Plan the Ultimate Multi-Generational Family Holiday

Finding a holiday destination that delights everyone from toddlers to teens - and Nana too - may not seem like an easy feat, but on the Gold Coast, it’s an absolute breeze. With magical naturescapes to explore, activities that bring out the inner child in everyone, and incredible places to stay, this sun-soaked paradise is the perfect backdrop for lifelong family memories to be made. Even better? The Gold Coast is fast becoming one of Australia’s most inclusive and accessible cities, ensuring everyone - regardless of age or ability - gets in on the fun. Here’s how to plan the ultimate family holiday on the Gold Coast. 

 

Multi-Generation Accommodation

Tamborine Mountain Glades

Tune into nature at this heavenly mountain retreat where the whole family (including the dog) can unwind in two or four-bedroom self-contained cabins nestled within the rainforest. No one will be asking for a device at Tamborine Mountain Glades, with endless bucket list experiences on your doorstep. Kids - both big and little - can spend their days soaking up the fresh air at Thunderbird Park. Soar through the treetops on Australia’s largest zipline and high ropes course, mine for Thundereggs, tackle mini golf and laser skirmish, or jump into the driver's seat at mini excavator park, Dig It. The whole fam can reconvene for a soul-nourishing swim in the guest-only rock pools or stroll along the scenic walking trails, before refuelling at the Rainforest Restaurant. 

Location: Tamborine Mountain Road & Cedar Creek Falls Road, Tamborine Mountain 

 

RACV Royal Pines

Families seeking a five-star experience will want to book a stay at RACV Royal Pines. Nestled in central Benowa, you’re just a short drive to the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks and beaches. But don’t be surprised if you struggle to leave these lush grounds. Set on 100 pristine hectares, the sprawling resort boasts quite literally something for every family member. Sport fans will love teeing off at the resort's championship golf course. Mum and Grandma can carve out some ‘me time’ at the luxury day spa (pro tip: book the Exhale package - two blissful hours that include a hydrotherapy soak, massage and facial). While the kids can burn energy on the tennis court or, splash the day away at the lagoon pool and adjoining water park complete with slippery slides. Hungry? There’s eight bars and restaurants to eat your way through - from the clubhouse serving casual bites to teppanyaki at Arakawa. 

Location: Ross Street, Benowa

Gold Coast Tourist Parks

For something a little friendlier on the wallet but no less fun for the family, Gold Coast’s tourist parks are seriously special. Dotted along the coastline in dreamy locations, they’re brimming with laid back charm, family-friend amenities and a wide range of accommodation options from camp sites to cabins and villas. While we don’t like to play favourites, Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park will see you waking up in paradise. Perched on the sparkling blue waters of Talle Creek, there’s two swimming pools and tennis courts on site, plus it’s only a short stroll from a surf club, cafes and the crystal waves of Palm Beach. Explore the Gold Coast’s drool-worthy foodie scene with a stay at Burleigh Heads Tourist Park or spend a few days as close to the coastline as possible at Main Beach Tourist Park or Ocean Beach Tourist Park in Miami.

Location: Various spots across the Gold Coast.

 

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove

For a luxe escape on the northern Gold Coast that keeps the whole crew smiling, the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove is pure paradise. Set on 4.2 hectares of tropical gardens (home to the odd grazing kangaroo), this resort oozes relaxation. There’s 251 newly refurbished guest rooms and suites decked out with plush furnishings and private balconies. But you’ll probably spend most of your time chilling in the acre-long lagoon where colourful bean bags dot the sugar-white sand - you can even order sips and snacks straight to you. Got little adventurers? Enrol them in Planet Trekkers Kids Club (kids aged four to 12), while the adults check out the championship golf courses, marina and the postcard-perfect village filled with restaurants and shops. 

