Gold Coast

1. Surfers Paradise Beach

Despite all the skyscrapers rising behind the beach and the many bronzed bodies basking along its shore, it remains a surprisingly clean and picturesque stretch. Kids can splash around in the shallows or build sandcastles in the soft white sand. Surfers can ride the typically gentle swells, and if you want a break from the sun, you can seek shelter in one of the many nearby shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Lifeguards patrol 365 days a year, but swimmers should stay between the red and yellow flags at all times. At night, the beach is illuminated for evening strolls.

Location: The Esplanade, Surfer's Paradise

2. SkyPoint, Surfer's Paradise

SkyPoint, in the contemporary Q1 Resort and Spa, is Australia's tallest residential tower and offers giddy views of the entire Gold Coast. You can choose from two sightseeing attractions here. The SkyPoint Observation Deck on level 77 affords 360-degree panoramas of the Gold Coast, the sea, and the distant green hinterland.

3. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

A favorite with families, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known wildlife park owned by the non-profit National Trust of Queensland. Bird lovers are in for a treat here. Hundreds of brightly colored rainbow lorikeets eat from visitors' hands and even perch on their heads.

Address: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

4. Coolangatta Beach

Near the New South Wales state border, Coolangatta Beach provides a much more peaceful alternative to the tourist-packed Surfer's Paradise beaches a 30-minute drive north. Spending a day on the soft sun-soaked sands here is one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast for free.

5. Sea World

Sea World on the Gold Coast is the largest marine park in Australia. Young and old alike will enjoy the exhibits and busy agenda of shows here, with favorites like performing dolphins, sea lions, and Jet-Ski stunts. Other highlights include the polar bears, penguin feeding presentation, as well as the tropical fish, shark, and ray exhibits. The park even offers sea-themed rides like roller coasters. For a great overview of the park, hop aboard the monorail.

Address: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

6. Dreamworld

Dreamworld is one of the Gold Coast's favorite theme parks — with an Aussie twist. In addition to a thrilling lineup of roller coasters, live shows, and movie characters, the park hosts many native Australian animals and offers close-up experiences with crocodiles, tree kangaroos, and dingos. You can even sign up for a sunset safari and come face to face with endangered big cats at Tiger Island. Other highlights at this popular park include a virtual reality aboriginal corroboree experience with storytelling, song, and dance, and every toddler's favorite — Wiggles World.

Address: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera

7.  Warner Bros Movie World

t Warner Bros Movie World, kids can come face to face with superheroes, ride roller coasters, see stunt shows, and immerse themselves in fantasylands on 3D interactive rides. Little ones will love the kids' Fun Zone with colorful rides and Looney Tunes characters, and the parades on "Main Street" are also a hit.

Address: Pacific Motorway, Gold Coast