In April 2009 I spent 24 days with my family visiting friends. We traveled to Sydney via the Pacific Highway and drove back via the inland route. I saw 141 species whereof 10 were lifers as well as capturing some birds on camera.

We managed to get very cheap tickets with Airasia who now flies to Coolangatta, Gold Coast, via Kuala Lumpur.
The car was hired from www.rolo.com A new Toyota Altis at a very reasonable price and absolutely no problems with pick up or deliver. (simply dropped it off at the airport and left the keys in the car).

The Gold Coast was surprisingly beautiful. Gorgeous beaches and surfs. The urban area clean, organized and easy to get around.
Only 10 minutes from the beach are fabulous hills covered in greenery. Mt Warning (a volcano) has shaped the landscape and produced some wonderful landscape with lush valleys and some higher rain forest covered peaks.
Driving across the Dividing Range takes one into more dry areas and the birdlife changes somewhat.
It is very easy to find lodging in the many Caravan Parks, Motels and Hotels. No need for advance bookings.
We mostly stayed with friends, never ate at restaurants but cooked our own food (caravan parks have cooking facilities).
Shopping is easily done in the many shopping centers. Driving on good roads with drivers adhering to traffic rules.

A great area for a family vacation!