Eli Crowther

Check each park's current attraction list and height limits against your toddler's height, not just age. Count shows, animal areas and play spaces as well as rides.

Check the pickup and return depot hours, vehicle availability and excess terms. A central location on a map may still require a long walk with bags.

Carry water and plan a food stop, but keep the route flexible. Avoid busy road crossings if you are unfamiliar with local traffic.

Ask restaurants whether they serve an à la carte menu on Christmas Day or a fixed special menu. Ordinary online menus may not apply to the holiday.

Leave unbooked days for weather and time with family. Read cancellation terms and recent reviews before committing to several outings at once.

Check current dive-operator schedules and site conditions for your exact week. Christmas can affect availability, and weather may change boat departures.

If access exists, check booking limits, age rules, towels and food or drink minimums. Pool areas can close for private events or weather.

Expect ordinary city traffic rather than a special driving challenge, but set the route before leaving and allow for beach-area congestion. The hotel parking entrance is worth locating in advance.

Compare the exact two-bedroom units, not only the building names. Look for recent reviews of cleanliness, lift waits, kitchen equipment and noise.

A rental car or tour may simplify the zoo day, while the Gold Coast parks can use local transport depending on your hotel. Compare total family costs and travel times.

If the parents prefer gentler activities, agree on meeting points and split up briefly within the park. A shared meal can still keep the day together.

Broadbeach and Southport offer clusters of food options, but the specific cafe's entrance matters more than the suburb. Call ahead if you need accessible seating or a toilet.