My family and I have been holidaying in Queensland many times over the years and it still holds as much appeal as it ever did. In fact we have even considered buying a house in Queensland, but alas my job keeps me rooted in Melbourne! I remember a few months back an article by Lisa on 50 Must Dos on the Sunshine Coast and thought it would be fun to offer a Must Dos list for my family’s favourite part of Queensland: the Gold Coast. Over the years we have been there over half a dozen times and explored it from top to bottom.
These are my Top 10 Must Dos:
The Tree Top Walkway
I’m not a great one for heights, but once I’d gotten over my initial reservations – by being pushed by the kids – I found the tree top walk to be one of my most vivid memories of Queensland. Located at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat the canopy walk rises to over 16 metres, which believe me is pretty high! For the brave there is a crow’s nest platform almost 30 metres high that offers spectacular views over the surrounding area.
Best of All Look Out, Springbrook Plateau
This viewing platform offers views all the way across to Byron Bay. The views are quite simply stunning. Even our youngest, normally totally disinterested in anything that can’t be ridden, seemed amazed by it all.
Box Forest, Lamington National Park
There are almost too many amazing walks to mention but the treks around Box Forest are some of our favourite. It is apparently home to some of the oldest trees in Australia and there is a real sense of going back in time as you walk through the forest. A great place to play find-the-dinosaur!
Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park
Purling Brook Falls have to be some of the most incredible that I have ever seen, certainly in Australia. I don’t want this to turn into a Kia Sportage review but the roads around here can get a little ‘uncivilised’ as you try and approach the various sights – a 4 wheel drive is definitely recommended!
Broadbeach
The beach at Broadbeach is easily one of the best in Australia and my family absolutely adore it. Not only is it the perfect place to relax in the sun, but when the kids get bored sitting around there is a wealth of stuff to do along the parade or in the mall such as family-friendly restaurants – some of which are even quite reasonably priced! I hear the nightlife is pretty good too but unfortunately that’s not something we’ve ever gotten to sample…
Warner Brothers Movie World, Oxenford
Ok so it might not be quite the same as Disneyland or Universal Studios but it is still one of the best theme parks we’ve enjoyed. Since we last visited there’s a new Green Lantern rollercoaster and to be honest I’m not sure who is more excited about going on it, me or the kids!
Our Boys also loved Movie World ~
Mind you I am glad that our younger three were not game enough to try the Green Latern!
Yet Zachery (our 16 year old) loved it 🙂
Sea World, Main Beach
The only bad thing I can say about Sea World is that it prompted a humungous sulk from our youngest because she couldn’t take a penguin home. We never thought we’d hear the end of it. The SpongeBob SquarePants parade is quite a sight to behold no matter what your age! I’d advise you try and get there quite early because it can become pretty busy during holiday season.
We also went to Seaworld! Our family loved the Dolphins…
Yeah our boys would love one as a pet as well 🙂
We never did see the Spongebob Square Pants show…maybe next time
Tropical Fruit World
The kids weren’t particularly sold on this one the first time we visited but they couldn’t wait to get back a second time. As well as every kind of tropical fruit you can imagine, they have a small but superb wildlife park which you reach by billabong boat. There’s even a putting green for the dads.
Surfer’s Paradise Market
Markets are not normally a winner with the kids but this one is definitely an exception. There must be well over a hundred stalls, selling everything from jewellery to hand-made toys. I challenge anyone to visit and not come away with an armful of knick-knacks! The market also attracts some of the best street entertainers in the area; we’ve seen everything from fire eaters to a dancing dog!
Tamborine Mountain
Not only does Tamborine Mountain offer some of the best views of the coast and situated among some of the most impressive National Park landscape, it is also home to an excellent brewery and one of Australia’s most revered distilleries – maybe not one for the kids to visit!
Another great list of things to do in Australia! I think that when I finally get there that I’m going to have to stay a month to try and see and do everything that I want to!
Lisa @ Gone with the Family recently posted..Manitoulin Island’s Hawbear Book Series
Hi Lisa,
there is so much to see and do on the Goldcoast! Our favorite place besides the Sunshine Coast.
I reckon a month would never be long enough!
Cheers
Lisa
Great ideas Steve – I think the Gold Coast Hinterland is beautiful.
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