Gday fellow OzB’s
Has anyone travelled to GC during April school holidays?
We have booked flights but now I’m worried it will be too busy.
Any tips for accomodation for 2 adults and our two toddlers (4 and 2). We probably will avoid theme parks as they are too young.
We will have a rental car too which makes our plans a bit more flexible.
thanks!
Thanks. We have booked with apex car rentals.
Any accomodation recommendations?
Agreed
Book accomodation now to get the best prices.
Gold Coast is a huge place.
Plenty of places to hide from any crowds.
PS Why is when people have kids and book a holiday they suddenly go into panic mode?
What do you intend to do, if you are avoiding the theme parks, that you are concerned will be too busy?
Not really concerned with the theme parks as the kids are too young so we will plan other activities like beach visits etc
I can't imagine that the Gold Coast beaches will be too busy.
Why the Gold Coast? (family reasons?)
Surely there's a gazillion better destinations .
Won't somebody think of the children?
Sunshine Coast better? As I said we have a car
It will be busy, but it's always busy. The only week we completely avoid is the crazy-busy you get in the Christmas/New Year week. You aren't doing anything you need to queue for so you'll be fine.
HOTA can often have a kid-friendly activity on in the holidays. The view from the top is cool too. There are often markets (food and/or seasonal) on around it, so we try to time a visit to get both in at once.
Free pelican feeding is fun to watch and the little lagoon is a good place for the kids to splash about. Fish and chips there are ok.
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g659071-d10…
Free lorikeet feeding at Currumbin Wildlife is fun too. We went on a Friday last time and there was a food market on in the evening that we got dinner at, it was great. No idea if it's a permanent thing or not though.
As a gold coast local, if your avoiding the theme parks. everything else is fine.
weather should be perfect for you. plenty to do and dont have to worry to much about the crowds.
enjoy your trip :)
For accommodation Chevron Towers was good with toddlers. Has a couple of nice pools, a playground and shops nearby. Was too rich for us last we looked but have stayed there a few times before.
April is fine compared to Christmas.
You can go to more family friendly places like Burleigh, Broadwater.
Go outlet shopping at HarborTown, lots of kids clothing ships.
Pacific Fair is huge with lots to see and play.
Come to Brisbane. Southbank had lots of free activities for kids. Theyll love the Street Beach.
Lone Pine is nice for kids too.
Go North to.AussievWorld, suits young kids.
I usually choose accommodation by sorting the hotel list by price. I go down the list until I find one I like.
I can't imagine choosing one based on a random OzBargain recommendation.
Stayed here 4 times and just down the rd from apex car rentals in bilinga.. ticks all the boxes…
https://www.bilavista.com.au/
April was always my favourite at the coast cos of cyclones…
jason and the argonauts
All the Greeks were there for the parties, medusa letting down her hair….just gotta keep Medea away from the matches
Has anyone travelled to GC during April school holidays?
Lots of people have.
Any tips for accomodation for 2 adults and our two toddlers (4 and 2).
Definitely here…
You'll hardly need to leave….
It's on Mermaid beach so perfect if you have a car…
Also, very close to Pacific Fair shopping centre.
Why would you take toddlers to a backpackers?
Why would you book flights & rental car during school holidays without also arranging accommodation at the same time considering it would be peak season?
Why would you take toddlers to the GC but not take them to theme parks?
Backpackers hostel would be cheaper than a hotel.
Why would you take toddlers to the GC but not take them to theme parks?
Because 90% of what is at the theme parks is not suitable for them.
Why would you book flights & rental car during school holidays without also arranging accommodation
They are arranging it now.
Because 90% of what is at the theme park is not suitable for them.
lol
Have you ever been? The theme parks wouldn't be in business if 90% of the attractions were unsuitable for toddlers. It's not all thrill rides.
I always book flights & accommodation at the same time, especially when travelling during school holidays. Waiting even a day to book for a period during school holidays can limit your choice or worse, give you no choice at all.
lol
Have you ever been?
Yep, there is a tiny section for toddlers at each water park.
I always book flights & accommodation at the same time
I always book flights first, then look for accomodation shortly after.
GC beaches are too rough for toddlers - so you might try the sheltered estuaries like Currumbin Creek or Tallebudgera Creek.
There's a caravan park nearby with cabins. https://goldcoasttouristparks.com.au/parks/tallebudgera-cree… Half day at Seaworld would be OK for toddlers.
Will you consider sharing an indicative nightly rate?
I'm too expensive for you….
For upper-middle class Ozbargainers: Two Bedroom Ocean Residence at The Langham $694 per night
Further south you go the less crowded it is (in general - Burleigh and Cooly will be busy-ish)
What about north? Caloundra / Noosa Heads
Less accommodation choice on the Sunny Coast, higher prices in Noosa Heads. We used to do Noosa before having offspring, then became Goldy people. Noosa is great if you enjoy restaurant dining, Gold Coast has way more kid-friendly dining options. If you’re not price sensitive, definitely stay in Hastings Street.
nah, it will be cool.
car rental - have you looked at https://www.familycarrentals.com.au/ ?