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Plan Your Trip to Gold Coast: Best of Gold Coast Tourism

By Byroenius

Gold Coast, Australia

Sun-drenched and built for fun, Australia's Gold Coast hugs Queensland's southeast coastline with beaches, shimmering high rises, and epic surf breaks. Though it's hedonistic at heart, there's also plenty of opportunities for adventure and family-friendly attractions beyond its well-known party scene.
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Essential Gold Coast

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Properties ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, and number of page views.

Gold Coast Is Great For

Jet Ski Rentals

Eat & drink

Whale Watching

After dark

Surfing Lessons

Spas

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Gold Coast travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Theme Park Recommendations

According to forum posts, SeaWorld is highly recommended, especially for families with younger children or those interested in animal shows and educational displays. It features seal and dolphin shows, polar bears, penguins, and a variety of rides suitable for all ages.

Alternative Options

For those seeking more thrilling rides, MovieWorld is suggested by some travelers as having the biggest rides. Dreamworld, although noted for showing its age, still offers a range of rides and includes a wildlife area that could be appealing to animal lovers.

Water Parks

Wet n Wild is mentioned as probably the best water park in Gold Coast, providing a fun and refreshing experience, particularly during warmer months. However, it is advised to consider the seasonal weather, as water parks may be less enjoyable during cooler months.

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Family-Friendly Accommodations

According to forum posts, many family-friendly accommodations in Gold Coast include the Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park, known for its suitability for young children with nearby flat water and surf. Paradise Resort and Seaworld Resort are highlighted for their kid-centric activities and proximity to theme parks. Mantra Crown Towers, Mantra Sun City, and JW Marriott Gold Coast also come recommended for families.

Location and Amenities

Travelers have called out Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads as favorable locations due to their relaxed vibe and proximity to beaches and dining options. Accommodations like Meriton Suites and ULTIQA Beach Haven in Broadbeach offer great family amenities. Additionally, The Royal Pines at Ashmore is mentioned for its fantastic pool and recreational facilities.

Alternative Suggestions

For travelers looking for quieter options yet still family-friendly, Main Beach and the Xanadu Main Beach Resort are suggested, providing easy access to beaches, cafes, and public transport.

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Car Rental Companies

According to forum posts, travelers have recommended major car rental companies like Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt for renting a car on the Gold Coast. These companies allow for pickups in one location and drop-offs in another, such as picking up at the Gold Coast and returning to Brisbane.

Car Rental Booking Platforms

Some travelers have mentioned using websites like vroomvroomvroom.com.au to compare prices and book rental cars. This site is highlighted as a useful tool for finding competitive rates across various major car rental providers.

Considerations for Car Use

For many users, renting a car is deemed necessary for convenience, especially when planning to visit places like the theme parks or the hinterland areas, which are not easily accessible by public transport. However, travelers have called out that while renting a car enhances mobility, parking in Brisbane can be expensive and stressful due to the multitude of toll roads and navigation challenges in the city.

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Indoor Pools

According to forum posts, travelers looking for hotels with indoor pools on the Gold Coast have several options including Peppers Soul, Meriton Surfers, Q1, Xanadu, Hilton, Mantra Sun City, Mantra Sierra Grand, and Mantra Crown Towers. These are suitable for guests who prefer to avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Heated Pools

Some travelers have highlighted hotels with heated pools such as Chevron Renaissance, Sheraton Grand, Versace, and Marriott. These options are particularly favored during cooler months, offering comfort and extended swimming opportunities.

Lagoon-Style Pools

For those interested in lagoon-style pools, forum users recommend places like JW Marriott, Sheraton Mirage, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Royal Palm at Palm Beach, Q1, Mantra Sun City, Mantra Crown Towers, and Grande Florida Resort. These are appreciated for their aesthetic appeal and ease of access, especially for guests with mobility issues.

General Pool Features

Overall, the Gold Coast offers a variety of pool amenities across different hotels, catering to preferences for sun exposure, ease of access, and temperature control, enhancing the staying experience for a wide range of guests.

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Theme Park Preferences

According to forum posts, Wet n Wild is generally preferred over WhiteWater World (WWW) for its larger size and greater variety of thrill rides. Some travelers mentioned that Wet n Wild offers enough attractions to fill a full day, making it a better standalone option.

Location and Convenience

For many users, the decision between Wet n Wild and WWW depends on other travel plans. If visiting Dreamworld, WWW is conveniently located adjacent to it, making it a practical choice as an add-on. Conversely, Wet n Wild and Movie World often come as part of bundled ticket deals, which can influence the choice for those also visiting these parks.

Traveler Recommendations and Insights

Travelers have called out that Wet n Wild is open all year round, which adds to its appeal, especially during cooler months when WWW typically closes. This aspect makes Wet n Wild a more reliable option for planning visits any time of the year.

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Travel Duration

For a short stay, some travelers suggested Surfers Paradise due to its convenience and the availability of activities. It's central to most tourist-related activities on the Gold Coast, making it ideal for a quick visit.

Accommodation Options

According to forum posts, Broadbeach is also recommended for its family-friendly environment and proximity to various attractions. It offers a good mix of hotels and apartment hotels across different price ranges.

Activity Access

Travelers have called out that Surfers Paradise provides easy access to public transportation, which is beneficial for visitors looking to explore without personal transport. It is depicted as a vibrant area with plenty to do and see, fitting for a packed short visit.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.