Smart spending

Five things to do

1. Play: A trip to the Gold Coast would not be complete without visiting at least one of the theme parks. You can choose from Sea World (our family favourite), Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld and Wet’n’Wild. If you plan on visiting more than one look into the discount passes.

Consider paying a visit to Infinity, a multi-sensory funhouse in Surfers Paradise. A family ticket for two adults and two children will cost $72.90 at the door but you can save by buying tickets online – a family pass costs $65.60.

Southport Broadwater Parklands is also great place to play – and it won’t cost a cent. There’s a water park, shaded jumping pillow and zip line.

2. Eat: Have brunch at Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Lifesaving Club – or any surf lifesaving club, for that matter. Prices are reasonable and the quality is amazing!

On Friday or Saturday night check out Miami Marketta. There are stalls with food from all around the

world including great desserts. Plus enjoy the music and a drink or two.

3. Explore: There are many great natural attractions to discover in the national parks around the Gold Coast. The Tree Top Walkway, in Lamington national park in the hinterland, is 180 metres long and made up of nine suspension bridges that go through “a canopy of flowering and fruiting trees covered by vines”. Currumbin Rock Pools are also pretty impressive.

4. Shop: The recently revamped Pacific Fair is probably one of the best shopping centres in Australia. It features water displays and sun lounges so you can even take a nap. There are also plenty of great markets on the Gold Coast whether you want fresh fruit or arts and crafts. Visit goldcoast.qld.gov.au and search for “shopping and markets”.

5. Get active: Give stand-up paddle boarding a try on the beautiful Tallebudgera Creek. There are lots of places that rent out boards.