Picturesque, diverse, sunny and oh-so beautiful, Gold Coast is the ultimate place for a fun-filled family vacation. From its beaches to theme parks and super delicious food, there’s so much to discover in this coastal city!
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If you’re planning a trip to Gold Coast soon but don’t know where to start, let us help you with that as we bring you 8 Muslim-friendly tips for the best family vacay you’ve always wanted!
1. Indulge in Halal food around the city
Everyone knows that part of travelling is having some great food. Finding halal food, however, isn’t always as easy. Fortunately for Gold Coast, halal food isn’t scarce. Whether you’re up for Arab food, Indian or even Jamaican, you’ll find them right in the CBD!
#HHWT Tip: Most of the portion sizes at these eateries are family-friendly so you need not worry about sharing! ?
Shiraz Authentic Persian Restaurant
Situated in the heart of Surfers Paradise, this mid-sized restaurant serves authentic Iranian cuisine. Named after a small city called Shiraz, be spoilt with standout dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of Iran!
Credit: @shirazgoldcoast on Instagram
The menu includes slow-cooked Lamb Shank, Fesenjan (chicken stew with pomegranate paste), and Kebab platters. End your meal with the exquisite Persian tea while munching on their sweet baklavas!
Credit: @shirazgoldcoast on Instagram
Address: 3106 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Phone Number:+61 7 5679 3941
Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11:30am - 9:30pm, Friday - Saturday, 11:30am - 10:00pm.
Status: Muslim-owned.
Indian Delights
Credit: Indian Delights on Facebook
Indian food, anyone? Don’t mind if we do ? Indian Delights is a humble eatery that cooks up delicious homemade Indian food. Get a taste of the famous butter chicken served with scrumptious tandoori chicken and some naan breads. Everything goes well with naan bread ?
#HHWT Tip: Although the food is halal, Indian Delights serves alcohol, so dine at your discretion.
Address: 2098 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami QLD 4220, Australia
Phone Number: +61 7 5578 6488
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday, 5:00pm - 9:30pm.
Status: Halal meat. Alcohol served in the establishment.
Jamroc
Have you ever tried Jamaican food before? If you haven’t, there’s a halal Jamaican restaurant that’s located just 13 minutes away from CBD! This Mermaid Waters eatery serves Jamaican staple dish called the Jerk Chicken! Infused with a blend of herbs and spices, the chicken is marinated for 24 hours and then char-grilled to succulent perfection!
Credit: @sea_foodie_phillb on Instagram
Address: Q Super Centre c51a Corner of Bermuda &, Markeri St, Mermaid Waters
Phone Number: +61 7 5531 4016
Opening Hours:Monday - Wednesday, 11:00am - 3:00pm, 5:00pm - 8:00pm, Thursday and Friday, 11:00am - 3:00pm, 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Saturday, 11:00am - 9:00pm, Sunday, 11:00am - 3:00pm, 5:00pm - 8:00pm.
Status: Halal chicken. Alcohol served in the establishment.
*Bonus: Halal Butchers
Credit: @sahranjoten on Instagram
If you’re not opting to eat out, there’s a few halal butchers around the CBD - namely Continental Halal Meats and Gold Coast Halal Meats. From beef to mutton and chicken, you can find almost anything at the butchers. Look out for imported sodas from the Arabian Peninsula too!
Continental Halal Meats
Address: 37 Beale St, Southport, Queensland
Phone Number:+61 7 5531 4016
Opening Hours:Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 6:00pm, Friday 7:00am - 1:00pm, 2:00pm to 6:00pm, Saturday 7:00am - 5:00pm, Sunday 8:00am - 4:00pm.
Gold Coast Halal Meats
Address: 7/9 Brown St, Labrador, Gold Coast, Queensland
Phone Number: +61 431 757 650
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm, Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm, Sunday 8:00am - 4:00pm
2. Have a jolly good day at Muslim-friendly attractions
Warner Bros. Movie World
There’s a reason why Gold Coast is the fun and adventure capital of Australia - you’ll find plenty of things to enjoy not just for yourself but with your loved ones too. Like theme parks! Blessed with an amazing weather all year round, locals and tourists alike often flock to this side of the country to unwind.
Credit: @biancawejnger on Instagram
Kickstart your family adventure at Movie World, Australia’s largest theme park that’s themed around popular characters of the Warner Bros Studio! Interact with Superman, Batman, Bugs Bunny, or even his best friend Daffy Duck!
Credit: Holiday Point on Flickr
There’s a couple of thrill rides around but for families with kids, don’t worry, you’re not left behind! Head over to Kids’ WB Fun Zone where you get to have fun with your favourite characters while riding the Merry Go Round and even catch some shows!
Credit: Warner Bros. Movie World Gold Coast on Facebook
#HHWT Tip: Take a break in between and enjoy some Frozen Coke, it’s the perfect treat especially during summer!
