Stay, Eat, Activities, Coffee in the Gold Coast, Australia
Stay in the Gold Coast
After extensive research, we stayed at Turtle Beach Resort which was fantastic for a 2 year old. There were several pools she could play in with very shallow water and lovely water features with fountains.
There is also a "splash zone" but she found it a little intimidating, so we spent a lot of time at the regular pool. The pool was surrounded by trees and had (some) shade and sun lounges to relax on.
We booked a one bedroom apartment so we could put our daughter to bed in the bedroom and we could still watch tv in the evenings.
We also found it very convenient that there was a kitchen, so we could make toast, breakfast, noodles and some meals. There was also a dining table to sit at which made it easier for our daughter.
There was no lift, so we had to walk up a flight of stairs to our room; in the future I would request a ground floor room as it's a little nerve wracking when the 2 year old insists she can walk up and down the stairs.
We didn't eat much at the hotel, but what we had was moderately priced and ok, but nothing amazing. There was also a convenience store, although it's offerings were limited so we just walked to a supermarket down the street if we needed anything.
Eat with kids in the Gold Coast
Le Cafe Gourmand is a 2 minute drive, and as the name suggests is French. It has great croissants, baguette's and pastries. Great options for kids.
Marie Anita's If you enjoy vegan food, this is just two doors from the front of the resort if you walk to the left.
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre has a lot of options for restaurants, shops and a Coles Supermarket.
Seafood We wanted to try the local seafood, so we drove to Peter's Fish market which was recommended to us. It was very down to earth, like fish and chip shop style of food. We enjoyed it and we could sit outside with Scarlett.
Coffee in Mermaid Beach
The best coffee close to the resort is Alfred's Diner, which is just across the road from the resort. They also have amazing burritos and burgers.
The food places mentioned below also have coffee available.
Do with Toddlers in the Gold Coast
Check out our Indoor Activities for Kids - Perfect for Hotels and Cafes
Dreamworld
I researched all the different theme parks and decided Dreamworld was the most suitable for our daughter as it had the ABC section, as well as animals not just rides.
ABC world includes the Wiggles, Peppa Pig, etc. She really enjoyed the Big Red Car Ride and we went on several times.
She enjoyed the rides and got a Peppa pig show bag.
The day we went it was extremely hot, so I'd be careful about checking the weather and keep in the shade. There were a few areas we could go to chill out and keep out of the heat, and big fans with water mist.
We also enjoyed the animals at Dreamworld, especially the koalas.
Water Play for Kids at the Gold Coast
There is a beach walking distance (although we drove) just down the side street. It's not too busy, or touristy like the beach in Surfers Paradise.
We loved this playground, although man-made, it was created in a natural style with water, rocks and greenery. It's safe for very young kids as the water isn't very deep. There are lots of facilities, toilets, bbq's, drinking fountains, shelters and heaps of parking.
The main reason we booked Turtle Beach Resort is because of all the facilities it has. Our daughter mainly wanted to play in the pool at the resort, so each day we spent several hours there.
Read more tips for traveling with kids
Comment below, did you find any more great activities for kids in the Gold Coast?