This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure
Looking for the best Gold Coast family resorts for your upcoming stay? We’ve got you covered!
The Gold Coast, with its stunning beaches, thrilling theme parks, and vibrant nightlife, presents the perfect getaway for families seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. Living around an hour from the Gold Coast, we’ve had more visits than we could count, staying at numerous family resorts with our 2 kids, and experiencing firsthand which of these Gold Coast resorts has the right mix for a family stay.
We’re excited to share our top picks with you and why we think each of them is awesome (and not as awesome)!
Our Top 3 Picks:
Paradise Resort
✅ Waterpark
✅ Kids Club
✅ Free activities
Sea World Resort
✅ Splash play area
✅ Theme park packages
✅ Close to beach
Big4 Gold Coast
✅ Huge waterpark
✅ Daily activities
✅ Close to theme parks
The Best Gold Coast Family Resorts
When putting together this list of Gold Coast family accommodation, we wanted to make sure we included a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and travel styles, since each family is different and each trip is different too.
Sometimes we want a fun holiday park experience with water slides and a kids club. Other times we just want a comfortable place that’s centrally located, so you will get both on this list.
The Gold Coast is practically our second home and we hope you will love it too!
Paradise Resort is quite possibly the first Gold Coast resort for kids that most locals will recommend and there are a lot of good reasons for this!
The resort itself is located in Surfers Paradise, putting you close to many of the big Gold Coast attractions, dining and public transport. But it’s the fun stuff the resort offers that really sets it apart.
Paradise Resort has one of the best resort waterparks. It actually has 2. A toddler waterpark and splash area and a bigger waterpark with larger slides and a tipping bucket.
There is a pool and spa, which are both heated, although the pool isn’t huge and it gets ridiculously crowded during peak travel season, particularly during school holidays.
There are also playgrounds, a dunk tank and a trampoline that guests can use for free. But that’s not all!
Paradise Resort has a full entertainment schedule running every day of the year, with extra activities during the school holidays. This includes movies near the pool, dance parties, trivia and other free activities anyone can join in. Plus there are low-cost kids’ activities like make-and-take craft sessions that run each day too.
On top of this, they have a kids club and depending on your accommodation package, some do include a complimentary kids club session. This is great for younger kids. Our kids are a little older now and on our last visit, they did not enjoy it quite as much as they had in the past.
Great for mum and dad to get some kid-free time and join one of the many adults-only activities the resort offers, like cocktail tasting and trivia. We did this on our most recent visit and it was a lot of fun, even if we did terribly at the trivia!
Their happy hour is pretty good, along with the ease of ordering food from the multiple onsite restaurants – you can order from each menu.
There is also an ice skating rink at an extra cost and a beauty parlour to get hair braids and fun pamper sessions just for the kids.
The resort is a bit older and while they are in the process of upgrading it, it’s not a fancy place to stay. It’s definitely more about the fun! it’s also not as close to the beach as some of the other resorts on this list.
2. Sea World Resort
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Main Beach | ✅ Book it!
We love Sea World Resort and usually stay here every 2-3 years when we are planning for a theme park weekend.
HOT TIP – If you are planning to visit MovieWorld, Sea World and WetNWild, check out the Sea World Resort theme park packages. It’s often cheaper than a 3 day pass since you get unlimited entry and accommodation in one package, plus there are bonus perks!
Not all Sea World Resort packages include theme park entry, so make sure you check the inclusions at the time of booking if that is important to you.
However, this is a great resort even without theme parks! There is a big 50-metre lagoon pool and a huge SpongeBob splash play area for the kids, as well as a playground. At night, there’s a cool light show here too.
The buffet is decent but not cheap. There is also an award-winning Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant, Hatsuhana. The food here is great and the experience is fun. It books out early.
There is a beach across the street, just a 2-minute walk from the resort entrance and it’s quite a beautiful area.
The resort is getting older but it is maintained well. The one negative is that parking is limited and if you’re not in early in the day, you might end up having to park on the street if you’ve got your own car.
3. Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Helensvale | ✅ Book it!
While not technically a resort, but instead a holiday park, if you’re looking for Gold Coast accommodation with a water park, this is your best choice!
