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 There is something for everyone on the Gold Coast, and families are especially catered for with a massive choice of accommodation including self-contained apartments, hotels, resorts and holiday parks, and a feast of attractions.
The big four are heaven on earth for kids - Dreamworld, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet 'n' Wild Water World. Dreamworld is the ultimate park, offering thrill rides, shows and wonderful animal experiences.
Fearless kids can blast off on the Giant Drop, Wipeout, the terrifying Cyclone rollercoaster and the Tower of Terror, which is the fastest, tallest ride in the world. A tamer environment is the amazing Tiger Island, where you can watch nine Bengal tigers playing and swimming with their handlers. It is wonderful to witness.
The Australian Wildlife Experience is great for younger kids, as they can pat a kangaroo, cuddle a koala and see crocodiles up close. Kennyland is another winner, with the new Nick Central.
Wet 'n' Wild Water World will really make a splash with the kids, as they tackle exhilarating rides and slides like Mammoth Plunge, Mammoth River, Terror Canyon II or the Super 8 Aqua Racer. The Wave Pool is fantastic - in summer you can even watch dive-in movies - or you can relax at Calypso Beach. The water is heated, so you can enjoy the fun all year round.
Sea World has long been a favourite with families, with its sensational dolphin show, water ski spectacular and Polar Bear Shores real crowd pleasers. It is fascinating watching the twins Lia and Lutik, as well as Kanook and Ping Ping as they cavort around their watery playground. |
 There are many excellent rides with the highlights being the swashbuckling Pirates 3D Adventure, Bermuda Triangle and the triple loop Corkscrew rollercoaster. Cartoon Beach is designed for younger kids, while the dolphin show and the Quest for the Golden Seal show will captivate everyone.
For a real thrill, consider booking the children or even yourself a dolphin encounter. I opted for the Blue Lagoon Experience and it was so wonderful to be in the water with a dolphin, stroking her and learning a bit more about these beautiful creatures.
Warner Bros. Movie World is Hollywood on the Gold Coast with its highlights the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, Batman Adventure - The Ride 2, Lethal Weapon, the Wild Wild West Adventure Ride and the new Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience, updated to coincide with the release of the new Harry Potter movie - The Chamber of Secrets.
Any Gold Coast holiday must also include a visit to the timeless Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. It is now much more than a chance to feed lorikeets and pat kangaroos. Now kids can see over 1400 mammals, birds and reptiles, and can even hold a crocodile! Enjoy the Snakes Alive show, Totally Wild, the Aboriginal Dancers and the Free Flight Bird Show, and visit the Creatures of the Dark Forest exhibit. For an extra treat, see the animals at night during the Wildnight Tour.
Other places to visit on the coast with the most include Tropical Fruit World, Cable Sports World and the David Fleay Wildlife Park. Make your visit coincide with some of the big events held during the year, such as the Honda Indy 300 held in October, the Broadbeach Festival 1 - 3 November 2002, Xmas Carols at Surfers Paradise on 1 December, and the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 22 - 25 May 2003.
The Gold Coast is just as famous for its beaches as it is for its attractions, with 70 kms of coastline boasting 36 beaches. The golden sand and the rolling surf is magic under the Queensland sun - just remember to slip, slop, slap frequently, as the sun, which shines on average 300 days a year, can burn your skin in no time at all. For a break away from the surf and sand, take the family horse riding, bungy jumping, skydiving, ballooning, hang gliding, parasailing or fishing. The shopping is excellent and the choice of restaurants astounding. You can do anything and everything on the glitter strip.
After the excitement of visiting the theme parks on the Gold Coast, head inland for the more relaxing experience of exploring Tamborine Mountain with its superb galleries, views and waterfalls, Springbrook with its stunning Purlingbrook Falls, or Lamington National Park, and where you can stay at Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, and the family can go bushwalking through the beautiful rainforest. Helen Hayes |
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