[jassy77]

We are a family of five - Mum, Dad, and three boys 11,8,5. We are looking at visiting the Gold Coast (from Perth) Dec/Jan for 2 weeks. Looking for a central, (perhaps Surfers) apartment, near or on beach, great pool, 4 star +. Any ideas and suggestions of which parks to go?? Thanks.

[IVL]

I stayed at the Hilton Residneces last year, a 3 bed apartment with myself, 2 kids and nanny. Whilst the apartment was great, I wouldn't stay there again with kids. We were on the 19th floor and could still hear the thumping base noise from the night clubs and street noise below. Earlier this year we stayed at the Sierra Grand at Broadbeach, so much better. Walking distance to beach and the best childrens playground we have ever seen right next to the beach. We could also walk to Pacific Fair shopping centre to get all our groceries as we ate in for breaky and prepared lunches for trips to theme parks etc as the food offerings are terrible there, nothing but chips and pizza etc. The hotel had a great pool, both indoor and outdoor.

We liked Seaworld the best but as your kids are older maybe movie world or dreamworld woudl be more their style?

[Ehill]

I like Broadbeach or Main Beach. For your age kids I think Broadbeach would be perfect. I wouldnt stay in Surfers central.

Wet'n Wild! Sooooooo much fun and your kids are the perfect age (although at 30 I was the perfect age too )

[PrincessPeach]

Any of the theme parks would be good for your kids, they are prbably tall enough to ride the majority of the rides.

As for accomodation, jump onto tripadvisor - i find they have pretty good reviews, though I can tell you in surfers that Chevron Renaisance & Circle on Cavil buildings are right across the road from the major bus stop which heads to all the theme parks!

[mitchsmum]

Recently stayed at Turtle Beach Resort at Mermaid Beach. About 5mins drive from Pacific Fair shopping centre at Broadbeach. The two bedroom apartments are great and they are only 2 stories high. There are about 3-4 swimming pools, tennis courts, water slide, free movie theatre, pizza bar and cafe. Only about 20mins to SeaWorld. Great location, clean grounds and a 10min walk to the beach.

[babychacha]

Don't stay in Surfers, its awful and not a good representation of the GC.

Broadbeach is a great location as already mentioned by a PP. Burleigh Heads is also nice.

Look at the Brekafree resorts. Groupon has a deal on at the moment.

http://www.groupon.com.au/deals/travelcity...kfree/716583202

I spent a fair bit of time looking into a GC holiday last night. Spent a lot of time on Trip Advisor as well. The general consensus seemed to be that Seaworld is better for young kids and Dreamworld, Movie World, Wet and Wild are better for the older kids.

I have family up there so was thinking I might stay with them for a few days and then check into the Marriot Resort and Spa for a few days and do Seaworld with my DS (5).

[zlca_mummy]

We stayed at Treasure Island resort and it was fabulous. 3 pools, games, activities. Next door to a big shopping centre so we self catered most of the time.

Personally I wouldn't stay in Surfers, not geared towards families.

[Pearson]

We stayed at Treasure Island resort and it was fabulous. 3 pools, games, activities. Next door to a big shopping centre so we self catered most of the time.

Personally I wouldn't stay in Surfers, not geared towards families.

This - while not on the beach, it is geared towards kids.

I would go to whitewater world with your age children over wet n wild, I find the majority of the rides are geared at the 12+ age group, and it is an older age group that attend vs the families that go to white water world.

If being on a beach is important, look at the Gold Coast Tourist Parks website, you may be able to get a cabin. The kids have a ball in these situations - very social.

Surfers really is not a nice place these days unfortunately. We have stayed at the Paradise Resort, and that was ok, not 4* by any means, but a bit further out of the main part of surfers.
Being away from the action sometimes is better with kids.

[carls888]

I agree. We used to live on the GC and still visit family there all the time ; please do not stay in Surfers Paradise.
Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads or Main Beach are the best spots. At Broadbeach check out the Talisman, Oceana, Carmel by the Sea, Beach Haven.
We use these places mostly.
In Main beach check out places on stayz.com.au, there are some lovely apartments.
Burleigh Heads: stayz as well.
Well that's what we do, also if you have a car miami or nobbys beach are great too.

C

[SlinkyMalinki]

We always stay in Beoadbeach - can highly recommend Carmel By The Sea.