Planning a Family-Friendly Weekend on the Gold Coast
An easy itinerary packed with fun for families staying in Surfers Paradise
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s favourite destinations for families - and for good reason. With sun-soaked beaches, wildlife adventures, and plenty of attractions for young and old, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a weekend away with the family.
If you’re staying in Surfers Paradise, you’re already in the heart of the action. From here, you can easily explore everything the Gold Coast has to offer – with public transport, playgrounds, and kid-friendly meals all close by.
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to do and where to go. This is where it helps to enlist a Gold Coast local! The team at Quack'r Duck have put together this suggested itinerary with a range of activities to help you experience the best of the Gold Coast with the kids, within a short timeframe.
Here’s how to make the most of a weekend with kids.
Weekend at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the family-friendly activities featured in your Gold Coast weekend itinerary, organised by day and time of day:
Friday - Arrival & Sunset Fun
Afternoon & Evening:
- Check in to family-friendly accommodation in Surfers Paradise
- Stroll through Cavill Mall – shops, performers, arcades
- Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets (Friday 4–9pm)
- Dinner at Betty’s Burgers, Grill’d or Hurricane’s Grill
- Ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s or Gelatissimo
- Beachfront walk at sunset
Saturday - Beaches, Boats & Sensory Fun
Morning:
- Breakfast at Paradox Coffee Roasters or Bumbles Café
- Beach time
- Playground time and picnic lunch
Afternoon:
-
Quack’rDuck Amphibious Tour - land and water adventure
Evening:
- Visit Infinity Attraction (Chevron Renaissance)
- Dinner at Longboards Eatery & Bar or The Avenue
- Optional: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets (Saturday 4–9pm)
Sunday - Sea Creatures & Sky Views
Morning:
- Visit Sea World - marine life, rides and shows
- Lunch at Sea World or back in Surfers Paradise (Sandbar, Cheeseburger & Co., Surfers Pavilion)
Afternoon:
- SkyPoint Observation Deck
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! - fun and quirky exhibits
- Optional downtime at hotel pool or Timezone arcade
Friday Afternoon: Arrive and Ease Into Holiday Mode
The Gold Coast has no shortage of family-friendly accommodation, with many great options located right in Surfers Paradise. From self-contained apartments with ocean views to family resorts with swimming pools, kids clubs and activity centres, it’s easy to find somewhere comfortable and convenient to base your weekend.
Once you’ve checked in and unpacked, take a little time to settle in before heading out to explore. One of the best things about staying in Surfers Paradise is how walkable it is, and with the G:link tram running through the heart of the precinct, getting to nearby attractions is simple even without a car.
Start your weekend with a relaxed stroll through Cavill Mall, the main pedestrian shopping and entertainment strip. There’s always something to see, from street performers and buskers to souvenir shops and arcades. Kids will love the excitement and atmosphere, and it’s a great place to pick up a few essentials or browse for treats.
As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 9pm. These open-air markets are full of locally made crafts, homewares, jewellery and sweet treats, with a lively vibe that appeals to both kids and adults.
Dinner is easy with plenty of casual dining options nearby. Grill’d, Betty’s Burgers, or Hurricane’s Grill all offer relaxed, kid-friendly menus with something for even the pickiest eaters. And for dessert? You can’t go wrong with a scoop or two from Gelatissimo or Ben & Jerry’s just down the street.
End the day with a leisurely walk along the beachfront promenade. There’s often live music or entertainment, and the cooler evening air makes it a perfect time to unwind as a family before calling it a night.
Saturday Morning: Sand, Sun and Playgrounds
Start the day with a relaxed breakfast from a local favourite like Paradox Coffee Roasters or Bumbles Café, both offering good coffee and delicious, family-friendly options.
Then it’s time to head to the beach, one of the highlights of any Gold Coast visit.
If you’re up for a short trip south, Burleigh Heads is a lovely spot for families. With calm swimming areas, a beachfront park, and a well-equipped playground, it’s a great spot for young kids to burn off some energy.
There are shaded picnic areas and plenty of grass, so it’s ideal for a simple packed lunch or takeaway from a local café or fish and chip shop.
Prefer to stay closer to home? Kurrawa Beach in Broadbeach is another great option, offering a patrolled beach right next to a large playground and parklands.
It's also a short distance along the G:Link track - just take the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre stop and walk towards ocean. Or, keep it simple and enjoy Surfers Paradise Beach itself, just a short stroll from most accommodation providers.
Whichever beach you choose, don’t forget your hats, sunscreen and water bottles as the sun can be strong even in the cooler months. There are also plenty of cheap shops nearby to buy a bucket and spade for hours of fun in the sand.
Saturday Afternoon: Quack’rDuck Tour - Land and Water Fun
In the afternoon, get ready for something a bit different - the Quack’rDuck boat bus tour. Departing from Surfers Paradise, this unique amphibious vehicle drives on land before splashing into the water for a cruise around the Broadwater.
It’s fun, informative and relaxed, and a highlight for kids who love transport and adventure.
