The Absolute Best Gold Coast Accommodation for Families

Are you travelling to the Gold Coast and wondering where to stay and what is the best Gold Coast accommodation for kids? In this article, I’ve rounded up the very best Gold Coast accommodation for families to help you decide.

Located in the south-east corner of Queensland the Gold Coast has outgrown its reputation of the glitter strip on the beach to a diverse haven for holidaymakers. Its diversity from golden sandy beaches to the lush tropical hinterland is what draws around 13 million visitors per year from all parts of Australia.

An undeniable attraction of the Gold Coast is the glorious weather that you can experience year-round. The balmy temperatures mean you can spend more time outside basking in the outdoors, which is also where you will find many of the fabulous family activities and attractions.

If you landed on this page hoping to find family accommodation on the Gold Coast then you’re in the right place! Hotels, serviced apartments, rental homes, resorts, caravan and holiday parks – the types of accommodation are endless. With many choices, the task of selecting where to stay can become time-consuming and stressful, which is why I have created this list.

Continue reading to find my shortlist of the best holiday accommodation on the Gold Coast

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Featured Image © Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and Spa Gold Coast

Where to Stay on the Gold Coast: The Best Areas

For a complete Gold Coast experience, I would highly recommend staying in a hotel or resort. When searching for accommodation the Gold Coast has many neighbourhoods and choosing the best one is dependant on what you plan to see and do in the city.

If you have a preferred location and budget, you will be sure to find something on the Gold Coast to suit your needs.  

Here is a breakdown of the popular neighbourhoods on the Gold Coast.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is possibly the most recognised location on the Gold Coast if not in Queensland. A hot spot on the Gold Coast since the early 1900s the beachside location is where you will find many popular tourist attractions, places to eat and an enthusiastic social scene. This is also the reason why you will find an enormous amount of accommodation options from Gold Coast accommodation apartments to luxurious hotels. I have included many options for family accommodation in Surfers Paradise below.

The new foreshore that runs parallel to the beach is a brilliant place for a walk or scooter ride. While every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday the strip is transformed between 3.00 pm and 8.00 pm for the Surfers Paradise beach markets. 

Broadbeach

Broadbeach or “Broadie” as it is affectionately known by locals is only 10-minutes south of Surfers Paradise and fast becoming the place to stay due to its location. Kurrawa Beach is a popular drawcard for families as it is framed by large green parks and close to children’s playgrounds.

The Broadbeach Mall has speciality stores along with casual dining, or take the short trip to Pacific Fair – Australia’s largest retail centre for some serious shopping, or to visit the cinemas.

Main Beach

Located at the northern end along the Gold Coast Broadwater is where you will find some of the Gold Coast’s luxurious accommodation options. Visit Marina Mirage the areas exclusive shopping centre filled with boutique outlets and modern restaurants and cafes. 

Further north is the iconic theme park Sea World, and if a barbeque by the Broadwater is beckoning at the end of Sea World Drive is the Southport Spit.

Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach is the quieter suburb compared to its next-door neighbour – Broadbeach. Primarily a residential neighbourhood, home to the exclusive millionaires’ row (Hedges Avenue) you will not go hungry when you are staying in Mermaid Beach with an array of dining options and many different cuisines to tantalise all taste buds.

There are numerous accommodation options in the area including resorts, apartments and caravan parks.

Coolangatta

The Gold Coast’s most southern suburb is a popular beachside location with Greenmount, Snapper Rocks, and Rainbow Bay not only offering world-class surfing conditions but ideal swimming areas.

Coolangatta is a favourite location with families with lots of green spaces, walking trails and playgrounds dotted along the beachfront.

Continue reading to find where to stay on the Gold Coast with kids.

Accommodation Features to Consider

What’s important to you when looking for the perfect family accommodation?

Features to consider are:

Price: Do you have a budget?

Your accommodation is normally going to be one of the top two expensive parts of your trip (the other being flights if required). Before you start searching for accommodation, know your budget. This may, in turn, narrow down your options and avoid you spending more than you want.

Rooms – How many guests are travelling and how many rooms do you require?

Many properties can accommodate two adults and two children (sharing existing bedding and under a certain age) within one room. This is going to be the less expensive option; however, I urge you to think about how comfortable you will be during your stay, and this will depend a lot on the ages of your children and your duration of stay.

Facilities – How much time will you be spending at the hotel or resort?

The star rating can be used as a guide to the properties cleanliness, quality, and guest facilities. Four and five-star ratings mean a property has a wide range of facilities and superior guest service.

Location – Will you have a mode of transport with you?

Location is very important when you are looking for a place of accommodation. If you won’t have a vehicle during your trip than public transport can be an additional cost that you will need to consider and something you need to plan around each day. Bare this in mind as you may feel the decision to stay somewhere central beneficial.

