INSIDE: Everything you need to know about the best Family Resorts Gold Coast has to offer.
Planning a holiday to the Gold Coast with kids?
Looking for Gold Coast family accommodation for your upcoming Gold Coast family holidays?
First up, you should narrow down the best Gold Coast suburbs for the type of holiday you want to have.
Is it a theme park bonanza, or are you planning days by the beach or in the pool?
Do you want easy access to the best shopping centres on the Gold Coast?
Or to be close to the best restaurants & places to eat with kids?
First, check out our guide to the best Gold Coast suburbs for family holidays
Second, come back to see our top family hotel recommendations for each place below.
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Image credit: Jason Thien via Flickr CC BY 2.0
THE INSIDE SCOOP: Best Gold Coast Suburbs for Family Holidays
Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in AUD dollars, unless otherwise stated
In a nutshell, the best suburbs for holiday accomodation on the Gold Coast are:
No.1: Broadbeach
THE spot on the GC if you want to holiday without a car
No.2: Mermaid Beach
Good all round spot for families, in the middle of shopping and restaurant hubs
No.3: Nobby’s Beach / Miami
1970’s style charm and good coffee)
No.4: Burleigh Heads
For those who like relaxed picnics with views, and boutique shopping
No.5: Surfers Paradise
For those who want to be in the centre of the action
No.6: Currumbin/ Palm Beach
Perfect for foodies, and stand up paddle boarders
No.7: Coolangatta
Low key beach holidays and pool swims galore
No.8: Main Beach
Great for those who like to keep fit on the beach, away from the hoards
No.9: Runaway Bay/ Labrador / Paradise Point
Good for those who like boating and sailing
RELATED: Big List of the Best Things to do on the Gold Coast with kids
GUIDE TO THE BEST FAMILY RESORTS GOLD COAST QUEENSLAND
Broadbeach Family Accommodation Gold Coast
Wondering where to stay in Broadbeach with Kids?
No.1: Breakfree Diamond Beach Resort Gold Coast
Diamond Beach Resort in Broadbeach because…. lagoon pool.
But seriously.
Location is the key reason to stay at Diamond Beach resort Broadbeach, as it’s just across the road from Pacific Fair shopping centre, and you NEVER have to get in a car.
You can walk just about everywhere, or catch the G link north, or buses south.
It’s a top spot for low key family getaways on the Gold Coast.
Check latest prices.
Image credit: Peppers
No.2: Peppers Broadbeach
The location is the first reason to book a stay.
But it’s the facilities that keep you coming back.
There’s:
- Zen gardens and tai chi lawns
- Private cinema theatrette
- A sparkling heated swimming pool, a lap pool for those inclined, AND a hot tub outdoor spa
- A steam room and a sauna, AND a day spa on site!
- Guest lounges
- A teppanyaki barbecue
Check latest prices
Mermaid Beach Accommodation
Where to stay in Mermaid Beach with Kids?
No.1: Turtle Beach Resort Gold Coast
The Turtle Beach Resort is the best family accommodation in Mermaid Beach
We truly recommend Turtle Beach Resort here.
There’s really no comparison for kid-friendly in this area.
There’s:
- four – yes FOUR- swimming pools
- a purpose built SPLASH PAD for the kids with water slides and tipping buckets to soak them
- spas
- tennis courts,
- kids club, and
- a playground.
Check latest prices here.
No.2: Nobby Beach Holiday Village Gold Coast
The Nobbys Beach Holiday Park has basic studios with double beds and kitchenettes, family cabins, 2 bedroom villas, and tent sites in a facility with pools, waterslides, and kids playgrounds.
If you are looking for cheap accommodation on the Gold Coast for families, book this one.
School Holiday Fun at Nobbys Beach Holiday Village!
Every school holidays, Nobby Beach caravan park has fun free or cheap activities for the kids to do. They can join in ice cream eating competitions, pool games, scavenger hunts, DIY sticker placemats, and craft activities.
Plus, the Gold Coast Braiding and Extensions team come to the Nobby Beach tourist park daily to braid and plait hair.
Kids can have their very own MERMAID BRAIDS!
The Nobbys Beach caravan park is across the road from the Nobby’s Beach shops, where you will find some of the Gold Coast’s best coffee shops and boutiques.
Don’t miss the Miami Organic Farmer’s Market each Sunday, and the fun of Miami Marketta (with music, food trucks, and arty farty workshops for adults and kids) is just a few minutes walk away!
There’s a fun Nobbys Beach playground for kids behind Magic Mountain hill (Lions Head Park on Chairlift avenue) , and the white sand beach here has spectacular views of the entire coastline.
Check latest prices here
Image credit: Kerrie Brailsford via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0
Burleigh Heads Family Accommodation
Where to stay in Burleigh with Kids?
No.1: Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park
This place is ALWAYS busy.
So they must be doing something right.
Book a cabin – there’s 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom cabins, some with waterfront views. There’s also budget rooms for two, or a family budget room sleeping up to 6.
Camping or bringing your own caravan? You can do that too.