Credit: Warner Bros. Movie World - Gold Coast, Australia on Facebook
For something a little adventurous, start with the longest, fastest and tallest hypercoaster in the southern hemisphere! Yes, we’re talking about high speed and crazy heights. Imagine dropping at a 89-degree angle, how’s that for a thrill? Don’t forget to try the Superman Escape ride, classic but worth it ?
Credit: Movie World DC on Facebook
After all that adrenaline in your system’s faded away, it’s time to refuel with some good food. Treat yourself to the Muslim-friendly salad bar at Rick’s Café or pop by Legends Dining Room, a halal-certified restaurant for a hearty meal. However, it’s not open every day so it’s best to check with the staff a few days day before your visit to ensure that it’ll be open.
#HHWT Tip: Do note that the chicken products around the park are all halal-certified but we do recommend checking with the staff first before you purchase any meal at the carts.
Sea World
Australia houses some of the best beaches around the world and it’s no surprise that its marine life is well-kept too. If you’ve ever dreamt of meeting sea animals up close and personal, Sea World is THE perfect place for you!
Whether you’re a young couple or one with kids, Sea World boasts plenty of activities for you to enjoy, like the Dolphin Show. Watch the dolphins perform tricks like the donut jump, splashing the audience and even score a soccer goal!
Credit: The Theme Park Social Network on Facebook
And if you can’t get enough of the dolphin show, you can always catch the next big thing – Seal Presentation! Watch the seals in action as they fill your heart with joy and laughter with their wittiness. Makes you want to bring one home! ?
#HHWT Tip: Sea World also houses a cute polar bear so while you’re wandering around the premise, be sure to check the furry bear going about its daily life before you continue your fun adventure!
Credit: Chang Hwan Seol on Facebook
You can even catch the water sports show where 4 professional jet skiers get into action and show you their best stunts! It’s best to wear a poncho though, so you don’t get splashed ?
Credit: Sea World Gold Coast Australia on Facebook
You can also go on a helicopter ride around Surfers Paradise from AUD65 and see the natural beauty of Gold Coast from above. Choose between 5 minutes or 10 minutes and be prepared to be in awe.
#HHWT Tip: The Plaza Food Court, located in the centre of the park, serves tasty halal options such as chicken burgers and fish and chips! There is also a prayer room facility located under the monorail station.
Credit: Sea World Gold Coast Australia on Facebook
If you’re around the food court, you better not be sleeping on the indulgent ice-cream that’s available in multiple flavours. Go for the Rainbow ice-cream, it’s a must-try! ?
3. Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Want to know more about Australian wildlife? There’s no better place than Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary! Take a break from the city and head over to this spot for a diverse range of Australian animals! A day at the sanctuary will give you and your family a chance to do fun activities like catching the bird show, or the sheep shearing show!
The sanctuary is pretty huge so to get from one place to another, hop on the train! It’s pretty convenient especially if you have your little ones with you. Plus, the driver is pretty fun to talk to as he has stories to share while bringing you around.
Stop at the Kangaroo Sanctuary to get really close with the roos. You can also feed them with the kibbles around the park and they’re free! With such a vast space, you be assured to see many of them hopping around. If you’re lucky, you can even spot a baby kangaroo.
#HHWT Tip: You can find Halal food and prayer room located near “Koala Experience” area!
4. Immerse yourself in the laidback and friendly Queenslander culture at the markets
Your family trip to Gold Coast won’t be complete without a visit to its vibrant markets! Thanks to the wide-open spaces around the city, you’ll see plenty of markets popping up during the weekends. For first-timers, the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets and NightQuarter are a must!
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Credit: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets on Facebook
Not only are the markets located by the beach side, they also have been around since the 90s! Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night, make your way to the markets and wander along a stretch of more than 100 stalls.
Credit: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets on Facebook
From vintage accessories, to food, fresh fruits and artworks, you’ll want to buy pretty much everything you see ? Keep a lookout for live entertainment that’ll set a cheerful mood while you walk around and interact with the locals.
Credit: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets on Facebook
You can even get the local artist to sketch a family portrait for you! ? It’s always good to support the local art scene.
Address: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, Queensland
Opening Hours: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday only, 4:00pm - 9:00pm.
Phone Number: +61 7 5584 3700
NightQuarter
To get a sight of the local entertainment scene and food, NightQuarter has it all! Located right in the heart of the CBD, this vibrant market happens every Friday and Saturday. It’s the ideal place to get together with your family and end the week.
Credit: NightQuarter on Facebook
Walk around whilst checking out the live performances around. While it starts out pretty late, you can be assured that the sunset view will just elevate your experience even more.
Credit: NightQuarter on Facebook
Good news for Muslim travellers – there’s plenty of Muslim-friendly and vegetarian options available around the markets but you should definitely hunt for the waffles, churros, tornado potatoes and refreshing drinks!
Address: 1 Town Centre Dr, Helensvale QLD 4212.
Opening Hours: Friday – Saturday, 4:00pm – 10:00pm.
