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Lifestyle Travel

My family holiday to Australia’s Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast

By pure coincidence, our overseas holiday to Australia bookended the start of the Covid-19 outbreak and the end of it as a global pandemic. Can’t exactly pinpoint why the family chose Australia but I guess a lot got to do with the familiarity, relative proximity and cooling weather. On this occasion, we began our 2-week vacation by flying into Brisbane before gradually making our way to other popular destinations such as Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Here is a review of my family holiday to Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast which are located in Queensland, Australia.

Theme Parks

Olympia’s love for theme parks was sparked by her visit to Universal Studios Singapore. She surprised us all at how fearless she was on the Enchanted Airways which I consider as a thrilling roller coaster ride for the kids. In Gold Coast, we bought a Super Pass package which entitles the adult unlimited entries to Movie World, Sea World, Wet n’ Wild and Paradise Country within a 7-day window. After discount on Klook, it only cost S$145/pax which I found it pretty value for money.

Olympia had a blast as we visited Movie World not once but twice. Olympia got to try go-karting for the first time which made her realised that she should never take her foot off the pedal- a good life lesson 😀

movie-world-junior-driving-school

Diagram 1: Junior Driving School at Movie World

With the Super Pass Package, we tried all the rides that she was eligible for and it allowed us to explore at a leisurely pace. After visiting all the theme parks, what surprised me was that shows involving high adrenaline performances (think fast cars) or stunts by animals were appreciated only by the adults. It elicited at best dead silence or at worst a yawn from Olympia.

seaworld-australia-affinity-dolphin-presentation

Diagram 2: Affinity Dolphin Presentation at Sea World

On the other hand, Olympia screamed her lungs off when Paw Patrol emerged on the stage.

paw-patrol-performance-sea-world

Diagram 3: A screaming and dancing Olympia juxtaposed with stoic-looking adults at Paw Patrol show, Sea World

Here are some tips for families:

  1. A multi-park pass package is perfect because it is almost impossible to complete all the rides in a theme park within a day when you are travelling with a toddler. Just anchor your visit on either Village Roadshow’s Theme Park or Ardent Leisure World (operates Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, SkyPoint and SkyPoint Climb) to get the most value for your money.
  2. Preferably, you would want to visit these theme parks when your kid is over 100/105cm. This the minimum height for the more thrilling rides for the little ones. Despite my best efforts to induce a growth spurt (hang-ups and extra milk) in Olympia, she still fell a few centimetres short of 100cm.
  3. Asian kids are small compared to Australian kids. Most park attendants at the gantry thought Olympia was a 2-year-old and were surprised when we showed the child tickets that 3-year-old and above need to purchase. You get the hint?

Australian Animals

Since we had the Super Pass, we also took the opportunity to visit Paradise Country, an Australian farm experience. The major highlight of this attraction would be Olympia’s maiden ride on a pony.

paradise-country-pony-ride

Diagram 4: Olympia riding a pony for the first time at Paradise Country

She let out a “whoo” when the pony took its first steps as she probably didn’t expect it to be bumpy. Immediately after she disembarked from the pony, she asked to try the other pony which was behind her. I responded, “Olympia, there is a long queue and we should let other children have the chance to ride the pony too.” The truth was that one pony ride cost A$5 and only last less than 2 mins!

What warmed my heart the most was seeing the gentle side of Olympia when interacting with the animals on this holiday. I didn’t know that there is this side of her in this little cheeky fella!

olympia-feeding-kangaroos-currumbin-wildlife-sanctuary

Diagram 5: She was very patient when feeding the kangaroos at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Personally, the highlight of the trip was visiting Australia Zoo at Sunshine Coast. I truly felt the strong wildlife conservation spirit of the Irwin family. Visiting the Africa section when I saw the vast expanse of grass that the animals had easily took my breath away. It instantaneously reminded me of my honeymoon in South Africa.

australia-zoo-olympia

Diagram 6: See what I mean? Cheeky Oly showing her funny face while posing with a huge crocodile

Museums

The other type of attraction that we knew Olympia would like is the museum. This is an activity that we do quite often in Singapore since her preschool is located near various museums. We went to a couple of museums in Brisbane and the best part was that they were absolutely free!

stick-insect-eggs-queensland-museum

Diagram 7: Olympia trying to find stick insect eggs at Queensland Museum

olympia-queensland-gallery-modern-art-children-art-centre

Diagram 8: Olympia displaying her drawing at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art Children Art Centre

We also visited the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. We paid to watch a show titled “Tycho Goes to Mars” and the wife said it was the best $10 spent ever! It was an apt introduction to our planet system for Olympia.