This is easily one of the biggest resort waterparks in all of Queensland and we were lucky enough to be there for the opening a couple of years back. It’s huge and comparable to the kids’ play zones at the big waterparks.
There’s also a pool with a smaller slide and one of the best activity programs for families. Even better than the Paradise Resort program, I think! They ramp up their kid’s activities sessions during school holidays.
There is also a jumping pillow, playground, a basketball court, and you can hire pedal bikes as well.
Accommodation ranges from fancy villas and terraces, great for big families, to cabins, studio rooms and campsites, making it affordable for all budgets. We stayed in a 2-bedroom villa last time and it was fantastic!
This is a perfect option if you’re looking for a self-contained Gold Coast resort stay.
The other great thing is the location – it’s directly across the highway from MovieWorld, WetNWild, Australian Outback Spectacular, Top Golf and Paradise Country. A quick 5-minute drive or Uber.
4. NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Biggera Waters | ✅ Book it!
We spent just one night here and it was one of those places that you know you need to come back for a longer stay! The kids loved it and there was plenty to do for the whole family.
This holiday park style ‘resort’ has a variety of accommodation types – campsites, cabins, self-contained villas, townhouses and glamping safari tents. It’s a little older but well-maintained.
There are 4 swimming pools, heated spas a tennis court, a jumping pillow, adventure playgrounds, mini golf, outdoor cinema and a splash park. Plus there’s a fun pirate theme throughout the park.
They have a year-round kids activities program with everything from cooking to crafts and even a Bear Grylls Survival Academy. They also do a great happy hour by the playground for parents…
It’s another great choice for Gold Coast self-contained accommodation since dining in is a great way to spend less. But if you don’t plan on cooking, there’s Galleons Bistro on site.
We had an apartment that backed onto the main road, so it was a little noisier but we still loved it and had our own little deck with a private BBQ and outdoor table to enjoy each afternoon.
5. Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Surfers Paradise | ✅ Book it!
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise is a little bit of a different entry on this list. It’s not a family-focused resort, but there are a lot of good reasons to stay here with kids.
The biggest reason is the location. Meriton Suites is located right on the Esplanade and is just a short walk from the centre of Surfers Paradise. Walk to many of the best attractions, like Hijinx Hotel, Holey Moley Golf and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. This also means loads of food options nearby too.
Plus it’s right on the beach! Just walk out the hotel doors and you’re almost on the sand already…
This is a perfect choice if you want something a little more luxurious too. There are rooms to suit almost every family size. They are completely self-contained and very spacious.
I recently stayed in a 3-bedroom ocean sky suite with extended family for a concert weekend and we were on level 75. At the time, it was the highest level and the view was downright ridiculous… in the best possible way! Beautiful view of almost the entire Gold Coast. They now have level 76 obstructed view rooms too.
There are 2 large pools – one indoors, as well as spas, sauna, tennis court, fitness centre and a light rail station right out the front.
6. RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Benowa | ✅ Book it!
Located around 12 minutes drive from Surfers Paradise, Royal Pines Resort is set on a 27-hole golf course and has plenty to keep you busy.
There is a splash park and water slides into the lagoon pool as well as a toddler pool. There is also a children’s playground, tennis courts, day spa and fitness centre.
The resort has multiple dining options, including Italian and Japanese restaurants.
If you are attending a family event at Heritage Bank Stadium, this is a good option as it’s only a 5-minute drive from the stadium. I can tell you from personal experience that getting there from Surfers Paradise is not so fun for huge events, even with the Gold Coast public transport system being pretty decent.
It’s a little further away from the Gold Coast tourist hub, but that’s fine if you’re looking for a quieter location. Or if you want to get some golf time while you’re there!
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
7. Turtle Beach Resort
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Mermaid Beach | ✅ Book it!
Boasting another of the best resort waterparks on the Gold Coast, Turtle Beach Resort is another one kids will love!
With self-contained apartments making it a great place for a longer stay, you will have plenty to keep you entertained.
There’s a lagoon pool, slides and spa pool. Splash Zone water park that caters to big kids and toddlers too, with a dumping bucket and water sprays.
You will also find a playground, mini golf and a fun holiday program with party night themes and movie screenings outdoors.
