On the Gold Coast of eastern Australia, on the South Pacific Ocean below the Great Barrier Reef, is an area known as "Surfers Paradise"-- a name which might suggest more of a hip young scene... But in fact Surfers Paradise is ideal for families, with its 30 km of beaches plus several "funparks": Seaworld, Wet 'n' Wild, Movieworld, and Dreamworld.
Guest writer Victoria Carter-- editor of a pre-school magazine in New Zealand called "Right Start" -- introduces Surfers Paradise to Travel With Kids.
The Funparks of Surfers' Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia
"Surfers Paradise" for Family Travelers - by Victoria Carter
Whether you're young or whether you're old, Surfers' Paradise on the Gold Coast has something for you. in Queensland an hour from Brisbane, it's known as the "sunshine area". From theme parks to watersports and mountain rainforests, the Gold Coast is famous for tourist attractions both natural and mademade.
Getting there
Many cheap packages are available. Most people fly to Brisbane and after an hour's drive in a bus, shuttle or car-- you're in Surfers. Accommodation is varied, from plush hotels to apartments - something for everyone's wallet. Allow at least five days so you can relax and enjoy the area.
Getting around
You don't need a car, because hotel shuttles and regular bus services go to most of the major attractions. A rental car is handy if you want to go into the Hinterland, but shop around. It's often cheaper to get a shuttle to Surfers and then rent a car. There are lots of shopping areas with places to buy food to take back to your apartment, and lots of al fresco dining restaurants.
Tip:get a Dining Out Guide (and other tourist freebies) for special meal deals for families. Cosmo, outside the Phoenician, has inexpensive pizza and pasta all day - delicious value.
The climate
The Gold Coast is very temperate. The sun nearly always shines. Temperatures range from 11 - 21 C in July, but by September it's back to 15 - 25C.
What will the children do at Surfers Paradise?
Where to start? Surfers Paradise is famous for its funparks, patrolled surf beaches, and entertainment precincts.
Seaworld is our family favourite. It's a leading marine park with lots of attractions, facilities and shows. Dolphin Cove is an absolutely breathtaking show with dolphins and their trusted trainers. The water ski spectacular shows incredible skills. Amongst the seals, sharks and dolphins are roller coasters, flume rides and adventure rides with incredible special effects. Dolphin interactive programmes are also available for over year olds but these need to be booked.
Wet 'n' Wild has every water pool, slide and ride imaginable. Even very small children will be catered for, with life guards patrolling most rides. Our family favourite was the 'Calypso beach,' a tropical island with sandy beaches surrounded by a slow moving river, so you can float round in comfortable inflated tubes. For the adventurers there's an eight lane aqua racer so the whole family can race down a super slide. Open every day the water is slightly heated during winter.
Movieworld and Dreamworld are the other famous funparks with exciting rides and attractions. Movieworld is described as Hollywood on the Gold Coast, with movie characters, stunt shows, special effects and rides. Dreamworld has steam engines, tigers, log rides, river rapid rides, and lots of lively entertainment, even one viewed from a paddle steamer.
All these places take at least a day to get around and see everything. Three park super-passes are available.
Tip: Take a water bottle with you. Drinks are expensive in the parks.
Other Highlights
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuaryis ten minutes drive from Surfers. Children can feed kangaroos and lorikeets, see snakes and crocodiles, koalas ( and even have a photo taken with one), see wildlife shows. The Sanctuary has the largest collection of native Australian animals in the world. Buy an affordable Family Pass.
Where to Stay?
Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort is unique for its simulated coral reef: a great way to introduce children to snorkeling. A sandy beach will amuse younger children.
