Having children shouldn’t stop you travelling for summer. If you’re looking for the ultimate ‘holiday with kids’, the array of theme parks on the Gold Coast is a sure bet. Resorts abound at the Gold Coast. And every mum and dad knows how a beach side resort with child care facilities can be a godsend. The Gold Coast is also Australia’s prime domestic holiday destination for two more good reasons. Good surf and many, many theme parks. In fact, its world- class theme parks can be a great holiday compromise that ensures fun for both children and parents. Why go to Disneyland when the Gold Coast is just a short fly away from all our major cities?

Cool off and splash about at Wet’n’Wild Water World, Australia’s best water theme park. It's not just slides. Get giddy in the giant Whirlpool. Hop on a tandem tube together and tumble around in the revolving rapids. Splash about under the stars at the Dive- In movies, every night during the January school holidays. Or steam it up a bit in the ten twenty- person hot tubs of Whirlpool Hot Springs. Ride down Mammoth Falls with the whole family on the Super 8 Aqua Racer. Then chill out at Calypso Beach, Buccaneer Bay, or the Giant Wave Pool.

Ever wanted to hug Bugs Bunny or shake hands with Batman? Well, cross these off your list at Movie World. And get funky with Austin Powers while you're at it! Enter the Matrix with the Official Matrix Exhibit for original sets, props and artefacts. Splash till you drop at the Looney Tunes Splash Zone interactive water fountain, ride the Lethal Weapon Ride, the Road Runner Rollercoaster, or visit the Police Academy stunt show and the Wild West Falls.

Then head to the rugged Outback without leaving the coast. Experience the Gold Coast's authentic Aussie homestead for an Outback adventure in the tranquil hinterland area between Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet'n'Wild Water World at Oxenford. If you’ve ever wanted to cuddle a Koala, throw a boomerang, crack a whip, milk a cow, plant a eucalyptus tree, muster a sheep dog, round up stock, or enjoy billy tea and damper around a camp fire, Paradise Country is your opportunity!

It may sound over the top, but Sea World really does bring the sea alive! It opens your eyes to the wild and whacky world of the ocean. Animal Adventure programs educate about amazing sea creatures in a way that you forget you’re learning. Shark Bay, the world’s biggest man- made lagoon system for sharks, brings some of the most dangerous species to you in a dramatic new exhibit. Whether you are certified scuba divers or novices, you can snorkel or have fun underwater with a specially designed dive helmet. Artic chills, ocean depths, jungle thrills, Planet SOS! lets you see how animals are coping with their changing habitats and the difficulties our fragile planet is facing from a fresh and lively perspective. On the big screen in cutting- edge interactive 4D see Polar bears. Visit the kids’ adventure playground Cartoon Network Cartoon Beach. See the action of Ski Challenge, the dolphins at Dolphin Cove, and the surprises at Bermuda Triangle.

Dreamworld is sure to also leave every member of the family smiling from ear to ear. From thrills for the three year old to terror for the teens, Dreamworld has spine tingling, knee- knocking thrills, some of the tallest and fastest rides in the world including the Giant Drop, Tower of Terror, Wipeout, Cyclone rollercoaster and The Claw! Sing along for a ride in the Big Red Car Wiggles World. Or play at The Wiggles Farmyard Friends, the only place to meet The Wiggles Friends live every day of the year. You can dance with Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and climb aboard the S.S. Feathersword to meet the Captain. Kids can go crazy on Nick Central‘s 16 rides and attractions, while Mum and Dad can relax on the Captain Sturt for a cruise on the Murrissippi River or sit back in air- conditioned comfort for six storeys of movie magic at Imax.

White Water World by Dreamworld is the latest addition to the Gold Coast's list of family attractions. Situated right next door to Dreamworld, it boasts all four of the coolest rides in the world. The Blue Ringed Octopus is the world's first eight laned racer and can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres an hour, or enter The Green Room the centre of every surfer's universe. For the dunk factor jump on board and get caught in The Rip, Australia's biggest gurgler, or, for extreme thrills check out The Temple of Huey, this ride weaves between the tracks of Dreamworld’s Cyclone Rollercoaster. But wait!! What about the little people you ask?? No problems, wade on in to Wiggle Bay where there are plenty of mini slides, colourful interactive water games and Wiggly tunes to sing along to! For those who love Dora The Explorer, SpongeBob Sqaure Pants and all the Nickolodeon characters The Pipeline Plunge is the place to play with over 100 water activities. A family day out at White Water World is going to be a winner, it will guarantee a hankering for fish and chips by the beach on the way home and a good night's sleep that is for sure!

Australian visitors normally travel to the Gold Coast by car or plane. The Gold Coast is around a 10 hour drive from Sydney and a 20 hour drive from Melbourne. An overnight stop is recommended when driving from Sydney, and three stops from Melbourne. The Gold Coast is roughly a 1 hour drive from Brisbane. The main domestic airport serving the Gold Coast is Coolangatta Airport.

If you're not bringing a car with you, Gold Coast car hire is definitely a good option for exploring the area. Travelling by car gives you time to take in the scenery and play with the kids.

Visit our Queensland car hire page or Coolangatta car rental page for more great deals.