ALENEY DE WINTER discovers a wealth of treasure for families on the Gold Coast, from glittering gold to shimmering sapphire and radiant ruby.
If you ask my kids what they’re looking for in a family holiday, something “epic” is always on the agenda. And while the Gold Coast delivers on that count with its thrilling, chilling and watery-spilling theme parks, which are a rite of passage for Australian school kids, mine are seeking a different kind of Gold Coast treasure.
Taking on the action-packed, adrenaline-pumping thrill rides of Dreamworld, the cool slides of WhiteWater World, the Hollywood highs of Warner Bros. Movie World and fishy fun of Sea World, Raff(10) and Marlo (7) have been sliding, riding, coasting and splashing their way through them all over the past few summers. But this time the kids have had their heads turned by the Gold Coast’s other glittering attractions.
Sapphire-blue hues
Of course, we scour the Gold Coast’s most timeless treasure: its stretches of stunning beaches. Over the duration of our visit, we begin at beautiful Burleigh Beach to watch the surfers in the sapphire-blue ocean and soak up a little sunshine and sea. Then we take the short, scenic walk from the surf beach to Tallebudgera Creek, the place in-the-know local families head for safe swimming, kayaking and boarding. The turquoise-hued waters are so calm, cool and ridiculously pretty that Marlo is more than happy to wallow in the precious Gold Coast jewel while her Action Man impersonating brother explores it by paddleboard.
We leave the beach but not the water at Currumbin Rock Pools, another haunt that’s an easy 15-minute drive from the coast in the Currumbin Valley. Here, daredevil Raffleaps off the rocks and showers under waterfalls into the water below, while Marlo flops happily in a smaller rock pool. Surrounded by lush rainforest and mountain rock pools, the effect of our forest bathing is rejuvenating. My little nature lovers are positively zen after our visit.
この記事は Holidays with Kids の Volume 58 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Holidays with Kids の Volume 58 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Why Caravanning Is The Perfect Family Holiday
Lauren Attard chats to Jayco ‘vanbassador’ JADE BERG about why caravanning holidays make for the ultimate family break.
Hidden gold
Gold Coast local NARELLE BOUVENG shares her insider tips for a twist on visiting Australia’s favourite family playground.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Jamala Wildlife Lodge immerses families in the National Zoo & Aquarium’s wildlife while they enjoy luxury accommodation and bespoke African fixtures.
A TO (N)Z
With the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand in place, we’re sharing our A to Z of holiday highlights for families itching to cross the ditch.
A moveable feast
From binging on bugs to foraging for bush food, 12-year-old RAFFERTY LAIGHT shares his love of exploring culture and making connections through cuisine.
How To Raise A Reader
The benefits of reading are wide and well known. NATARSHA BROWN shares six simple steps to foster a love of books in your little one, and inspire them to dream big for the rest of their lives.
How To Keep Tails Wagging On Holiday
Whether you’re pondering a portion of the Big Lap or simply a short weekend away, Eliza Velk uncovers how to plan your trip so that fido can go too.
There's no place like home
Former NRL star, television personality and proud husband and father BEAU RYAN chats to NATARSHA BROWN about his tips for travelling with kids and his favourite Australian holiday destinations
Gypsy magic
Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base paves the way to a cleaner, greener Malaysian island experience
Family Matters
Our experts are helping families stay healthy, happy and inspired inside and outside the home.