The tour runs for around an hour and is suited to all ages, making it a great option for families looking to enjoy the Gold Coast from a unique perspective.
Book your Quack'r Duck Tour now!
Saturday Evening: Infinity and a Relaxed Dinner
As the day winds down, head to Infinity Attraction, located conveniently in the Chevron Renaissance Centre. This futuristic maze is full of special effects, lights and illusions, perfect for kids who love a bit of sensory adventure. It's generally best for ages five and up, but younger children can still enjoy parts of it with parental support.
Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed dinner nearby. Longboards Eatery & Bar, known for its casual vibe and generous burgers, is a hit with families, or try The Avenue for a bit of variety on the menu.
If you didn’t make it to the markets on Friday night, they’re open again on Saturday, so you’ve got another chance to browse local stalls and soak up the atmosphere before heading back for the night.
Sunday: Sea Creatures and Sky-High Views
Make Sunday your big adventure day with a visit to Sea World, located just north of Surfers Paradise at Main Beach. The theme park is easily accessible via tram to Southport and then bus, or by car if you’ve brought one along.
Sea World is packed with experiences kids love - think dolphin shows, penguins, marine life exhibits, and gentle rides. There are also shaded play areas, animal encounters and splash zones to cool off in warmer weather.
You can enjoy lunch at one of Sea World’s food outlets or head back to Surfers for something more relaxed. Good family-friendly options include Sandbar, Cheeseburger & Co., or Surfers Pavilion, depending on your location and how much energy you’ve got left.
In the afternoon, take in the views from above with a trip to the SkyPoint Observation Deck.
Located on Level 77 of the Q1 building, it offers sweeping views over the coastline, city and hinterland. It’s a calm, easy activity that appeals to adults and kids alike, and a great way to finish the day.
Before you wrap up your weekend, squeeze in one last stop at Ripley's Believe It or Not!, a quirky and interactive attraction in the heart of Surfers Paradise that’s perfect for curious little minds.
Need a Break?
If you’re looking for some quieter time in between activities, pop into Timezone for arcade games and family fun, or spend some downtime at your hotel pool. Balancing big outings with moments to relax helps make the weekend enjoyable for everyone, kids and parents included.
Getting Around
The Gold Coast’s G:link tram makes it easy to get between Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Southport, and even up to Helensvale. Buses are well connected, and you can use a go card or purchase paper tickets for simple, stress-free travel.
If you're travelling with a pram, you’ll find most public transport is accessible, and the major attractions are pram-friendly too.
Additional Tips
- Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and swimwear – even in winter, the weather can be warm and sunny.
- Most major attractions offer family passes – it’s worth booking ahead to save time and money.
- Look for accommodation with kitchenettes or laundry facilities for extra convenience.
- Don’t try to pack too much in – leave space for spontaneous beach visits or extra gelato stops.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, the Gold Coast offers a great balance of outdoor fun, attractions and family-friendly spaces, and staying in Surfers Paradise puts you right where you need to be.
Got Some Extra Time?
If you're extending your stay or have a few extra hours to fill, there are even more great family experiences across the Gold Coast, all within easy reach from Surfers Paradise.
Theme Parks
A visit to the Gold Coast’s world-class theme parks is a great way to add some extra excitement to your trip. Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Wet’n’Wild are all located in the northern Gold Coast corridor and are easily accessible by car or via tram and bus from Surfers Paradise. These parks offer plenty of family-friendly rides, shows, and water play areas – ideal for school-aged kids and adventurous little ones.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
For a more relaxed outing, head south to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, kids can hand-feed kangaroos, meet koalas, watch wildlife shows and even test their courage on the TreeTop Challenge. It’s a great way to introduce young children to Australian animals in a safe, natural setting. You can get there via bus or by car, with the drive taking around 30–40 minutes from Surfers Paradise.
Shopping & Entertainment
Need a break from the sun or looking to do a bit of shopping? Head to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Broadbeach, one of the largest shopping centres in Queensland. It’s just a short tram ride away and offers everything from retail therapy and dining to a cinema and an outdoor play zone for kids.
Explore the Hinterland
If you’re keen to experience something a little different, consider a short trip inland to the Gold Coast Hinterland. Families often enjoy exploring Tamborine Mountain, which offers rainforest walks, tree-top walks and the magical Glow Worm Caves – a unique and gentle underground experience suited to children. It’s best accessed by car, but some day tour operators also offer family-friendly packages.
Ready to Start Planning?
With so many family-friendly activities right on your doorstep, a weekend in Surfers Paradise is the perfect way to enjoy quality time together without the stress. Whether you're paddling at the beach, exploring the local attractions, or heading out on a day trip, there’s something for every age and interest.
To make your visit memorable, be sure to book your Quack’rDuck tour in advance. It’s a fun, relaxed way to see the best of the Gold Coast by land and water, and a guaranteed hit with the kids.
Book your Quack’rDuck seats today and get ready for a weekend of sunshine, adventure, and family fun!
