The Gold Coast is Australia's playground: pristine beaches for sandcastle builders, rainforest adventures for nature lovers, and three major theme parks within 30 minutes. A single base lets families do it all without moving.
Land at Gold Coast Airport, collect rental car, settle into beachside accommodation.
First swim at Surfers Paradise; rock-pool exploration near the Esplanade.
Fish and chips dinner at a beachfront café; sunset walk along the shore.
Arrive at Dreamworld when gates open; tackle The Cyclone and The Giant Drop early.
Water rides and the kids' Wiggles World section; lunch in the park.
Return to beach, casual dinner, early night after park exertion.
Drive inland to Tallebudgera Valley; guided rainforest walk with kookaburras and lyrebirds.
Picnic lunch by a creek, cool off in rock pools, explore ferns and vines.
Return to Surfers, seafood dinner overlooking the beach.
Early arrival at Movie World; hit the Scooby-Doo coaster and Batman dark ride.
Stunt show, character photo ops, lunch with Hollywood theming.
Dinner on the Gold Coast hinterland; return to beach for a quiet evening.
Sea World arrival; dolphin show and sea-lion performances.
Kids' water rides, touch pools with rays and starfish, lunch by the lagoon.
Casual dinner in Broadbeach; ice-cream on the Esplanade.
Final beach time, sandcastle building, paddling at Tallebudgera or The Spit.
Souvenir shopping at Surfers Paradise or head to the airport.
Depart or stay for a sunset dinner if flight allows.