Natural Parks

If you visit Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, do not forget to walk over to Mount Coot-tha Botanic Garden. During our visit, we were quite lucky that it was the cherry blossom season at its Japanese Garden.

mt-coot-tha-botanic-garden

Diagram 9: Cherry blossom season in Japanese Garden, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Garden

Playground

As it was winter and given the Australia culture, most places of interest close by 5pm. To fill the time from then to dinner, we explored the playground and parks in the neighbourhood. We went to so many playgrounds throughout the trip that I felt like I was representing the town council on a work trip. Not that I was complaining because the playgrounds in Australia never fail to amaze me. Some of the memorable features included big pillowy bouncy castle, tandem swing, flying fox and even a cycling race track. Besides, playing in such weather and not sweating is one of the experiences that Singapore cannot provide. I would recommend checking out these playgrounds in Brisbane.

  • Riverside Green Playground, South Brisbane

riverside-green-playground-south-brisbane

  • Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Playground

brisbane-city-botanic-gardens-playground

  • Neal Macrossan Playground at Paddington Skatepark

neal-macrossan-playground

In Gold Coast, you must visit the South Lawn Broadwater Parklands. It was so fun that even teenagers were having a blast as well. Playground is one of the most amazing inventions because it will tire the children out and bring immense respite to the parent.

Food

Besides researching intensively on children’s activities for the holiday, I also spent time to hunt for amazing food. Out of all the casual eats and dining restaurants that we have tried on our trip, here are the ones that I would recommend to Heartland Boy’s readers:

Gold Coast

  • The Fresh Pantry – would rate this as the best place we had for brunch on the entire trip. Everything on the plate was freshly made and it really was honest cooking done right. It was so good we nearly made a return trip the very next day!
the-fresh-pantry-apple-pie-pancakes

Diagram 13: Apple Pie Pancakes – braised apple and cinnamon, oat crumble, fresh apples and strawberries etc

  • The Local Café – good lunch spot
  • Flour of Life – bakery with amazing selection
  • Shiraz Persian Restaurant- the slow-cooked lamb neck (Gardan) was so tender and easy
  • Indian Empire- the Barra Kebab Masala was out of this world which had me slurping up the gravy

We particularly love Farmers Markets as it is an opportunity to sample local food and purchase local produce while immersing in the relaxed mood. Diagram 14 show Olympia trying crepe but she stopped in her tracks upon reaching the slaw.

currumbin-community-markets

Diagram 14: Olympia trying a crepe done Okonomiyaki-style at Currumbin Community Markets

Sunshine Coast

  • 24 Thai Street – Thai and Japanese fusion food is served here. This is the other restaurant that made me want to go back to try more items.
  • Sunshine Coast Collective Markets – this farmer’s market has interesting toys placed on the grass to keep the little ones occupied so that the adults can eat in peace!
sunshine-coast-collective-markets

Diagram 15: Off to play time after her breakfast so that her parents can have breakfast

Of course, a trip to Australia would not be complete without introducing Olympia to Messina. Their award-winning gelato are simply out of this world.

I finally got to utilise one of the benefits of my crypto.com card – visiting the lounge! I brought Olympia into the lounge so that she can have her dinner without waiting for hot food to be served on the flight.

marhaba-lounge-changi-airport-terminal-1

Diagram 16: Olympia visit to Marhaba Lounge at Changi Airport T1 was free thanks to crypto.com credit card

Budget for my family holiday to Australia

Cost wise, I would say budget approx. S$3K per adult for a 2-week trip. Unfortunately, inflation is real and I count myself lucky by purchasing my air tickets relatively early.

I saved quite a substantial amount of money by purchasing most of the attractions’ tickets via Klook by double dipping with ongoing credit card promotions. I even booked my rental car on the platform to snag a very good deal -$600 for 8 days of rent.

When ShopBack was running an upsized cashback promotion, I seized the opportunity to purchase my accommodation on Booking.com. The cashback was very substantial at 20%. That’s easily $200 off $1,000 worth of accommodation.

Finally, don’t even try to skimp on travel insurance during this period- I bought mine on SingSaver.

My family had such a lovely time for this holiday and I guess this photo says it all!

currumbin-wildlife-sanctuary-olympia

PM me if you would like a copy of my itinerary! Since so many readers have asked about my accommodation, I stayed in Hilton and Hyatt in Brisbane which had direct access to Queen Street Mall.

