This action-packed 3-day itinerary is designed for families with kids, offering a perfect blend of exhilarating theme park rides, native wildlife encounters, and iconic Australian beach experiences. From meeting superheroes to cuddling koalas and splashing in the ocean, every day promises unforgettable memories for all ages.
Activity 3
Food 5
Nature 4
Viewpoint 1
Shopping 1
Opening hours, prices and routes can change, so check the details before you set off.
Day 1
4 stops · about 5.5 hrs
Activity, Food, Nature
1
Warner Bros. Movie World
Activity
Full day
Kids will love meeting their favorite superheroes and cartoon characters, enjoying thrilling rides, and watching exciting shows.
Good to know
Book tickets online in advance to save time and money, and arrive early to make the most of your day.
2
Lunch near Movie World
Food
1 hour
Fuel up with a variety of family-friendly dining options available within or just outside the park to keep the energy high.
Good to know
Consider packing some snacks and water, but plenty of food stalls and restaurants are available for purchase.
3
Broadwater Parklands
Nature
2 hours
This expansive park offers fantastic playgrounds, a jumping pillow, and a water play area perfect for kids to cool off and burn energy.
Good to know
Bring swimwear and towels for the water playground, and check for free events or markets often held here.
4
Dinner in Main Beach
Food
1.5 hours
Enjoy a relaxed family dinner with a range of restaurants offering kid-friendly menus in a pleasant coastal setting.
Good to know
Many restaurants offer early bird specials or kids-eat-free promotions, so inquire when booking.
Day 2
5 stops · about 10 hrs
Activity, Food, Nature
5
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Activity
Half day
Get up close with native Australian wildlife, feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, and watch the famous lorikeet feeding.
Good to know
Plan to arrive for the lorikeet feeding sessions (morning and afternoon) and wear comfortable walking shoes.
6
Lunch in Burleigh Heads
Food
1 hour
Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many cafes or takeaways with views of the iconic Burleigh Beach.
Good to know
Look for options along James Street or near the beach for fresh, local fare.
7
Burleigh Headland National Park Walk
Nature
1.5 hours
Take an easy, scenic walk through lush rainforest with stunning ocean views, perfect for spotting whales during migration season.
Good to know
The Oceanview walk is suitable for prams and young children, but stick to marked paths and bring water.
8
Burleigh Beach
Nature
2 hours
Relax on the golden sands, swim in the patrolled waters, or let the kids play in the rock pools at low tide.
Good to know
Swim only between the red and yellow flags, and apply plenty of sunscreen and a hat.
9
Dinner in Burleigh Heads
Food
1.5 hours
Burleigh offers a vibrant dining scene with options ranging from casual fish and chips to trendy family-friendly restaurants.
Good to know
Consider making a reservation for popular spots, especially on weekends.
Day 3
5 stops · about 8 hrs
Viewpoint, Nature, Food, Activity
10
SkyPoint Observation Deck
Viewpoint
1.5 hours
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the Gold Coast coastline, hinterland, and city from Australia's only beachside observation deck.
Good to know
Visit in the morning for clearer views, and consider combining your visit with breakfast at the cafe.
11
Surfers Paradise Beach
Nature
2 hours
Build sandcastles, splash in the waves, or simply relax on one of Australia's most famous beaches.
Good to know
Look for the iconic Surfers Paradise sign for a family photo opportunity, and always swim between the flags.
12
Lunch in Surfers Paradise
Food
1 hour
Surfers Paradise offers a huge array of dining options, from casual eateries to themed restaurants that kids will adore.
Good to know
Explore Cavill Avenue and its surrounds for diverse choices, many with outdoor seating.
13
Aquaduck Safaris
Activity
1.5 hours
Experience a unique land and water tour, cruising through Surfers Paradise streets before splashing into the Broadwater.
Good to know
Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season, and choose a tour time that suits your family's schedule.
14
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Shopping
2 hours
This resort-style shopping centre offers not just retail therapy but also a cinema, play areas, and diverse dining options for the whole family.
Good to know
Take advantage of the free shuttle bus services from various Gold Coast locations, and check for kid-friendly events.
Where to stay
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Tours and activities in Gold Coast Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
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More Gold Coast itineraries Other ways to spend a few days in Gold Coast, from our own travel research.
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Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Gold Coast?
Yes, 3 days cover roughly four to five stops per day, including Warner Bros. Movie World, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and SkyPoint Observation Deck.
Where to stay in Gold Coast for 3 days?
Stay near Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, which keeps Broadwater Parklands and Burleigh Beach close by.
Which tours go with this Gold Coast itinerary?
One tour fits this itinerary: «Gold Coast Skippered Canal Cruise».
How long do you need at Lunch near Movie World?
The stated time needed for Lunch near Movie World is 1 hour.
How long do you need at Broadwater Parklands?
The stated time needed at Broadwater Parklands is 2 hours.
What is there to do at Warner Bros. Movie World?
Kids can meet superheroes and cartoon characters, enjoy rides, and watch shows at Warner Bros. Movie World.
Is Warner Bros. Movie World good for kids?
Yes, kids can meet favorite characters, enjoy thrilling rides, and watch exciting shows.
What can you see at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
You can see native Australian wildlife, feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, and watch the lorikeet feeding.
What is there to do at Burleigh Headland National Park Walk?
The walk passes through rainforest and offers ocean views; its Oceanview walk suits prams and young children.
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