Location: Manor Circuit, Hope Island

 

Arts & Culture

Cooly Rocks On  

Blue suede shoes aren’t required (but are always encouraged) for the Gold Coast’s annual nostalgia festival, Cooly Rocks On. From 4-8 June, the Coolangatta beachfront transforms into a retro wonderland, celebrating classic cars, rock’n’roll and vintage vibes. Everyone will get a kick out of the huge collection of hot rods lining the streets, while you can shimmy and shake across the dancefloor as rock’n’roll, swing and Elvis tribute acts take to the stage. There are retro markets to snag a souvenir at, the famous Pin-up Pageant to check out, while die-hard Elvis fans won’t want to miss the preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest. This festival will bring all generations together for a rockin’ good time. 

Location: Coolangatta beachfront

 

HOTA

A creative wonderland, HOTA is the ultimate playground for curious minds - both big and small. From sunrise to sunset, there’s always something fun to see, do and discover. Culture buffs will want to catch one of the theatre productions, comedy acts, or cabaret shows, while art-lovers can marvel at the thought-provoking exhibitions. Kids aged three to 16 can let their creativity flow at ArtLab during school hols, where they’ll get the chance to create their own masterpiece. 

Outdoors at the HOTA precinct there’s a sculpture walk and adventure trail to stroll or picnic amongst, plus an on-site restaurant and cafe for something more substantial. If you want to explore further afield, jump aboard the HOPO ferry and take in the beauty of Surfers Paradise. 

Location: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

 

Sea World Cruises

For a bucket list-worthy experience the entire family will rave about for years, climb aboard a Sea World Cruises buffet lunch or dinner cruise. Let us set the scene: you step onto a sleek, two-story vessel and set sail through the Gold Coast canals and Broadwater, saying g’day to the real locals - dolphins, turtles, stingrays and seals. By day, feast on fresh-from-the-trawler prawns, glazed ham and salads while sipping bubbles, with rooftop seating offering epic views from HOTA to the Surfers Paradise skyline. In the evening, the dinner cruise is pure magic. Departing from Sea World, enjoy live music on the deck, before indulging in a feast of local flavours with a craft beer in hand and the sparkling lights of the city dazzling in the distance. 

Location: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

 

Morning At Tallebudgera Creek 

Kickstart your holiday with a morning spent in pure paradise, otherwise known at Tallebudgera Creek. Float in the sparkling azure waters - that are calm enough for everyone from bubs to grandpa to enjoy - or challenge yourself to a SUP sesh (you can rent boards nearby). Then take your sandy feet and stroll up the beach to Custard Canteen. 

Snag a picnic table and feast on Biscoff croissants, blueberry and lemon curd muffins, and their iconic Butter Boy Benny - two poached eggs, bacon and hollandaise sauce in a warm, freshly made croissant. Starve off the food coma with a stroll across Tallebudgera Bridge where you’ll find Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Here you can immerse yourself in the Gold Coast’s history and culture, learning stories of the dreamtime and going on a guided tour of Burleigh Headland.

Location: 1544 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

 

Australian Outback Spectacular

Round up the family for a truly unforgettable evening at the Australian Outback Spectacular. The incredible live-action show transports you to Australia’s heartland, where fearless stockmen muster cattle on rugged plains. There’s something to captivate everyone - Grandad will love the Aussie story, while the kids will be wide-eyed at the thrilling horseback stunts. Once you pick your jaw up off the red dirt floor, you can tuck into a delicious three-course feast, including juicy eye fillet steak and warm apple pie, as you enjoy the show. If you really want to immerse your family in the action, you can even book them on a backstage tour. 