Dining – Are you foodies?

Do you like to dine out, eat on the run or prepare a home-cooked meal? Either way, research the dining options in the area where you will be staying.

Which Booking Engine to Use for Gold Coast Accommodation

I have included links in this article to Booking.com as they are one of the most well-known holiday sites where you can book accommodation online and they are a brand that I trust.

There are many more booking engines available to compare accommodation prices, but with a background in hotel reservations and many years of travel experience under my belt, my suggestion is to stick to one or two.

I have chosen this company as I have booked accommodation through them before. Their system is user-friendly, they provide guest reviews, and the rates, inclusions and cancellation policy is clear.

Summary of Gold Coast Accommodation

Don’t fancy reading my entire guide on the best accommodation on the Gold Coast for kids and just want to know my recommendation?  Well, see below my shortlist.

Luxury Accommodation

• Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and Spa
• Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

Mid-Range Accommodation

• Rhapsody Resort
• RACV Royal Pines Resort

Budget Accommodation

• Meriton Suites Broadbeach
• Mercure Gold Coast Resort

Comparison Chart of Gold Coast Accommodation with Kids  

Before I go into detail on the best family hotels, resorts and apartments on the Gold Coast, the below table is a way to compare each of them and their important features.

The review rating was collected from Booking.com at the time of publication and is subject to change.

Keep reading below for the full information on each property and more.

Find all the Best Gold Coast Accommodation for Families here!

Meriton Suites Broadbeach

One of the most popular accommodation options in Broadbeach with a rating of 9 by over 13,000 reviews on Booking.com.

The Meriton Suites Broadbeach are ideally located opposite The Star Gold Coast (Gold Coast’s casino) and Pacific Fair, while the beaches are only a 5-minute walk away.  

The G:link light rail is directly in front of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre which gives visitors the option of travelling to other parts of the Gold Coast if they do not have a vehicle.

The contemporary 1,2, or 3-bedroom suites are perfect for a family holiday and include all the modern essentials you would find in a luxury apartment.

Guests have the choice of either an outdoor pool or an indoor heated pool and sauna to enjoy after a long day of sightseeing.

• Location: Broadbeach
• Accommodation Type: Apartment /Hotel
• Swimming Pool: Yes       
• Family Rooms: Yes
• Dining Options: Walking distance
• Car Parking: Yes – charges apply

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

Rhapsody Resort

Only 100 metres from the golden Surfers Paradise beaches, Rhapsody Resort is one of the newest resorts to hit the Surfers Paradise pavement.

Rhapsody Resort offers studio, 1, or 2-bedroom accommodation options. All rooms are self-contained and include a full kitchen and laundry facilities. If you prefer to leave the cooking and cleaning to when you get home Rhapsody Resort is a short stroll to the Surfers Paradise dining precinct.

This resort has been created with the Gold Coast weather in mind. Level 27 offers guests a lounge and an outdoor sun terrace complete with spectacular ocean views. While the rooftop – level 41, is a unique sky deck providing guests with a communal market garden and private relaxation area.

The Rhapsody Resort is well-regarded by its guests with it receiving a score of 9 in the Booking.com Traveller Review Awards in 2021.

• Location: Surfers Paradise
• Accommodation Type: Resort
• Swimming Pool: Yes       
• Family Rooms: Yes
• Dining Options: Yes
• Car Parking: Yes – free self car parking

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

RACV Royal Pines Resort

Experience the brilliance of a spacious and luxurious resort that is only 12 minutes to the west of popular beaches and shopping centres and set on beautifully landscaped gardens, with facilities to suit every member of the family.

If you are searching for a fully inclusive resort than Royal Pines may be the answer, with supreme facilities it strikes a perfect balance for a fun-filled family holiday.

Over the years the resort has added facilities that kids will enjoy, including an undercover playground with a giant jumping pillow, a lagoon pool with water slides, a man-made beach area, and kids splash zone.

• Location: Benowa
• Accommodation Type: Resort
• Swimming Pool: Yes
• Family Rooms: Yes – 2A + 2C (age limit applies) or Interconnecting rooms
• Dining Options: Yes
• Car Parking: Yes – free self car parking

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

Read More: Find here a detailed review of RACV Royal Pines Resort

Sea World Resort and Water Park

Sea World Resort has received an award of best family resort in Australia for 8 years running voted by the readers of Holidays with Kids magazine.     

The resort’s top drawcards for visitors would be its direct access to Sea World theme park, the 4.5-star family-friendly facilities, and Broadwater location close to beaches, shopping and dining.

There are lots of fun kids’ activities at Sea World including a daily light show at the SpongeBob SplashBash, where kids can dance to SpongeBob themed music under the musical water fountain. There is also a kids club (additional fees apply), a lagoon pool and water park and free meet and greets with the Nickelodeon characters.

