Making waves in winter

When the temperatures drop, the Gold Coast comes alive in a completely different way — and winter might just be the best-kept secret for a family getaway. Clear skies, comfortable sunny days and one of nature’s most incredible spectacles set the scene for a holiday that feels anything but ordinary. Each year, thousands of humpback whales migrate along our coastline, giving families a front-row seat to a breathtaking show that will have the kids talking about it for years.

This winter, families can turn that moment into a full holiday experience with Paradise Resort’s Winter on the Water packages, designed to combine adventure, value and bucket loads of family fun.

A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO THE OCEAN’S GIANTS

Not every holiday has a showstopper, but watching a humpback whale breach out of the water? Now, that’s pure magic! At the heart of every Winter on the Water package is a Sea World Whale Watching Cruise, included across all three package options. It’s the kind of experience that turns a holiday into a showstopping “we’ll never forget this” moment. Whether it’s a tail slap, a curious spy-hop or a full-on breach, seeing these magnificent creatures in the wild is both educational and utterly awe-inspiring. For many kids, it’s their very first encounter with marine wildlife outside of an aquarium — and the look on their faces? Priceless.

MORE THAN JUST A DAY OUT

Of course, a great family holiday is about more than one big experience — it’s about everything in between. Back at Paradise Resort, the fun doesn’t stop. Purpose-built for families, the resort is designed so there’s always something happening, and “What are we doing today?” is never a question you’ll need to answer.

Think splash-filled afternoons at the lagoon pool and waterpark, where kids can burn off endless energy while parents actually get to relax.

Add in sessions at the Kids Club, daily entertainment and a packed calendar of activities, and the days fill themselves. Even mornings are sorted, with a daily continental buffet breakfast at Penguins Restaurant — fuel up and head straight into the adventure.

THREE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE WINTER

One of the things families love most about Winter on the Water is the flexibility. Choose from a 2-, 3-, or 5-night stay depending on how much time you’ve got — and how much relaxing you really want to do.

Short on time? The two-night option is packed with value and gets straight to the good stuff. Ready for a proper break? The mid-range package adds extra time plus bonus in-house credit — perfect for making the most of everything on resort. And for families who want to fully switch off and settle in, the five-night package is the ultimate winter escape. Alongside the whale watching cruise, guests also enjoy a scenic Broadwater cruise with buffet lunch — a slower-paced, relaxing way to take in the Gold Coast waterways. It’s the kind of extra touch that elevates a holiday from “fun” to “truly unforgettable”.

WHY WINTER IS THE PERFECT TIME TO GO

Summer gets a lot of the attention, but winter on the Gold Coast has its own unique appeal — and for families, it might actually be the better season. The weather is mild and comfortable, the crowds are lighter, and the whale migration adds a seasonal experience you simply can’t get at any other time of year. There’s no intense heat, no peak-season chaos — just quality time, fresh air, and plenty of opportunities to explore.

A HOLIDAY THAT TICKS EVERY BOX

Ultimately, what makes this experience stand out is how effortlessly it all comes together. Adventure, relaxation, entertainment and value are all built into one easy package. There’s no need to coordinate separate bookings or juggle complicated plans — everything is designed to help families spend less time organising and more time enjoying. And in a world where time together feels more valuable than ever, that might just be the biggest luxury of all.

PLAN YOUR WINTER ESCAPE

Winter on the Water packages start from $699, with travel available on selected dates from 30 May to 18 September 2026. Availability is limited across the season, so it’s worth locking in your dates early — especially during school holidays. Because sometimes, the best memories are made when you swap routine for adventure… and discover just how magical winter on the Gold Coast can be.

Visit paradiseresort.com.au/Winter-on-the-Water-2026 to find out more