The Gold Coast is famous for its stunning stretch of beaches, bustling theme parks, cascading waterfalls and rainforest walks. Located South of Brisbane on the east coast, the region benefits from a subtropical climate all year round, which means you can enjoy temperate weather whenever you decide to visit!

With an abundance of activities to suit every taste, interest and vacation style, it's the perfect place for a family holiday - you’re sure to find something for everyone to enjoy! To make sure you’re staying close to the action, book your stay at Dorsett Gold Coast - the Gold Coast’s brand new hotel located on Broadbeach Island within The Star Gold Coast’s world-class entertainment and leisure destination. Just 30 minutes from Gold Coast airport and walking distance from beaches, restaurants and shopping precincts, it’s the perfect place to bring the family for the ultimate Gold Coast getaway.

Best things to do on the Gold Coast for families

The Gold Coast is an incredible place for any holiday, as there's so much to see and do. With non-stop adventures, activities and places to explore, no matter what you're into, you're guaranteed to have a fantastic time!

Here are some must-do activities that will ensure the whole family has an incredible stay.

Enjoy the Gold Coast's famous beaches

The Gold Coast is famous for its beaches, and you only have to see them to understand why! With glistening blue waters and beautifully golden sand that stretches over 70 kilometres, they are stunning to look at and the perfect spot to adventure for the day.

There's plenty of fun to be had at the beach, whether you're interested in sunbathing, sandcastle-building or swimming. The beach is also generally packed with plenty of other families enjoying the sun, sea and sand, so there are plenty of opportunities for you and your family to make some vacation buddies. Try Mermaid Beach if you want to beat the crowds or cool off in the flags at Main Beach.

If you have younger children, there are also plenty of lagoons and creeks where the kids can splash around without the worry of potentially dangerous waves. Why not check out Tallebudgera Creek Inlet or Currumbin Creek - the still water is also perfect if you want to try your hand at kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding.

Image Source: Destination Gold Coast

Get in touch with nature 

One of the best things to do while visiting the Gold Coast is to go bushwalking, and you will be amazed at what the Gold Coasts Hinterlands have to offer.

Take a relaxing stroll along the Natural Bridge walk at Springbrook National Park and, while you're there, stop off at Cave Creek - the kids will be fascinated to see the natural glow worms!

If you're looking for more of a challenge, head to Lamington National Park for something a bit more adventurous. Here you’ll find lush rainforests, picturesque views and walking tracks to suit all fitness levels.

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One of the most extraordinary things about hiking in the enchanting hinterland is the waterfalls and swimming holes. If you go prepared, it can be a prime opportunity for a mid-walk swim!

Image Source: Destination Gold Coast

Spend the day at the theme parks

There are multiple theme parks to choose from on the Gold Coast, but the most famous is Warner Brothers Movie World.

The place is full of magic, fantasy and fun. You'll meet well-known movie characters, including Superheroes (and Villains). You'll come across tons of exhilarating rides, including the largest and fastest HyperCoaster in the Southern Hemisphere - the DC Rivals! With an 89-degree drop and reaching a top speed of up to 115km per hour, both you and the kids will be in for a wild ride.
 

Alongside the big roller coasters, there's plenty of smaller rides for the little ones. There's also an array of entertainment shows and street parades that are hosted all over the park.  


Looking for a similar kind of fun, but not afraid of a little water? Then Wet 'n' Wild is the place for you! If you consider yourself a bit of a daredevil, head to the Extreme H2O Zone, which has slides such as the Tornado, the Blackhole and the Kamikaze. But if those are a little too extreme, there are plenty of smaller, less intimidating slides to have fun on as well. There's also a Giant Wave Pool!

Image Source: Destination Gold Coast

Go bike-riding through the trails 

With over a thousand kilometres of bike trails to choose from, it won't matter whether you're a pro or a novice; cycling around the Gold Coast is bound to exhilarate you and get your heart racing. 

The terrain is mostly flat along the coastline and the views of the golden sands and crystalline seas are breathtaking. This type of bike riding route is ideal for those who have young children, as there are plenty of opportunities for stop-offs to take a breather and refuel, while admiring the stunning city skyline and coastal scenery.

If you're looking for something to push your limits a little further, there are fantastic rainforest trails where you can rent mountain bikes for an adventurous day weaving through the trees - try Mount Tamborine or Currumbin Valley.

Get your feet wet with some water sports 

If you're going to visit the Gold Coast, you have to get involved in some water sports. 

Well known for its surfing culture, Surfers Paradise isn't named Surfers Paradise for nothing! 

Yes, there will be lots of experienced surfers out there, but there will be lots of learners too, which is why it is so quick and easy to sign up for lessons. 

If surfing doesn’t quite tickle your fancy - you can also hop on a jet ski. There are plenty of guided jet ski tours where you'll be taken around to lots of hidden sites. You might even spot some dolphins on your adventures! 

If you like exploring underwater, try swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. For those looking for something more relaxing, there's always jet boating and if you're a bit of an adrenaline junky - you must give parasailing a go!

And what about where to stay? 

Dorsett Gold Coast Hotel is perfectly located on Broadbeach Island and offers the perfect blend of beach, shopping, dining and entertainment - right on your doorstep.

It's the ideal family accommodation, close to Surfers Paradise so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to see and do. For more information on the location and distance of these tourist hot spots, check here. 

It's time to get those holiday plans underway! Book your next Gold Coast getaway here.