7-days family trip to Gold Coast (Pre-Easter holidays)

[Deactivated] on 14/03/2022 - 14:07
Last edited 14/03/2022 - 14:40

We are two families ( 2 adults and 2 kids 5-8yrs). We have booked our accommodation at Carrara, Qld for 7nights. Initially we were planning to drive from Sydney to Qld but due to some medical issues, we are unable to drive this distance so we will be taking flights to Gold Coast. We would like to hire two cars to commute in QLD during that period.

1] What are our best options for car hire (standard 4/5 seater auto, no suv) ? What appro cost we are looking for car hiring? Any deals anywhere?

2] We plan to spend most of time at DreamWorld, WhiteWater World, Skypoint. So given this plan what sort of visitor pass (multiple entry)may be best option? We don't need annual pass. Any codes/vouchers or offers to use for the pass?

Thanks in advance 👍

Travel

Comments

  • life is suffering on 14/03/2022 - 14:50
    +1

    Why 2 cars ? Will the kids drive ?

    • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2022 - 14:56
      +1

      Thanks for your question. We thought it would be bit spacious to drive separately if there is driving involved. Now that you asked this question, we can think about it. May be from Carrara it's not that much travelling involved to those places.

      • spackbace on 14/03/2022 - 15:11
        +2

        Just hire a bigger car if you think that's an issue

        2x small cars would likely be more expensive than 1x bigger car

        • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2022 - 15:18

          Thanks, will certainly look at that option 🙏

          Do you guys have any feedback on these two questions (considering if we choose a bigger car)?

    • HeWhoKnows on 15/03/2022 - 07:47
      +1

      Best to locate cars and accommodation that have not been submerged in the recent floods

      And check which attractions have not been affected by the floods

      Good luck

  • SBOB on 14/03/2022 - 15:25
    +3

    We plan to spend most of time at Skypoint

    not exactly a whole bunch of time required for this one

    • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2022 - 15:29

      Yeah, I meant those 3 locations and may be bit more depending on what kids like there

  • singlemalt72 on 14/03/2022 - 15:39

    4 people in a medium sized car is hardly cramped - however, you need to factor in luggage as well. I would suggest looking at a full-sized sedan or (shock) SUV, only because most places do not seem to hire station wagons any more.

    Looking at Hertz basic rate 7 days ex Gold Coast Airport
    Small (corolla) $680
    Large (Camry) $768
    Intermediate SUV (Forrester) $828

    Look at memberships (insurance, auto club, others) for discounts.

    Economy car rentals (Gold coast) can be a bit cheaper but make sure to compare full cost once all the add-ons are accounted for.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2022 - 15:43

      Thank you

    • HeWhoKnows on 15/03/2022 - 07:50
      +1

      This information is readily available on the internet or just a phone call away

      People are so lazy these days
      They come here and make us do all their research.

      Standard answer should be:
      "Google"

  • FrankTT on 14/03/2022 - 17:10
    +3

    Try car hire from https://www.familycarrentals.com.au/. They are very cheap, with full insurance and include free baby seat plus free install if required

    • altomic on 14/03/2022 - 21:09
      +1

      yeah, they seem decent - did a quick quote out of curiosity and a x-trail for 5 days with insurance $0 excess -$313.09

  • dizzle on 14/03/2022 - 17:26
    +1

    DW, WWW, and Skypoint currently have a 3 day pass that gives you access for 6 months which are $139 each (adults and kids same price) Vs the Annual pass at $179. This is better than buying 2 days worth of tickets.

    Be aware that if before Easter includes before April, White Water world is currently closed Mon-Thurs. April it's open all week (apart from certain public holidays).

    • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2022 - 18:16

      Thanks 👍

  • spackbace on 14/03/2022 - 17:40
    +3

    2 kids 5-8yrs

    Honestly, I'd be looking at Movie World, Sea World and Wet n Wild. Dreamworld has a good portion of rides aimed towards older kids/adults imo

    • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2022 - 18:16

      Thanks for the insight 🙂
      Is there one (multiple entry) pass which can be used at these 4 places?

    • dizzle on 14/03/2022 - 19:42

      I'd agree.

      Dreamworld, they really need to be 10+ (probably older). Dreamworlds just about the rides that many young kids can't go on. Wet n Wild is better than White water. Sea World is good for all ages. And while Movie World has rides for older kids, it has plenty to do for young kids.

      I visit with my brothers family and my sisters family and the focus has always been Movie/Sea World because of the younger kids. Now that the youngest of my nephews is getting old enough, we'll probably switch annual passes each year (Dreamworld 1 year, movie World the next).

    • dogboy on 14/03/2022 - 20:33
      +1

      Agree, Sea World and Movie World are a lot better for young kids than Dreamworld.

  • morse on 15/03/2022 - 02:54

    If you’re really into theme parks and can afford to I’d do movie world, wet n wild, SeaWorld, dreamworld and whitewater world for a 7night trip. If you just want to choose one group then do the first three.

    Maybe consider doing some other activities as well, eg whale watching, a picnic/swim at Tallebudgera Creek, hire kayaks and go for a paddle (various spots to do this), Broadwater parkland (rockpools and bouncy pillow). Pacific Fair is a good place to go if you need to do any shopping which you inevitably will do on a 7night trip, it often has activities on for kids and when it doesn’t there’s a ‘play street’ (free) and EMF junior (paid but you can leave your kids and they’ll supervise them) it also has everything from Kmart/BIGW/target to highend stores and supermarkets. Skypoint is kind of a 1-2hour activity max. You’ll also get okay views if you go to the top of the art gallery at HOTA (free). HOTA also has a kids section where they can do some craft activities but it’s a little underwhelming (kids will get bored quickly). I’d stay away from surfers paradise as much as possible with kids that age.

    Sorry I don’t have any specific deals for theme park passes other than choosing one of the groups and the pass that suits you. If it was me I’d probably get the ‘super pass’ from village roadshow so you get spread out the activities over 7days - obviously pretty expensive for a family of four.

  • Out24q on 15/03/2022 - 23:08

    Do you actually need a car?
    The public transport isn't that bad, and Uber is always an option as well.

    That's what we always do when visiting Surfers.

    Also need to factor in if your choice of accommodation has parking, and how much?

    • [Deactivated] on 15/03/2022 - 23:11

      Yep. We definitely need a car. From above users ref we did a quick quote from https://www.familycarrentals.com.au/ for 8 seater Kia Carnival ( so we don't need two separate cars) which is coming for $660 (03-09April). Sounds decent price. Our accommodation has parking facility so no issues around there.

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