–

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54 Comments

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Comments

  1. SGYI says

    August 29, 2022 at 8:02 am

    Looks like a good holiday you had!

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      August 29, 2022 at 7:40 pm

      Hey we did! Thanks.

      Reply
  2. FC says

    August 29, 2022 at 4:50 pm

    hey heartland boy,
    also planning for an aussie trip next year. thinking of the east (perth) or west (like yours, ie brisbane)
    for family of 7 A + 2 infants/todds…. younger than your daughter, which area would you recommended? gunning towards more kid + elderly friendly type..

    also which car rental did u you use?
    not sure if mini van will fit 9 pax and luggages ,, or should just get 2x cars….
    btw, do you know if sinkie Class 3 can drive minivans?

    oh, your CRO card is higher tier right? red no lounge lo..

    Reply
    • FC says

      August 29, 2022 at 5:05 pm

      sorry, my bad geography:
      west(perth) or east (like yours, ie brisbane)

      Reply
      • Alison_Liew says

        August 29, 2022 at 7:41 pm

        Hi FC,

        I think Perth is probably more suitable because you can do a scenic drive down to margaret river which is a foodie destination.

        I think you definitely need 2 cars because you got to consider the luggage. Yes, I have a Jade Green CRO card!

        Reply
  3. Will says

    August 30, 2022 at 9:24 am

    Hi Alison,

    Great write-up! I would like to have a copy of your itinerary!

    Thanks in advance for your generosity! Stay safe! PMed you.

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      August 30, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Thanks Will for your compliments. I have sent you the itinerary!

      Reply
  4. ralph says

    August 30, 2022 at 11:32 am

    Would love to have your itinerary if you are open to sharing.

    thanks!

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      August 30, 2022 at 7:49 pm

      Hi Ralph,

      Can you pm me your email address pls?

      Reply
  5. Johan Yu says

    August 30, 2022 at 4:08 pm

    How old is she? she looks very happy

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      August 30, 2022 at 7:48 pm

      Hi Johan,

      She is 3+, a very smiley child since birth!

      Reply
  6. Xavier says

    August 30, 2022 at 7:09 pm

    hi alison! may i have a copy of the itinerary? you can email me. thanks.
    Sorry can you help me delete my previous post as it has my email on it.

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      August 30, 2022 at 7:48 pm

      Hi Xavier,

      I have pm-ed you! enjoy your holidays!

      Reply
  7. Matt says

    August 31, 2022 at 2:48 pm

    Definitely saving this post for a future trip. Would love a copy of your itinerary. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      August 31, 2022 at 10:14 pm

      Hi,I have pm-ed you! You are welcome

      Reply
  8. JD says

    August 31, 2022 at 9:10 pm

    Was gonna head to goldcoast in late 22, but it clashed with schoolies week… made different plans.

    Would love a copy of the itinerary. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      August 31, 2022 at 10:16 pm

      Hi JD,

      You definitely can head there in 2023! Have pm-ed you the itinerary!

      Reply
  9. Joshua says

    September 8, 2022 at 7:43 am

    Hi
    I would like a copy if the itinerary. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      September 10, 2022 at 9:12 pm

      Sure, I have pm-ed you

      Reply
  10. Alan says

    September 11, 2022 at 1:24 am

    Hi ! Please kindly share your intinerary 🙂

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      September 11, 2022 at 8:10 am

      Hi Alan,

      I have pm-ed you. Enjoy.

      Reply
  11. Han says

    September 14, 2022 at 7:09 pm

    Hello – enjoyed this post. I’m gonna be moving to Brisbane w my family soon. would appreciate your itinerary if you can share please.

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      September 17, 2022 at 2:11 pm

      Hi Han,

      Thanks, I have pm-ed you. all the best to your relocation!

      Reply
  12. Queenie says

    September 23, 2022 at 3:33 pm

    Hi, your itinerary looks great! Will you be able to share it with me. We are planning a trip in dec. thanks!

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      September 24, 2022 at 11:08 am

      Hi,

      I have pm-ed you!

      Reply
  13. Melissa says

    September 23, 2022 at 7:24 pm

    Hi! We planning a trip next yr June.. what’s the weather like? Could you share your itinerary? Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      September 24, 2022 at 11:07 am

      Hi Melissa,

      Sure, I have pm-ed you

      Reply
  14. Jinette says

    October 28, 2022 at 10:35 am

    Hello ! I am planning a trip to Brisbane next year ard april-may with my family (2A + 2 toddlers).
    Your itineary looks great 🙂 Would you mind sharing pls ? Thank you !

