Nothing says summer more than getting into the water and the GC Aqua Park is a safe way for kids of all ages to enjoy climbing and sliding on the fun obstacles! Featuring some of the tallest water obstacles in Australia, the GC Aqua Park promises boundless fun and can be found just a stone’s throw south of the Southport Ferry Wharf. A bonus for parents is the onsite cafe, serving excellent coffee, cold drinks, and light refreshments. Check out our Hopo Discount Partners page for exclusive discounts to this attraction.

A firm favourite for toddlers and small children and conveniently adjacent to the Southport Ferry Wharf. Decorated with marine-themed equipment and jets it is the perfect place for hot days and provides hours of fun! Lifeguards supervise The Rockpools during opening hours. Check the City of Gold Coast website or notices by The Rockpools for current operating hours. Hopo Discount Partner, The Fish Shak is conveniently located nearby, serving hot/cold drinks and tasty takeaway food options.

Broadwater Parklands’ newly installed $5 million dollar Peninsular Playground is one to check out these school holidays.  The playground spans 5,000 square metres and features a four-level spiral tower with interactive play equipment like a glockenspiel, binoculars, telescopes, suspended nets, rope tunnels and an enclosed slide, as well as a water and sand play area. This mind-blowing tribute to all things play is located an easy 10-minute walk along flat paths to the north of the Southport Ferry Wharf. 

Australia’s No 1 Marine Park, Sea World, provides a wonderland of beautiful marine animals, exciting rides, amazing presentations and unforgettable Animal Adventures. Where else can you meet polar bears, penguins, seals, tropical fish, rays, sharks and sea jellies all in one place? Sea World is dedicated to educating its guests about the importance of protecting the oceans and marine life and this passion shines through in the exciting presentations, such as the Affinity Dolphin Presentation. Head to the Sea World Ferry Wharf and let the adventure begin. 

The Children’s Gallery within the HOTA Gallery is specially designed to provide arty fun ”for little and not so little” hands. From December 3, the new exhibition will be Tropic Arcadia, an unexpected, new travel destination for families! Jump off at the Home of the Arts Ferry Wharf to explore Tongan-Polynesian artist Samuel Tupou has created a curious, pop-up island for you to explore. Entry to HOTA Gallery and the children’s gallery is free.

In the case of a rainy day, a “Plan B” is a good idea! Keep the kids happy in the rain with a family movie, popcorn, and drink at HOTA Cinema. Other cinemas to check out at other Hopo destinations include Event Cinemas at Australia Fair or the new Dendy Cinema at Southport, all accessible from Broadwater Parklands. Check out our Hopo Discount Partner page for exclusive discounts to this attraction.

Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise is the bustling laneway connecting the iconic beach to the Nerang River. Enjoy the revamped Paradise Centre, restaurants and entertainment venues. During the school holidays, the street entertainers bring joy throughout the area. Infinity, with its universe of stunning special effects is a Hopo favourite. As is Holey Moley, Australia’s best mini golf venue.  Check out our Hopo Discount Partner page for exclusive discounts to this destination.

Soak in the sunshine at the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach. Famous for its golden sand beaches and lively atmosphere, it is a favourite for tourists and locals alike. Build sand castles or learn to surf, all under the supervision of lifeguards. Hop to Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf and take a 10-minute stroll where blue breakers and white sand await. 

ArtRoll is a free, self-guided tour of murals located along the Gold Coast. So if your family would like fresh air, exercise and fun exploring different areas and seeing some stunning murals along the way, this trail is for you! Murals are available near the Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf, and Southport Ferry Wharf. You can even bring your rollerblades, bikes, scooters and skateboards on board!  See the ArtRoll website for more information on maps and directions.