The Gold Coast has a reputation as one of the best beach destinations in the world, with 36km of sandy coastline and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. Your visit here isn’t complete without sprawling out on the sand on your beach towel and cooling off with a swim in the sea.

Dive right into it by indulging by in some family time without spending a cent at one of the region’s most popular beach destinations. And, if you feel like more of an adventure, there are plenty of affordable family water activities to enjoy while you're here.

The only thing you’ll need to organise are the kids, your cossies, sunblock and a picnic hamper should you so desire, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the Gold Coast at its best.

BEACHES

Wave Break Island

A trip to Wave Break Island is a popular activity for water-lovers, and a must-do activity if you have your own boat  You can also access the island by kayak which can be hired nearby or you can join a tour. The non-commercialised island offers plenty of snorkelling and diving opportunities that are perfect for beginners, with subtropical fish species along with the odd turtle or two! From time-to-time you’ll even spot dolphins frolicking along the shoreline (if you’re lucky you’ll see a mother and calf!).

If you don't have your own boat it doesn’t matter. There are plenty of cruises that will take you out to the island and around the secluded beaches. The Kids will love hand-feeding fish and depending on the type of tour you choose, you can cool off with a swim in the calm clear waters, before enjoying a beachside BBQ or picnic lunch.

South Stradbroke Island

For another island adventure head to South Stradbroke Island which really has it all when it comes to untouched natural beauty. It boasts inner waterways, native bushland and 22​km of surf beach. Best of all, it's typically free from the crowds of visitors the more mainstream Gold Coast beaches attract. It's accessible by boat or as part of a cruise tour, and is ideal for surfers.

When the surf’s up you’ll see dozens of surfers taking to the waves – due to the nature of the break this spot is more suitable to experienced surfers so is better left to the experts, however makes for great viewing!

Rainbow Bay

One of the most idyllic beaches on the Gold Coast, Rainbow Bay is a great place to spend the day– pack a picnic and enjoy the sun setting over the high-rise buildings of Surfers Paradise at dusk. Located near the surfy town of Coolangatta, the 300m long beach is small and serene with a local Surf Life Saving Club where you can grab some yummy pub grub for lunch with a prime view of the ocean. The beach is very popular with swimmers thanks to its often-calm waves and protected location. This beach break can often pack a punch when it turns on the swell and is home to the internationally acclaimed surf event the Quicksilver and Roxy Pro.

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ACTIVITIES

Paradise Jetboating

If you’re feeling like a bit of an adrenalin rush, this activity is ideal, and well suited to - families seeking a bit of adventure while on the Gold Coast. Paradise Jetboating offers a fun, safe and exhilarating experience, operating in the iconic Broadwater which provides the best vista from the water over Main Beach and Marina Mirage, blending  sightseeing with adventure.

Strap in for an action-packed ride through the Gold Coast waterways and check out millionaire’s row, before sitting back and experiencing a variety of tricks including spins and sand drifting – all at incredibly high speeds. Travelling at speeds of over 35km/h, the 55-minute Broadwater Adventure cruise  gives you exclusive access to Marine Park – so make sure you pack your water proof cameras as this is an experience that you and your family will never want to forget!

Sea Plane

Take to the skies - and the water - with a seaplane experience. Your trip will start with an exciting scenic flight that takes off and lands from the water – which is out of the world and completely different from anything else you can experience!  

The plane will fly over the Surfers Paradise coastline, allowing you to take in the view of the beach below and dozens of skyscrapers, for a unique aerial view of the area.. Kids aged between two and 12 receive half price on their tickets, making it an affordable and memorable experience on the coast.

Aquaduck

From land to sea and back again, the Aquaduck gives you an exciting family tour which takes you from Surfers Paradise down the famous waterways and across the Broadwater.

Kids will love the thrill of driving straight into the water – you’ll even hear “quack quack” as the vessel heads into the ocean! Sitting within the comfort of this specially designed aquatic bus, you’ll have many opportunities to check out the sights. There are discounted rates for kids, too, so you can feel free to bring the whole family along!