There’s also:
- Recreation room with Foxtel screening
- Swimming pools, water slides, and a toddler water playground with toadstool water showers
- Playground
- Tennis court
- Fun Pedal cars for hire!
It helps that it is right by one of the most scenic spots in town, the Tallebudgera Creek Beach, the best beach on the Gold Coast for families, and the awesome Tallebudgera Surf Club playground (surf club themed!)
We think you and the kids will love the Tallebudgera BIG 4 Tourist Park..
No.2: Swell Resort Burleigh
The closest apartments to Burleigh Heads, just a minutes walk to James street shopping, Burleigh Beach, Justins Park playground, coffee shops, Justin Lane pizzeria, and the library.
All apartments have:
- air conditioning and heating
- TV and a DVD player
- full kitchen with an oven, microwave and tea & coffee making facilities.
Free parking is provided.
The whole family will LOVE the pool, and parents will kill for the view.
Check latest prices here
Image credit: Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa
Surfers Paradise Family Accommodation
Wondering where to stay in Surfers Paradise with kids, within walking distance of Surfers Paradise beach and Cavill Mall?
No.1: The Marriott Surfers Paradise
The Marriott Gold Coast (not to be confused with the Courtyard by Marriott Surfers Paradise) has the most beautiful pool on the Gold Coast.
If you have the dough, this is THE ultimate hotel for kids and families on the Gold Coast.
Do make a booking at Misono Japanese restaurant one night for dinner. It’s the largest teppanyaki restaurant in Australia, and tonnes of fun for kids.
Enjoy their early bird teppanyaki dinner at 5.30pm for $35 a person (Sunday to Thursday only).
Check latest prices here.
No.2: The QT Gold Coast
The QT is Gold Coast’s coolest hotel with an amazing dessert bar.
QT hotel is 60’s cool combined with retro style and a light filled buzz.
Think Palm Springs pops of colour, with a side of quirky Australiana.
It’s so fun!
AND it’s smack bang in the middle of the action, within walking distance to all of the Surfers Paradise activities for kids including:
- Ripleys Believe it or Not
- Infinity
- TimeZone arcade games
- Pancakes on the Rocks
It’s also not far from Macintosh Island playground, and Seaworld.
Check latest prices here
No.3: Paradise Resort Gold Coast
Recently revamped, Paradise Resort Surfers Paradise is a favourite hotel for families on a budget.
If you like 5 star hotels or stylish stays where children are treated as mini royalty, avoid this place.
But if you like splash pads, kids swimming pools, kids menus, ice skating rinks, games arcades and indoor playgrounds for kids, THIS is the spot.
It’s a SUPER FUN hotel for kids on the Gold Coast.
There’s no doubt about that.
Check latest prices here
No.4: Sea World Nara Resort.
While this hotel is technically out of area, being located on the Spit at Main Beach, it’s one of the BEST hotels on the Gold Coast for kids!
The water park, with pool, two splash pads and water playground, is the best one on the Gold Coast.
It’s a bonus that the Seaworld Resort water park has sparkling views of the Broadwater to die for!
If you are looking for a low key holiday with lots of pool time, this is the place to book.
Check latest prices here
Image credit: Oaks Calypso hotel
Coolangatta Family Accommodation
Where to stay in Coolangatta with kids?
No.1: Oaks Calypso Plaza Suites
Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites has become one of the best hotels on the southern end of the Goldie for families who want a Gold Coast stay WITHOUT being in the thick of it.
Oaks Calypso hotel is within walking distance of the family friendly Rainbow Bay too, so it’s a top Gold Coast hotel for toddlers and young kids.
There’s LOADS of awesome restaurants and cafes in the shops surrounding the hotel, and there’s gelato.
The Queen Elizabeth playground is across the road near the Coolangatta surf club, and it’s easy to wander up to Kirra Beach to keep an eye on the world famous surf spot!
The highlight for kids? Pool Island, with the slides and hot spa.
The circular pool at this hotel is absolutely beautiful, and so are the views of the ocean from up high.
Complimentary parking included with your stay in the onsite undercover car park.
Check latest prices here
Image credit: Mantra Twin Towns
No.2: Mantra Twin Towns Coolangatta
The highlight for kids at Mantra Twin Towns are the two swimming pools!
(One outdoor, one indoor)
But there’s more!
Play a round of mini golf, or head to the games room to meet up with new mates.
Parents like the hot tub, the grass , and the fitness centre with
Everyone likes the views – overlooking the Tweed River, the GC hinterland, or the ocean.
Save money on meals by bringing your own BBQ essentials and cooking dinner at the outdoor barbecue areas.
Check latest prices here
NB: This hotel is NOT Mantra Coolangatta Beach. But it’s another good option for families just up the road.
Image credit: Sanctuary Lake Apartments
Currumbin Family Accommodation
Where to stay in Currumbin with kids ?
No.1 Sanctuary Lake Apartments Currumbin
For family friendly accom, try Sanctuary Lake.
It’s about a two minute walk to Currumbin Sanctuary and Currumbin Surf Club. For a laid back holiday, this end of the coast rules.