Location: Entertainment Road, Oxenford

 

Fun Activities For all Ages

SkyPoint Observation Deck

An absolute must do for anyone visiting the Gold Coast, there is no better spot to witness its unparalleled beauty than at the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Ascend to the 77th floor of Australia’s tallest building Q1 in just 38 seconds and soak up 360-degree vistas - from the sugar-white sand beaches, out to the hinterland. Ever wanted to dine amongst the clouds? Perched 230 metres above Surfers Paradise, you can enjoy a tasty buffet brekky at the bistro, or order drool-worthy pizzas, burgers and steak from the all-day dining menu. There are great options for the kids too. Should you have a daredevil or two in your family, book them a spot on Australia’s highest external building climb. The 90-minute experience is available for ages 12 and up and promises to take your breath away - and maybe give your stomach a few butterflies. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Location: Q1, 9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

Hijinx Hotel

You don’t need to pack a suitcase to visit the Hijinx Hotel - an immersive game filled with wonder, colour and intrigue. Fitted out like a quirky New York style hotel, each room comes with its own experiential game. Your challenge - to work together as a family to score as many points as possible within a set time before moving to the next room. Oh, and to have as much fun as possible. Which isn’t too tall of a task when the games include shooting hoops, wading through a giant ball pit, solving word scrambles, and remembering patterns on a giant piano. Post challenge the adults can indulge in a cocktail at the bar, while the kids will love the on-site eatery’s menu - pizzas, tacos, burgers and fries. 

Location: Level 1 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
 

Putt Putt Mermaid Beach

Nothing says wholesome family fun like a round of mini golf, and Putt Putt Mermaid Beach is serving up pure nostalgia. A Gold Coast favourite for decades, the colourful 18-hole course will provide hours of fun for tots and teens, all the way up to grandad (who would surely like to show off his skills). Putt your way through 18 holes, navigating a tropical watery oasis, animal-filled jungle trail and fun run. Adults can enjoy a cheeky beer or wine at the licensed 19th hole, while the kids will love the video game arcade. When it's time to hang up the clubs, chuck some victory snags on the BBQ in the picnic area. 

Location: 2492 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
 

Nature Activities For All Ages

Whale Watching

Want to know something seriously cool about the Gold Coast? It has the longest continuous whale watching season in Australia, which means you have ample opportunity to view these majestic beauties in the wild. Stretching from late May to October, around 35,000 humpbacks migrate from the Antarctic up to the north, cruising along our beautiful coast to mate and birth their calves. While you can catch a sighting of these incredible creatures while walking along the beach, one of the best ways to see them is on a whale watching tour. There are loads of tours to choose from, small boats with an intimate group, chartered yachts, or larger vessels that offer a morning cuppa and pastry with your whale viewing. 

Location: Various across the Gold Coast

Natural Bridge 

 Step into a real-life fairy tale, where an ancient rainforest - a cool 180 million years old - hides a waterfall so mighty, you’ll hear it before you see it. Nestled within Springbrook National Park (just a 45-minute drive from Surfers Paradise), this wonder is carved into a basalt cave, where light and water crash through the natural gap, pouring into an emerald pool below. While swimming is off-limits, you can wander right up to the edge and soak in the spellbinding view—just don’t forget to check it out from above, too! Park your wheels at the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road car park and follow the one-kilometre circuit, weaving through towering Hoop Pines where koalas, sooty owls, and cascade tree frogs hang out. Post waterfall chasing, kick back at the picnic area for a well-earned snack. Heads up, the circuit does include stairs so it’s not wheelchair-friendly. 

Location: Nerang Murwillumbah Road, Springbrook

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Set on 27 lush hectares just steps from the beach, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must for animal-lovers of all ages. Start your day with their unique Koala Brekky experience, munching on pastries alongside the sanctuary’s fluffiest locals. But that’s just the beginning - you can feed Cotton-top Tamarins, play with Nigerian dwarf goats, meet capybaras and have a laugh with lemurs. Wander through the sanctuary and you’ll spot crocs, wombats, Tasmanian Devils and red pandas. Other must dos include the Ngari-Bah Aboriginal culture show, dinosaur meet and greet (it’s a hit for little ones), Wildlife Hospital tour and Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone where kids 12 and under can cool off under waterfalls. Hungry? Check out The Homestead, where a native-inspired menu is served on a patio overlooking grazing roos. 

Location: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin


Look for more activities the whole family can enjoy? Check out Gold Coast's top 10 picnic spots.