The Gold Coast is much larger, more crowded but more exciting than the Sunshine Coast. Noosa is considered very upmarket - you pay a fortune to stay by the beach. The beach itself is small and is in a poor state at the moment having lost a lot of its sand. The small National Park adjacent to the Baech is excellent and there are also some nice parks a short drive inland and trips to Frazer Island. But there's not much else. Don't know too much about Mooloolaba. Its a beach town about ½ hour south of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.
The Gold Coast is derided by many as too touristy and a bit tacky, while others love it. Its basically a 30km strip of beach towns. The northern end is the more crowded and I'd avoid staying at Surfers Paradise. However, Broadbeach a few kms south is a good option. Apart from great beaches, the hinterland has some fantastic rainforests, National Parks, lookouts, waterfalls, wildlife, etc. You won't go wrong here with a 12 year old with plenty to do, including some good theme parks - Sea World, Dreamworld, Movie World, and a good wild life park at Currumbin.

Matt - many thanks for responding to my query. I have looked at the Gold Coast and had received some literature from the tourist board, but it was very 'glitzy' looking and I must admit fairly offputting! We did Las Vegas last year and it seemed to be very similar. I have however looked at an area called Burleigh Heights - do you know or have an opinion on this area?
Also, do you know the Grande Floridian, Miami? Do you think this would be too brash? I'd appreciate your comments. Many thanks

Sash,

Try www.quennsland-holidays.com.au/ and follow the links to the Gold Coast for more info.
The Gold Coast is definitely nothing like Las Vegas. The northern end is probably similar (on a smaller scale) to Waikiki, although the Gold Coast has much better beaches with loads more space. Really, only the northern end (Main Beach and Surfers Paradise) are crowded with tourists, "schoolies" and highrises. The further south you travel along the Gold Coast, the lesser the crowds and buildings. Miami is about 10 kms south of Surfers Paradise. I've always found it a bit non-descript. I don't know about the place you mentioned (Grande Florida). In my guide book it gets 4½ stars. It looks like a typical low-rise family oriented resort but is not absolute beachfront.
Burleigh Heads is a little further south. Its a better option than Miami and is renowned for its surf.
We always stay at Broadbeach. Its the next beach south of Surfers (abt 5 kms). Its much quiter than Surfers but has an excellent patrolled beach across from the park, a good pedestrian mall with cafes, etc and a good little shopping centre. It also has a monorail access across to the casino, if you're interested. You can get a reasonably priced self-catering apartment that has spectacular views overlooking the park and beach and looking south down the coast and behind to the mountains. We usually stay at the South Pacific Plaza mainly because of its great location (see web site for details). They can mail you a price list/brochure.
If possible, try and arrange your visit prior to Dec 18, when school holidays begin.
Most of the Gold Coast is not really "glitzy" and its easy to escape to some fantastic National parks nearby.
Email me direct if you want more specific info.

I agree with Matt. The Gold Coast is nothing like Las Vegas and more like Waikiki. I have been to both. It may be a little tourist tacky (too many T-shirt and trinket shops) but has a much nicer atmosphere for a 12 year old than Las Vegas.

Having said that I'd avoid the first two weeks of December at all costs. This is "schoolies" It has become the annual pilgrimage for 17 & 18 year olds from all over Australia who have just completed their final high school examinations and are probably away from their parents for the first time and letting off steam after a very stressful year. Mid December onwards will be crowded as all schools are then on vacation but this is a family oriented time.

My kids loved the Gold Coast when they were 12 and it became the annual family holiday for about 4 years. The highlight for them was visiting the theme parks. There are numerous reasonably priced beachside apartments all along the area and if you want the beach without the busy stay a little further south of Surfers Paradise. You will still be close to action if you want it but able to withdraw if you don't.

Now the kids are older (early twenties) we prefer Hastings Street, Noosa. If I had to catergorise the two I'd say The Gold Coast was for kids (of any age) and Noosa is for grown-ups.

Hi Matt and Kerry
I really appreciate your response to my messages. I will look at the websites you have given and possibly reassess the situation. However, I have looked into Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland etc. Do either of you know these areas? The dates we will be staying will be approximately 28 Dec - 3 Jan. Will the 'schoolies' still be around then? Also, we will be in Manly for the week before Christmas - is this a destination for 'schoolies'?

Appreciate you input.
Many thanks

The schoolies will be long gone by 28th December.

I can't comment on Mooloolaba or Alexandra Headland as I haven't stayed at either.

No, Manly is not a schoolies destination. It's a beachside surburb of Sydney. It is described as "10 miles from the city but 1,000 miles from care" It is only a ferry ride away from the centre of Sydney.

Sash,

sorry, haven't been to the Sunshine Coast in a long time, so I can't comment on Mooloolaba or Alenxandra Headland.
Kerry is right, the schoolies are long gone before Christmas, and they never get anywhere near Manly.
The period you mentioned (28 Dec to 3 jan) is likely to be mostly families and couples at both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Sash,
We live in Brisbane and I agree with the comments made by both Matt and Kerry. I notice Mooloolaba keeps coming up in your discussions. Just wanted to let you know that it is a lovely area. There are some great spots around there that are good for damilies such as Coolum beach. Noosa is good for a visit but you will pay a premium to stay there. The sunshine coast hinterland is also worth a visit. A number of nice small towns but spectacular views back to the coast. A number of walks and good spots. The Glasshouse Mts are an attraction worth seeing.

David