There are two and three bedroom apartments with private balconies & fully equipped kitchens (should you be inclined to cook at any time!)
But it’s the resort’s sparkling saltwater pool and sundeck that the kids love most.
Check latest prices here
Image credit: The Rocks Resort Currumbin Beach Gold Coast
No.2: The Rocks Resort Currumbin Beach Accommodation
Visiting the Gold Coast to see the Swell Festival of sculptures?
This is the spot to be, as the art installations are lined up and down Pacific Parade and the Currumbin beachfront.
The hotel is RIGHT next to the famous Currumbin Rock, and the spectacular Currumbin beach.
(If you have small children, walk around the point until you find the enclosed flat swimming area, safe from the fast moving Currumbin Alley water.)
The pull of the place is the heated outdoor swimming pool and the children’s pool, plus there’s a games room with billiards table, table tennis, and foosball.
All apartments are self-contained with a full kitchen and laundry facilities.
Enjoy a wine or two on your apartment balcony and drink in those ocean views.
Check latest prices here
Image credit: Mantra on Salt Beach
Tweed Coast Accommodation
No.1: Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff
The highlight of this gorgeous Kingscliff accommodation is the magnificent pool.
You probably won’t want to go far, but if you do, the beach is just minutes away.
Kingscliff is an up and coming suburb for those who like a Byron vibe but want to skip the crowds.
Check latest prices here
Image credit: Peppers Salt Resort and Spa Kingscliff
No.2: Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff
While this hotel is much loved by couples, families love it too.
The sandy beach lagoon pool draws a crowd!
It’s one of the BEST pools between Byron and Brisbane, and that’s saying something.
If you want a design friendly hotel that caters for kids, rather than a kid friendly hotel, book a stay.
Check latest prices here
Image credit: North Star Holiday Park
Tweed Coast Holiday Parks
No.1: North Star Holiday Resort Hastings Point
This family friendly resort in Hastings Point near Tweed Heads has:
- an awesome water park with dumping bucket!
- a cool giant fort playground
- indoor playground with ball pit, and
- a hairdresser on site!
Games and kids activities are par for the course, so grab a wine, or read a book while they have fun.
It’s a top spot for very low key family holidays in the Tweed Shire, but close enough to the Gold Coast that it’s easy to do day trips to the theme parks, GC shops, and more.
Great spot for big groups.
Check latest prices here
Image credit: NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort
Best Family Accommodation near Gold Coast Theme Parks
No.1: NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park
The top spot for kids, big and small, Treasure Island caravan park is located at 117 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters.
It’s 35 km from the airport – 7km north of Surfers Paradise – heading inland back towards the back highway, which makes it the closest family friendly accommodation to Dreamworld, Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild in our list.
If theme parks and water fun are your GC holiday goals, the NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort will be perfect.
There’s:
- THREE pools
- a giant jumping pillow
- pirate themed mini golf
- an outdoor gym
- a children’s playground
- pedal cars
- heated spas
- a tennis court
- an indoor games area with pool table
- a basketball half court
- BBQ areas and a camp kitchen
- a licensed bistro and bar.
Harbourtown Outlet Shopping Mall is just 300 metres away.
Check latest prices here
Image credit: Big 4 Holiday Park Helensvale
No.2: Big 4 Holiday Park Gold Coast
Another one near the theme parks, this Big 4 Park is pet friendly, and has a BRAND NEW MONSTER WATERPARK!
The Big 4 Caravan Park is the nearest caravan park to the Gold Coast Theme Parks.
It’s right across the road from Movie World, Wet’n’Wild, Outback Spectacular, and Topgolf.
Dream World & White Water World are two minutes drive north.
Plus, there’s MORE for kids!
- Jumping pillow
- a variety of pedal bikes
- kayaks
- Foot Pool
- Golf Frisbee
- Bocce balls
- A remote control race car track
BYO food to cook on their BBQ facilities to save cash.
Accommodation options include cosy motel cabins, 2 and 3 bedroom family cabins, and more fancy villas.
Check latest prices here
ANOTHER of the Best Kids Resorts Gold Coast
No.1: Paradise Country Farmstay Gold Coast
This is a unique holiday option for the animal lovers, getting up close and personal to the animals after all the rest of the visitors have gone home.
Stay onsite at the Paradise Country theme park for a one night stay in one of their Ecotents!
Experience wine tasting, kangaroo feeding, see the koalas and emus, a sheep shearing show, lawn games, a nightly campfire, and marshmallow roasting.
The kids can play on the playground too.
Join the the morning farm run to feed all the animals when they wake up!
Check latest prices here
No.2: 5 Star Accommodation on the Gold Coast for Families
Book one of these luxury Gold Coast hotels.
They are splendid.
No explanations necessary.
- Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
- Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
Toadstool Rating: Accommodation for Gold Coast Family Holidays
Now, you’ve picked your Gold Coast hotels or resort accommodation for your next Queensland family holidays, it’s time to start planning your itinerary!
See below for ideas.
Looking for more Gold Coast attractions for families?
Click the blue links below for more Gold Coast ideas