Visiting Gold Coast, Australia with children?

Question

We're off to the Gold Coast in August for ten days with an eight year old and a nine year old - apart from the obvious theme parks etc does anyone have any recommendations for any interesting places to go, nice restaurants, things to do and so on while we're there? We're also staying at Hervey Bay for four days to hopefully see some whales - again, if anyone has any advice or comments I'd be grateful to hear them!

Thanks

Answer 1

Aus is very child friendly so you should find lots to do. You can hire bikes at Hervey Bay and there is a safe cycle track along the prom. From there take a boat to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. Well worth a visit. On the Gold Coast visit Sea World at Southport - entry fee covers all rides etc once you are in and Looney Tunes area will keep them amused for hours.  Avoid Movie World - they are not old enough to appreciate it. I'd also avoid Surfers Paradise - noisy and busy. There are better beaches at Southport area. Restaurants vary from the Macdonald burger joints to haute cuisine. Choose your budget and cuisine and enjoy. We have visited this coast 4 times with children varying in ages from 2 - 11 and have always found good value food. Fish is fresh and varied and vegetarians are well catered for. If you are in Brisbane, Southbank parklands is a welcome break from the city and has an excellent children's play area and food court. Take the ferry there for added excitement. En route from Gold Coast to Hervey Bay, stop off at Australia Zoo (of Steve Iwrin fame) and enjoy the animals at close range. Check out websites for Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast tourist attractions.  Hire a car and get off the usual tourist routes. Australians will always take time to talk about their country and tell you the best bits to see. Look out for money off coupons on the back of shop till receipts (locally known as shopadockets) you can often get By one get one free coffees etc Have a great time.

Answer 2

On the Gold Coast you have to either get a Krispy Kreme Donut from Pacific Fair or an ice cream from cold rock at Burleigh or Palm Beach.

Burleigh Beach is good to see and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Pacific Fair and Australia Fair are good to go shopping at.

For the Restaurants theirs Montezumas which has good meals.