Phone Number: +61 1800 264 448
5. Go on a river cruise around Surfers Paradise
What’s the best way to see the lifestyle in Gold Coast? You do it like the locals - by cruising the waterways! The coast is by far the most scenic place you can find in the city, and we definitely concur.
Credit: Hello Gold Coast on Facebook
#HHWT Tip: Consider booking with Aqua Duck that allows you to discover the coastal city by land and sea! Or those who are looking for some thrills can board the Paradise Jetboating – a quick and fun alternative that takes you around the waterways on a speedboat where you’ll experience 360-degree spins and high-speed drifting!
Credit: @puidee on Instagram
Just go on a relaxing boat ride from the heart of Surfers Paradise and go through the canals where you’ll see countless homes of the rich and famous, like Jackie Chan’s and the Gold Coast Arts Centre.
#HHWT Tip: Look out for dolphins while cruising as there’s a handful of playful dolphins swimming around the waterways.
6. Reconnect with nature through a farm stay experience
Ever wanted to experience the outdoor life the Queenslander way? You’re in the right place. Gold Coast has lots of family-friendly places where you can participate in outdoor activities, like staying in a farm!
Credit: @rspauline on Instagram
Travel a little further from the CBD and book a stay at Cedar Glen Farmstay, a family-owned farm that has worked the cattle property for over 100 years! Today, it’s one of the most popular farms in Queensland that offers farm activities for families.
Credit: Cedar Glen Farmstay on Facebook
Be sure to go horseback-riding with your little ones and marvel at the natural beauty that is Queensland! It’s the best way to bond with each other over the gorgeous mountainous view.
Credit: @smilegal on Instagram
Once you’re done, spend some quality time with the horses and other farm animals. You can even feed them too!
Address: 3338 Kerry Rd, Darlington QLD 4285, Australia
Phone Number: + 61 7 5544 8170
7. Shop till you drop at Gold Coast’s popular family-friendly shopping outlets
Harbour Town
Credit: @zuzaria_tour on Instagram
Gold Coast is a shopping paradise and you can’t leave this place without going on a shopping spree! Make your way to Harbour Town, just 20 minutes away from the CBD.
Credit: Harbour Town Gold Coast on Facebook
Known as the largest outlet mall in Australia, Harbour Town features a wide range of local to international retailers at attractive prices! With over 240 stores ranging from fashion to homewares and even food, it sure is a shopping spot you wouldn’t want to miss out on!
#HHWT Tip: There are two halal premises around the outlet - Ispa Kebabs and Kofteburger so if you’re tired from all the shopping, unwind at these two eateries! There’s also a prayer space located at the Tourist Lounge and you’ll find wudu areas thoughtfully provided for men and women.
Address: 147/189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters QLD 4216, Australia
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM
Pacific Fair
Those itching for another shopping spree, head over to Pacific Fair that houses over 400 stores!
Credit: @pacificfair on Instagram
From sportswear to footwear and fashion, this mall is THE place to be for every shopahollc! There’s also a couple of indoor games like bumper cars so for any parents out there, this fun activity will keep your little ones occupied while you sneak in a little shopping ?
Credit: @caitlinchilton on Instagram
Or you can even join the fun, there’s no harm in that. Battle against your kids and see who wins at the end ?
Credit: Shintaro Katayama on Facebook
#HHWT Tip: You can also find a couple of Muslim-friendly restaurants like Origin Kebabs and Pide Istanbul! There's also a prayer room located at the Pacific Fair Visitor lounge.
Address: Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:30pm, Saturday – Sunday, 9:00am.- 6:00pm.
8. Be on top of the world at Skypoint Observation Deck
Where to get a good view of Gold Coast besides riding the helicopter? Simple - the Skypoint Observation Deck is your best bet!
Credit: @raevskaya_o on Instagram
Soaring high at 230 metres, the Observation Deck is Gold Coast’s most iconic destination. Your journey begins when you step into the deck and you’ll watch in amazement the whole of Gold Coast and its beautiful beaches.
Credit: @bebraveben on Instagram
To all parents out there, if you’re yearning for a more immersive experience, take part in the SkyPoint Climb where you climb to the summit! Fully harnessed to a purpose-built safety rail system, go up the walkway and enjoy panoramic views of Gold Coast.
Once you reach the top, take in the stunning vistas and have your photo taken! You’ll also receive a certificate that commemorates your thrilling adventure.
Address: Level 77, q1 building/9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Opening Hours: Monday - Wednesday 7:30am - 7:00pm, Thursday 7:30am - 4:00pm, Friday - Saturday 7:30am - 9:00pm, Sunday 7:30am - 7:00pm
Phone Number: +61 7 5582 2700
So there you have it - the only Muslim-friendly tips you’ll need for a great family vacay. It’s really not that hard to say no to this majestic city, and honestly we could go on and on about it but we’ll definitely let you get to know the city yourself ? Time to book that flight ticket!
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