If you plan to visit the Gold Coast theme parks, Sea World Resort and Water Park offer special accommodation deals that include entry tickets.

• Location: Main Beach
• Accommodation Type: Resort
• Swimming Pool: Yes + waterpark
• Family Rooms: Yes
• Dining Options: Yes
• Car Parking: Yes – free self car parking

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

There is no missing this beachfront accommodation venue when you are in Surfers Paradise. Located on the Surfers Paradise Esplanade this building rises 77 stories in the air making it one of the Gold Coast’s tallest towers.

You will find stylish 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Each of the apartments offers uninterrupted views over the ocean and hinterland, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, and laundry facilities.

Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool and spa that overlooks the Surfers Paradise beach and take advantage of the barbeque facilities set in sub-tropical gardens.  

• Location: Surfers Paradise
• Accommodation Type: Apartment / Hotel
• Swimming Pool: Yes       
• Family Rooms: Yes
• Dining Options: Yes
• Car Parking: Yes – free self car parking

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

Mercure Gold Coast Resort

The Mercure Gold Coast Resort is a hidden gem, perfectly suited for those wanting to escape the busy Gold Coast hot zones yet close enough to visit them at your leisure.

Set beside the picturesque Palm Meadows Golf Course, the resort is cocooned on 10 acres of open spaces, lush greenery, and tropical gardens which offers guests a sense of tranquillity within an exotic ambience.

Guests have the choice of doing as much or as little as they like with a wide range of facilities to cater for all needs. For those who love the outdoors, there are two outdoor pools and two full-size tennis courts.

The resort also has a large field area (The Green) near the tennis courts that can be utilised for your entertainment; kick a ball, throw a frisbee, take a picnic lunch down on the grass and let the kids run around.

Sports fans have the best opportunity when travelling to support their NRL and AFL teams with Cbus Super Stadium and Metricon Stadium just around the corner.

• Location: Carrara
• Accommodation Type: Hotel
• Swimming Pool: Yes
• Family Rooms: Yes – 2A + 2C (age limit applies) or Interconnecting rooms
• Dining Options: Yes
• Car Parking: Yes – free self car parking

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

Related: Read a full review of our stay at Mercure Gold Coast Resort here

Q1 Resort and Spa

Enjoy the uninterrupted views in Australia’s tallest residential tower. Q1 Resort and Spa is ideally located within short walking distance to Surfers Paradise Beach, Cavill Avenue and many other attractions in Surfers Paradise.

Set amidst one hectare of tropical grounds, guests stay in modern apartments and have access to world-class facilities – heated indoor lap pool, two lagoon swimming pools, day spa, sauna, private theatre, and a children’s game room.

For unsurpassed 360 degree views of the Gold Coast from north to south visit the Q1 Observation Deck on level 77 (fees apply).

• Location: Surfers Paradise
• Accommodation Type: Resort
• Swimming Pool: Yes       
• Family Rooms: Yes
• Dining Options: Yes
• Car Parking: Yes – free self car parking

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Set over 32-acres of sub-tropical gardens the BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is located across the road from Movie World, Wet’N’Wild, Outback Spectacular and only a 5-minute drive from Dreamworld.

A huge (literally!) attraction is the water park that includes 6 slides a tipping bucket and lots of fun! For something a little more low-key there is a resort-style heated pool with oversized day beds nearby. As this is a licenced area the adults can relax under the shady cabanas, order a beverage and watch the kids play.

For extra entertainment, there is a giant jumping pillow and lots of outdoor activities including frisbee golf, table tennis, bocce, and an outdoor basketball court. Take the kayaks or cast a line in Saltwater Creek that runs through the property.

The BIG4 is also pet-friendly and provides a large leash-free dog park, along with dog-washing services and dog-sitting.

• Location: Helensvale
• Accommodation Type: Holiday Park
• Swimming Pool: Yes + water park             
• Family Rooms: Yes
• Dining Options: Yes
• Car Parking: Yes – free self car parking

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

Turtle Beach Resort

One of the top choices for families on the Gold Coast due to the options of spacious fully self-contained apartments, kid-friendly facilities and a location of just 300 metres to the beach.

Spread over 4.5 hectares of manicured gardens are four separate swimming areas, a splash zone waterpark, playground, games room, and when it’s time for a change of pace a 22-seat cinema.

Another fun feature of the resort is Club Turtle – a kids club for children aged 4 to 12 years old. The program includes lots of fun activities including interactive games, art and craft, discos and more. While the kids are having fun the adults can enjoy the adults-only pool, have a game of tennis or partake in some R&R at the day spa.