Mermaid Beach is around 400 metres from the resort so close without being right on the beach. It’s a little further from the big attractions but a quieter location.
Aside from being self-contained, they’ve also got dining options onsite, including wood-fired pizzas. Always a winner with kids!
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
8. Nobby Beach Holiday Village
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Miami | ✅ Book it!
This holiday park has been around for a long time. I remember wanting to stay there as a kid, seeing the fun kid’s stuff advertised. These days it’s still a great place for families.
While it doesn’t have a waterpark, there is a big slide into the pool. There’s also a junior playground, a ninja playground for big kids, a swimming pool and a wading pool for younger kids. Plus there’s The Hub, which becomes a kids club zone during school holidays.
Each room type has a kitchenette for basic meal prep – fridge, toaster, microwave and tea and coffee facilities. Or fire up one of the guest BBQs. Or there are camping sites if you’re bringing your own bed.
They offer DVDs, board games and bicycle hire to keep everyone entertained.
Not my first pick on the list but still a good option for families and fairly good value.
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
9. Q1 Resort & Spa
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Surfers Paradise | ✅ Book it!
Another entry in the slightly more premium resort options is Q1 Resort & Spa in Surfers Paradise. As of 2024, it is the tallest structure on the Gold Coast, although I think Meriton’s future development might knock it off top spot.
One of the best things about Q1 is the fact that they do have large rooms that cater to large families of 8+ with 3 and 4-bedroom apartments. There’s even a Presidential penthouse with a full level to yourself and a private swimming pool if you really want to splurge.
Aside from this, Q1 Resort is in a good location in Surfers Paradise, right on the beach. The apartments are fully self-contained and feature spa baths and free parking – something that very few Gold Coast hotels now offer.
There are two lagoon pools, a heated lap pool, spa and saunas, gym and movie theatre. It also has 4 restaurants on site, and plenty more options nearby.
Plus it’s a convenient chance to check out the Skypoint Observation Deck at the top, which rises 230 metres above sea level with 360-degree views of the Gold Coast and beyond. This is a perfect spot for a breakfast with a view.
Not the cheapest option but also not ridiculously overpriced either for a modern Gold Coast family resort in a great location.
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
10. JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Surfers Paradise | ✅ Book it!
This 5-star resort has a lot to love if you want something modern and comfortable, that’s a little bit unique.
The grounds are beautiful and the resort has its own private saltwater lagoon, slide, sandy beach area and an artificial reef with tropical fish, making it something a little special for guests.
You can go snorkelling in the lagoon. This is an amazing way to introduce kids to snorkelling before you head out on a real reef experience.
It also has a private marina on the Nerang River and sprawling grounds with ponds and waterfalls to wander through.
You might like to bring your own snorkel gear if you have it as that means you don’t need to worry about hiring it. It’s also a little further away from the main area of Surfers Paradise but this means it’s quieter.
FAQs About Gold Coast Family Stays
How do you get to the Gold Coast?
You can get to the Gold Coast by flying to Coolangatta Airport or by driving from Brisbane. The Gold Coast is about 1 hour south of Brisbane.
When is the best time to visit the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast is great to visit all year round although the warmer seasons give you the chance to enjoy the beaches and many water activities. For fewer crowds, avoid visiting during the Australian school holidays.
What is the best area to stay on the Gold Coast?
Surfers Paradise is great if you want to be close to many of the main attractions and city centre, although it can get very busy. The public transport is quite good although if visiting theme parks, it can be easier if you have your own transport.
How do you get around the Gold Coast?
The easiest way to get around the Gold Coast is by car. There are also public buses, trains and light rail that travel along the coast and can be used to get around. Alternatively, hire a scooter or an ebike instead.
🤩 If you’re keen for theme parks, Sea World Resort is definitely our recommendation! A combined accommodation & theme park package is usually cheaper than both individually!
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that there are some great family resorts on the Gold Coast! Some of them we have stayed at many times and many we can’t wait to stay at again. From resorts with pools to perfect locations and even a tropical reef to snorkel in, you’re sure to find a Gold Coast resort your family will love!
Read our list of 100 best things to do with kids on the Gold Coast next to help you plan your stay!
