Self Drive

Self Drive

Cabs are far and few in Gold Coast. Public Transportation can also be limited. In order to maximize your time on the trip, we recommend self drive in Gold Coast. Most of the shopping malls and parking zones allow free parking for a certain period. The GPS unit is reliable enough to get you to most places. Furthermore, self drive can save you alot of money from organised trips. If you are travelling in a large group of 6 to 8, we recommend the Hyundai iMax. It is big enough to fit 8 adults and 6 large luggage!


Save with online tickets
Go online for tickets
Go online for your tickets to attractions. Better still choose bundle attractions deal. We got a 4 in one unlimited entry pass comprising of entrance to Movie World, Sea World, Wet and Wild and Paradise Country from Experience OZ for AUD 89. For the record an adult fee to Movie world itself cost AUD 79 at the door. We went Movie World twice during our trip, so that itself pays for the tickets.


Pick up a guide at the airport
A guide is useful for you to choose the attractions to go to. The bonus are the coupons in the guide that allows you addition discount. A must have if you ask us.



Stay in an Apartment
Meriton Board Beach

If you are travelling in a group of 5 and above, an apartment would be a wiser and cheaper option. We stayed at Meriton Boardbeach during the trip and was delighted with the space and affordability. It was less than AUD 300 per night for a 3 bedroom apartment. Try to book these apartments during special promotions online for a better rate!

Hope you enjoy the guide. G'Day mates!




27 comments:

  1. I love going through your blog. It has been helpful especially for parents with kids and are traveling to a new place without any prior experience. Gold Coast for one is a beautiful city to visit but without proper planning, children could be left bored with just the sand and the sea. Thanks for sharing your past experiences.

    ReplyDelete
  2. U go which web site to book the ticket. And where to book the car n how much .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Airlines - Singapore airlines. Theme parks tickets - https://www.experienceoz.com.au/gold-coast/theme-parks?gclid=Cj0KEQjw2KyxBRCi2rK11NCDw6UBEiQAO-tljTlRygDLNhhWvHcQzIGsts39Z18v2BiJdHEYARQMw9QaAkJE8P8HAQ

      Car - Avis Gold Coast

      Whale Watch = Seaworld Gold Coast

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    2. Hi Can i ask for the car
      Can 5 Adults + 3 kids (with child seats) fit in the imax? dun tink can put 3 car seats in last row.
      After 6 big luggage i believe no more space for a stoller rite.
      Thanks

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    3. We had 5 adults and 3 kids but only 2 car seats . You probably need to separate the car seats ( 2 middle , 1 back ) just to be safe . With 6 big luggage , space can be quite tight

      Delete
  3. Hi , SQ flies direct to Gold Coast? Thought only Scoots? :)

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  4. Hi, may I know if you flies direct to Gold Coast via Singapore Airlines? Or via Scoots?

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  5. Hi, thanks for your reply. May I ask if you could share with me your itinerary trip for my reference ? Planning for a Sep trip next year during the term break. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Olivia. Unfortunately I did not keep the itinerary. The above activities are done during our 9 day stay in GC. Hopes it helps.

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  6. Hi..love Ur post. Can I check is experience oz trustworthy?

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    Replies
    1. We booked movieworld and seaworld from them. No issue for us :)

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  7. Hello Wacky Duo,

    May I know if you have been to Dreamworld at GC?

    What is your opinion of Movieworld vs Dreamworld?

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jen Nee
      We had not been to Dreamworld. However from what we read, it seem like a place for bigger kids compared to movieworld.

      If you have kids age 5-10, movie world would be a perfect fit.

      Delete
  8. Hi, Wacky Duo

    How much did you pay for the Whale watch cruise per person? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The current price is here
      http://www.seaworldwhalewatch.com.au/pricing_and_packages.php

      Get the combo tickets with entry to seaworld for better value!

      Delete
  9. Hi, we are going to Gold Coast mid May with our 18 month and 5 yo. Is there temperature very cold? Do we need thermal wear for the kids or just sweater and long pants is sufficient? One friend said thermal wear for the kids at least but another friend said, just sweater will do.
    What do you think?

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    Replies
    1. It's probably not so cold during Mid May. I think Sweater would be fine. In fact do layer the clothes as Gold Coast being a sunshine state, might actually be warm at times

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  10. Hi, your post is so informative and gives me confidence to take my baby on a self drive holiday! May I know if the car seat was provided by the rental company and how much did you have to top up?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You need to pay extra for car seats . Amount should be base on daily rental rate . Varies for different car rental companies . It's an easy drive in GC , pretty straightforward with gps

      Delete
  11. We intend to rent IMAX too. How large is your luggage? How many inch?
    Planning to go in end May with 6 adults n 2 children. 5 big luggages at the meantime.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The boot space have enough for 2 to 3 large luggages . Anything more would be a tight squeeze and you might need to put it on the back seats . It may not fit with the number of people on board . Can't remember how big my luggage is but it should lean to big and not medium .

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  12. We intend to book IMAX too. Need to know how large is your luggages ? As we hv 8 ppl including 2 kids n 5 big luggages at the meantime

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi, should I get a GPS or using google map for driving?

    ReplyDelete
  14. I will be going there alone with my daughter and intending to drive. Can I know are the driving rules almost the same in Singapore?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Australians drive on the same side . Rules are similar , just have to watch out for specific turns that are peculiar to some states ( e.g. Melbourne ) Depending on your daughter's age , car seats are mandatory too for younger kids .

      Delete

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