• Location: Mermaid Beach
• Accommodation Type: Resort
• Swimming Pool: Yes + waterpark
• Family Rooms: Yes
• Dining Options: Yes
• Car Parking: Yes – free self car parking

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast

The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is a place where all travellers have the choice of doing as much or as little as they desire. Repeat guests would tell you it is more than a place to stay; it ispremier 5-star resort accommodation at its finest.

A blend of modern aesthetics with a tropical vibe, the resort is only a stone’s throw from the Marina Mirage shopping mall consisting of over 80 specialist shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Set amongst 6 hectares of tropical splendour with some of the Gold Coast’s most spacious accommodation rooms surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons.  

Located on Main Beach on the northern end of the Gold Coast it offers guests direct access to a patrolled beach year-round. Watch the sunrise over the ocean, take a stroll along the golden sands or swim in the waves.

• Location: Main Beach
• Accommodation Type: 5-star Resort
• Swimming Pool: Yes
• Family Rooms: Yes – 2A + 2C (age limit applies) or Interconnecting rooms
• Dining Options: Yes
• Car Parking: Yes – charges apply

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

Paradise Resort Gold Coast

This hotel is a children’s paradise equip with all the facilities for pure entertainment during your stay starting with Dusty’s Jungle Gym in the lobby area.

The fun doesn’t stop there; Paradise Resort has a playground, laser tag, a lagoon pool, kids club, games room, ice-skating rink, and two water parks.

Paradise Resort Gold Coast has maintained one of Australia’s favourite family resorts in the four-star and under category with the Holidays With Kids community for many years running.

Let’s say with all the inclusions there is no need to leave the resort.

• Location: Surfers Paradise
• Accommodation Type: Resort
• Swimming Pool: Yes + waterpark
• Family Rooms: Yes
• Dining Options: Yes
• Car Parking: Yes – charges apply

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites

Only minutes from the Gold Coast airport the Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites is located in the heart of Coolangatta. The main focal point of the resort is a spectacular free-form lagoon pool with waterslides that is surrounded by landscaped tropical gardens.

One and two-bedroom self-contained apartments are offered at the resort with views of either the ocean, pool or hinterland.

• Location: Coolangatta
• Accommodation Type: Apartment / Hotel
• Swimming Pool: Yes       
• Family Rooms: Yes
• Dining Options: walking distance
• Car Parking: Yes – free self car parking

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa

As soon as you enter the front doors of the newly refreshed Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa, you feel a sense of calm sophistication.

There are many beautiful features in the main area of the resort and the feeling of grandeur is spread throughout the property.

In need of respite after a day of sightseeing on the Gold Coast, the resort has five-star facilities to meet all guests needs.

The saltwater lagoon is one of the highlights and a centrepiece of the resort. Guests have the unique opportunity to swim and snorkel in a dedicated lagoon pool filled with over 300 tropical fish. The aquatic playground also includes an outdoor spa, a lazy river freshwater pool, a waterslide for the kids, and many places to relax poolside and watch the day fade away.

• Location: Surfers Paradise
• Accommodation Type: Luxury Hotel
• Swimming Pool: Yes
• Family Rooms: Yes – 2A + 2C (age limit applies) or Interconnecting rooms
• Dining Options: Yes
• Car Parking: Yes – charges apply

Check Latest Prices and Reviews Here

I hope you enjoyed this guide and find it helpful in choosing the best Gold Coast accommodation for your next trip! You can find more accommodation reviews here.

Note: The above information on each property is subject to change.

Top Things to do on the Gold Coast

To help you plan the perfect trip to the Gold Coast, here are 10 of the best things to do:

1. Visit the glorious Gold Coast beaches.
2. Take a day trip to the Scenic Rim and go for a walk, or visit the shops along Gallery Walk.
3. Discover the unspoilt beauty of the Gold Coast national parks.
4. Have fun at the many playgrounds dotted around the city.
5. Meet the cute, cuddly, scaly and feathered wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
6. Stop in at one or all of the Gold Coast theme parks for a jam-packed fun day out!
7. Pick up some fresh produce at one of the working farms on the Gold Coast.
8. Visit the local attractions in Surfers Paradise such as Infinity, iFLY and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
9. Get a bird’s eye view of the Gold Coast from the SkyPoint observation deck.
10. Shop up a storm at the local markets, shopping centres, and speciality boutiques.

Related: Read a detailed guide on what you can do on the Gold Coast

Ready to Book your Stay?

I believe that the Gold Coast is one of the best destinations to visit in Australia.

As you have read there are many places to choose from for your visit to the Gold Coast from holiday parks, apartments, hotels and resorts. Hopefully, with this list, your family will be able to find the perfect stay!

Do you know of another accommodation option for this list? Let me know in the comments below!

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