Gold Coast family holiday advice

LBadBreath on 09/04/2013 - 13:10

Hi Guys,
I just wanted to say thanks to the Ozbargain community – you guys are great.. (I am a long time reader..first time poster)

I am planning a 1 week family holiday in surfer’s paradise In September( not great timing but its when I can get leave)
My wife and myself and 2 kids ages 8 and 10 will be going.

As I haven’t holidayed for years I am hoping for some advice from my awesome Ozbargain buddies.

I have read some great posts about getting cheap theme park tickets so I think that’s covered.
I also have the Rental car covered as well from other member’s previous posts.

But I am looking for some help with finding -

  • Accommodation (I’m looking for a nice 3br house to wind down in after daily theme park activities preferably with a hot tub- if anyone has some personal experience with a nice place close to the theme parks that would be great.)
  • Any other ideas for nice family activities to be had on the gold coast.

If anyone has some ideas please let me know as I am a total holiday Noob.

Cheers
Baddie

Travel

Comments

  • MITM on 09/04/2013 - 14:49
    +1

    Kids would probably enjoy Infinity. It's in Surfers, so could be combined with a day in town.
    Had my 10yo boys bday party there - it was a great day.
    Ripelys is good also. Look for discount tix for both.
    Harbourtown for discount shopping (try and get a locals discount card from centre management for further discounts) - has a Readings cinema too with cheap movie tix.
    Check www.tripadvisor.com.au

  • kathy81743 on 10/04/2013 - 08:22
    +1

    Hi, never stayed in a private rental there but I have stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment in Surfers (Whyndham apartments, 4* rating),2 bedroom, 2 bathroom and a sofa bed in lounge room, with fully fitted kitchen, laundry it was brilliant location for access to everything has a large pool, hot tub, bbq area etc and would be ideal for family, the apartments are brand new so décor was very high end quality, with amazing views of the beach, we also went in Sept (last year) and it cost us $159 per night, and would definitely go back there, hope this helps.

  • Orgazmo on 10/04/2013 - 08:38
    +2

    Ashmore palms is great. From about $580 for 7 nights. We stay there every Qld trip

    • andy19363 on 10/04/2013 - 08:58

      agreed….. great place

    • scotty on 10/04/2013 - 13:10
      +1

      Ashmore is a bit further away though from the beach. Not too bad if you already have rental car sorted out.

  • geek001 on 10/04/2013 - 08:40
    +1

    If the weather is good, you can try some free activities(being a OZBargainer :)). My family and I were down that way during Easter. Since you have access to a rental car, you can check out Palm Beach south of Surfers. It's almost lagoon like beach, so the water is calm and so clear I could see and feed the fishes.

    Also, check out Mount Tamborine, I think the national park walks are good and there's like a strip of interesting touristy shops up that way as well. The cuckoo clock shop is sure to impress.

    If the weather is not good, then you can try the things that MITM has mentioned as Infinity and Ripleys are both indoors.

    • buzymum20 on 13/04/2013 - 15:03

      I think the lagoon type area geek001 refers to is Tallebudgera Creek, not Palm Beach. Palm Beach is a surf beach- very nice, but Tallebudgera has no waves. There is a tourist park just near there, but I haven't stayed there so can not recommend. Here's the website http://www.goldcoasttouristparks.com.au/park/tallebudgera-cr…
      Don't forget shopper dockets. One of the last dine in Pizza huts is right on the beach at Kirra and has the best view. It often has shopper dockets.

      • altomic on 30/04/2013 - 13:40

        I think the lagoon in Palm beach is that area on the river (next to Currumbin Sands Holiday apartments).

        hire some bikes to for a ride along the water front bike paths.

  • DealsBoy on 10/04/2013 - 10:54
    +1

    Yes depends on weather for activities.
    So many things to do outdoors - Mount Tamborine walks & shops, Currumbin- Kayaking & surfing, nice beach, O'Reilleys- walks Burleigh Heads- walks & nice cafes, Broadwater beach, kayaking, jetboating
    Ripleys good for kids when raining.

    Try Stayz for accommodation ideas. Nicer to stay on the coast rather than near theme parks as not much round there. How about somewhere on the front in Broadwater or Broadbeach both near to Surfers?

    Could check out some daily deals for the Gold Coast, then you can pick up some deals before you get there for Restaurants or activities Gold Coast Daily Deals

  • stephi on 10/04/2013 - 13:32
    +1

    Mari court resort is excellent. It's just at the star of Broadbeach, 2min walk to the beach. It has pool, spa, bbq. Can't recal how much but at the time we went(twice now) it was very reasonable. I would love to go back! ps. went with hubby & 2 kids 8 and 10yrs

  • BadBreath on 11/04/2013 - 09:32

    Thanks for your advice guys..I really need to put some more time into orfganising this.

    Thanks guys,

    Will definitely check out;
    • Infinity (interesting)
    • Whyndham apartments
    • Ashmore palms
    • Mount Tamborine
    • Ripleys (looks cool)
    • Mari court resort

    The resort idea does sound pretty good.
    I've never stayed in a resort..but it looks like they have activities which could be great for my to sons (aged 8 and 10).

    Baddie

  • MITM on 11/04/2013 - 17:52
    +1

    Here's a code posted today.
    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/99405

  • mumof2sydney on 15/04/2013 - 16:18

    hi- also ambassador club has pretty good family deals
    check out apts at QT
    http://www.ambassadorcard.com.au/search.php

    the kids will want to be in the action..a house may not be the best idea from experience!

  • Jamesboag304 on 22/04/2013 - 07:56
    • 1 for Ashmore Palms great value accomodation , they have some great deals around August - September normally.
      We have stayed there 3 times and always had a great time.

    We also looked at http://www.paradiseresort.com.au/facilities/overview/ which has a great water park, but it's a more expensive option.

    • MITM on 24/04/2013 - 18:29

      Sorry OP - James above shows the resort I was thinking of with the ice rink.

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