With its iconic theme parks, beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle, many families choose to venture to the Gold Coast on holiday. The perfect place to soak up the sunshine with family and friends, a trip to Queensland’s East Coast welcomes plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. From theme park adventures to natural beauty, we’ve listed the top spots to bring the whole family during your holiday. All that’s left to do is pick up the keys to your Dollar rental car. 

Looking for fun family entertainment? You’ve come to the right place. The Gold Coast is home to Australia’s biggest and best theme parks, with a visit to any of the four iconic parks providing a fun outing for adults and children alike. At Warner Bros. Movie World, children can meet their favourite Looney Tunes characters, including Bugs Bunny and Tweety Bird, and superheroes like Wonder Woman and Batman. The Star Parade takes place every day and sees heroes, villains and characters make their way down Main Street putting on a show for all to enjoy. Plus, there are kids' rides, family rides and thrill rides suited to family members of all ages. At Sea World, there are a range of aquatic animals to admire including penguins, polar bears, and stingrays. Catch the dolphin show to see the fascinating creatures show off their skills - plus, there are Nickelodeon character meet and greets for the little ones, and animal encounters you won’t get anywhere else. With family rides and thrill rides on offer, a trip to Sea World is a must for a family fun day out. Whether you spend a day or a week exploring the theme parks, you’re guaranteed a memorable family experience to look back on for years to come.

A 30-minute ride in your rental car from the theme parks, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect day out for those who love creatures big and small. Tour the sanctuary onboard a unique miniature train or book a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about Currumbin’s conservation and rehabilitation efforts. The daily shows here are unmissable, with wildlife hospital presentations, Aboriginal cultural shows, and a free-flight bird show - just to name a few. Throughout the sanctuary, you’ll see all kinds of animals, from exotic mammals like the capybara to native species like koalas and Tasmanian devils. Plus, there are opportunities to get up close and personal with creatures through a range of encounters on offer that allow you to interact, pet and feed the animals. You’ll easily spend the whole day here, and with a cafe, eatery, and ice cream parlour on-site, the family will be well-fed.

An hour’s drive inland in your rental car, connect with nature and make your way from the forest floor to the treetops on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. On the 1.5km walk, you’ll stroll through forest floor trails, climb steel bridges amongst the canopies and walk over a bridge that stands 30 metres above the rainforest floor. Here is the perfect opportunity to capture memories for the photo album and experience the natural beauty from above. At the Eco Gallery, both children and adults will love learning about animals native to the rainforest and can admire the astounding 11-foot fish tank. Before you leave, wind down for a bite to eat at the Birdwing Cafe and let the native bird sounds allow you to relax and refresh before heading off to your next adventure. 

The Gold Coast is known for its golden beaches, long stretches of sand and pristine waters for swimming and surfing. With that, there’s no better way to spend a day on vacation than at one of the many stunning beaches in the area. The Surfers Paradise Main Beach is a hub of activity, with many locals and tourists heading here on a warm day, plus, the esplanade comes alive at night with the Beachfront Markets on display. Burleigh Beach is also locally loved and adored. Here you can watch surfers ride waves or even partake in your own aquatic adventure with scuba diving, freediving and even mermaiding courses available. For a change of pace, discover relaxation at Coolangatta Beach. With a casual atmosphere, this beach is best for those wanting to soak in serenity - and with the Queen Elizabeth Park playground nearby, the kids will also enjoy their time spent here. 

From beach days to animal encounters, there are so many opportunities for family activities on the Gold Coast. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers and tots or teenagers, everyone will enjoy a family holiday to Queensland, and there’s no better way to explore than with Dollar.