The Gold Coast combines four big theme and water parks around Oxenford and Coomera with long patrolled surf beaches, wildlife sanctuaries and World Heritage rainforest in the hinterland, roughly 25-30 km inland in a straight line. Theme parks are full, hot days, so alternate them with beach or hinterland days rather than stacking them.
Parent tip: Swim only between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches, and check park alerts before hinterland walks because tracks close after heavy rain.
Movie-themed park in Oxenford with big coasters for older children and a separate kids area, so a mixed-age family can split up and meet again.
Large outdoor water park next to Movie World with tall slides for teens and shallower splash zones for younger children.
Not-for-profit sanctuary with koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles and a wildlife hospital, set in bushland a short walk from Currumbin beach.
Coomera theme park with thrill rides, a kids area and an Australian wildlife zone; WhiteWater World water park is next door on its own calendar.
Marine theme park on The Spit with aquariums, rides and animal exhibits.
Small Queensland Government wildlife park focused on native and threatened species such as platypus, koalas and cassowaries, with ranger talks and a creek walk.
The Gold Coast's best-known surf beach, steps from the high-rises; good for sandcastles and paddling between the lifeguard flags.
Beach curving up to the Burleigh headland, with a grassy foreshore park behind it for picnics and shade.
Headland national park with a shoreline track and rainforest paths; the park notes whales can be seen in spring and sea-eagles along the coast.
Creek-mouth beach at Palm Beach where the water is usually calmer than the open surf, a common pick for families with small children.