The Gold Coast
Your Perfect Family Long Weekend On
Pristine white sandy beaches, beautiful laidback locals and an exhilarating abundance of heart-stopping theme parks—the Gold Coast has it all when it comes to the ultimate family escape you’ve been craving. We’ve lined up your ultimate 72-hour itinerary to help you make the most of this lively vibrant city.
Where To Stay: RACV Royal Pines Resort
Leave the chaos of everyday life in the foyer as you check in to the spectacular RACV Royal Pines Resort. Situated just a short drive from Surfers Paradise, this newly renovated five-star resort is nestled between all of the best theme parks and the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland, making it the ideal base for explorers.
Wake up to sweeping views of the lush greenery and mountains that surround the property. With spacious rooms and suites suited to any type of traveller, slow down and get ready to unwind on holiday time. With a deluxe pool and massive colourful water playground area for the little ones, endless elegant and casual onsite dining options, golf course, tennis court, blissful spa plus tons of other great amenities, you'll need a few extra days to truly make the most of your stay.
Lunch: Freshen Up
Next up, it's time to make the most of the glorious Queensland sunshine. Head to Sea World to get up close and personal with some of the sea's most curious and majestic creatures, before making a splash of your own at Wet 'n' Wild. RACV offers its members a stack of great discount park passes, so you can cram in as much adventure as possible into a long weekend for less.
Afternoon: Get Fancy
Pop up those pinkies and take your high tea experience to a new level at Videre. Sample seasonal indigenous flavours with their in-house chef de patisserie’s delightful creations while admiring sweeping city views from Level 21. Keen for some more great outdoors? Work on that swing with a round of golf on the resort's perfectly-manicured course or perhaps take the kids for a hit of tennis.
Cap off your jam-packed day of adventures with some 360-degree sweeping views 230m above the city from the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Head up before 3.30pm to make the most of golden hour, then hang around for a bite and brew at SkyPoint Bistro and Bar.
After a wild day of adventures, it's time to decompress. Head back for some much-needed pool time or cosy up with an in-house movie.
Lunch: Admire GC
From Above
Channel that dolce vita with an authentic Italian feast at Trattoria Amici Restaurant, then grab a nightcap at the Panorama Lounge with its twinkling skyline views before wandering down to your room.
Dinner: Slurp Pasta As Good As Nonna's
Enjoy a lazy brekkie, then head straight to the pool for a morning splash. Arika Pool Bar is open daily from 10 am and ready to serve up a cheeky morning bellini (or two) if you feel the need, because hey—you’re on holiday. With the pool open daylight hours, let the kids frolic while you delve into that page turner that's been sitting on your bookshelf for months.
Morning: Sip And Dip
Rest those weary walking feet and let the One Spa team pamper you with one of their locally inspired spa rituals. Reward yourself with a deeply cleansing ruminating Gua Sha Facial Massage, or treat yourself with a revitalising Akwaterra treatment designed to deliver a deeper more nourishing experience that will leave you floating long after you're back to the daily grind.
Lunch: Treat Yourself To A Pamper
Day 1
Hit The Ground Running
Kick the trip off with a bang and immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and fun at Warner Bros. Movie World. Keep an eye out for your favourite superheroes and villains, say hello to the Looney Tunes crew, and then squeeze in as many thrilling rides as a morning can fit.
Morning: Meet
Some Heroes
Evening: Dinner
And A Show
A three-course meal and an immersive arena show? Why not? Australian Outback Spectacular’s new show ‘Heartland’ propels audiences into an extraordinarily immersive experience of life on the land with awe-inducing animal performances, memorising effects and a star-studded cast.
Follow the touching true story of Reg and Marge on a journey through a devastating five-year-long drought. You'll be transported through rugged mountain plains, cascading falls and lush emerald fields thanks to the stunning technical projections the whole family will be captivated by.
Thrills And Spills
Day 2
There's plenty more excitement on today's agenda, kicking off with a trip to Dreamworld. For those adrenaline seekers, launch into the Steel Taipan—Australia’s only triple launch rollercoaster, or get your heart racing with the country’s tallest free-falling ride, The Giant Drop.
Not the bravest? The whole gang will love the interactive Sky Voyager flying theatre, Kenny’s family-friendly Forest Flyer rollercoaster or take a scenic trip around the park on the Dreamworld Express.
Morning: Fly High
Slow It Down
Day 3
Head out for an afternoon surf check along Surfers Paradise's bustling promenade or meander through the nearby Botanic Gardens to learn about some of Queensland’s most precious and unique flora and plant life.
The Gold Coast also boasts some pretty epic national parks if you have a car handy. Check out Lamington National Park’s spectacular Green Mountains waterfalls, or perhaps the rugged mountain peaks of Mount Barney National Park. If you’re not keen to venture too far from the coastline, soak up the sprawling ocean views and snap a selfie at Burleigh Head National Park.
Afternoon: Wander Through The City's Most Iconic Destinations
Dinner: Experience Some Japanese Fine Dining
Round up your unforgettable escape with a splurge at Arakawa. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the heart of Shibuya with intimate tatami tables, intricately hand-crafted sushi and teppanyaki sets created right in front of your eyes. This theatrical dining offering is a bucket list culinary experience for those visiting the Gold Coast and has plenty of children-friendly dishes to suit those fussy eaters.
Image credit: RACV.
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