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      October 28, 2022 at 4:24 pm

      Hi Jinette,

      I have PM-ed you! enjoy your trip!

      Reply
  15. Valerie says

    November 3, 2022 at 11:59 am

    Hi there,

    Sounds fun already – we are planning to go in April next year.

    May I have a copy of your itinerary? This is the exact route I was planning on doing with not one but two toddlers! Wish me luck!

    Thank you!
    Valerie

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      November 3, 2022 at 6:27 pm

      Hi Valerie,

      I have PM-ed you. Good luck but rem to have lots of fun!

      Reply
  16. Alice says

    November 3, 2022 at 8:15 pm

    Hi,

    I am thinking of visiting Australia next year and would love to have a copy of your itinerary. Thanks in advance! 😃

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      November 5, 2022 at 10:23 pm

      Hi Alice,

      I have pm-ed you! Enjoy your holidays!

      Reply
  17. James says

    November 16, 2022 at 7:59 pm

    Hey Alison, going to Brisbane and Gold Coast next year. Appreciate if can share the itinerary. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      November 17, 2022 at 6:21 pm

      Hi James,

      i have pm-ed you! Enjoy your holidays

      Reply
  18. Melody says

    November 22, 2022 at 12:24 am

    Hi Alison! What a nice review! The last I went Brisbane was when I was a kid. Was thinking of bringing my own kid next year! Could you share your itinerary with me? Appreciate it!

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      November 29, 2022 at 8:37 pm

      Hi Melody,

      Thanks for your compliment. Enjoy your holidays!

      Reply
  19. Angie says

    November 28, 2022 at 9:36 am

    Hi Alison,

    Thank you for the nice writeup. Could you send me a copy of your itinerary pls? thank you.

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      November 29, 2022 at 8:39 pm

      Hi,

      I have pm-ed you! Enjoy your holidays!

      Reply
  20. Michelle says

    December 2, 2022 at 9:44 pm

    Hi! Thanks for the detailed write up. It’s very helpful! Could I have a copy of your itinerary please? Thank you!

    Reply
  21. Sylvia says

    January 3, 2023 at 1:55 am

    Hi thanks for the generous sharing and love how you have written in such a concise and easy-to-read manner! I haven’t been to Queensland at all but would definitely visit some of these places that you have mentioned when I am there later this year. If you don’t mind sharing a copy of your itinerary, I would be super grateful!

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      January 5, 2023 at 7:39 pm

      Hi Sylvia,

      Thanks for your compliments. I have pm-ed you!

      Reply
  22. Thomas Suh says

    January 16, 2023 at 11:33 am

    Hi Alison, would you mind sharing your itinerary please?

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      January 23, 2023 at 11:10 am

      Hi, I have pm-ed you! Enjoy your holidays

      Reply
  23. fel says

    February 16, 2023 at 12:15 pm

    Hi, could i have your itinerary please? will be going there in june this year also. Thanks

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      February 22, 2023 at 8:47 pm

      Hi,

      Pm-ed you! Enjoy your holidays!

      Reply
  24. JW says

    March 4, 2023 at 10:37 am

    Thanks for sharing your fun time. Would you be so kind to share your itinerary please? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      March 5, 2023 at 2:37 pm

      Sure, I have pm-ed you!

      Reply
  25. Andrew Tan says

    March 4, 2023 at 5:14 pm

    Hi Alison,

    We are planning to visit Brisbane in next few month. Could you share your itinerary with me? Thank you in advance.

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      March 5, 2023 at 2:37 pm

      Sure, I have pm-ed you!

      Reply
  26. Ashley says

    March 6, 2023 at 3:41 pm

    Hello! Came across your website when I googled kids friendly itinerary for Brisbane. It was ages ago that I went there when I was a teenager so I am quite lost! I’ll be bringing my girls 7&5 to there in June! We are there for the koalas of course playground and nature parks. Do you mind sharing your itinerary with me? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      March 6, 2023 at 9:00 pm

      Hey, I have pm-ed you!

      Reply
  27. Iris says

    March 19, 2023 at 11:55 pm

    Hi Alison. Could you please share your itinerary with me please? Thank you in advance.

    Reply
    • Alison_Liew says

      March 20, 2023 at 9:29 pm

      Pmed you!

      Reply

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Hello there, I am Heartland Boy! I am always thinking about how I can improve my financial literacy in order to achieve financial independence. This is the place to be if you are hungry for financial independence (sometimes good hawker food as well) and foolish enough to believe in the musings of Heartland Boy. Read More…

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