Gold Coast, Australia: Top 10 Spots

TOP 10 PLAYS

Best things to do with kids along the Gold Coast of Australia - where Australians go to play

WHY GO?

While not iconic Sydney or chic Melbourne, the Gold Coast is quintessential Australia with everything under the sun: surfing, kangaroos, kookaburras, stunning beaches, and tropical living. In fact, it’s where most Australian families go to vacation. Most foreign travelers visiting Australia typically plan several flights between major cities across the vast empty continent. For example, the so-called “Tourist Triangle” vacation is popular: Sydney to Cairns to Ayers Rock (Uluru) and back to Sydney. But that route involves a lot of moving around and a lot of expense.

Alternatively, consider basing your stay on the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast itself boasts thickly stacked skyscrapers and high-end resort hotels right up to the sand, plus a collection of popular theme parks to rival Southern California. Within an hour of the Gold Coast, you’ll find every Aussie highlight that you can imagine. To the south are smaller, laid-back surf towns including Byron Bay. To the north, the cosmopolitan city of Brisbane, the quiet Sunshine Coast, and the acclaimed Australia Zoo.

KidTripster Tip: If the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, you’re already closer by starting at the Gold Coast rather than Sydney. Fly into Brisbane or the Gold Coast Airport in Bilinga and book a 2.5-hour flight north to Cairns (pronounced “Cans” by Aussies), the main jumping off point for the Great Barrier Reef.

To help make your decision, let’s explore the top 10 things for families to do on Australia’s Gold Coast.