The Gold Coast, located in the southeast corner of Queensland, Australia, is a popular family destination that offers something for everyone. With its stunning coastline of white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and warm weather, the Gold Coast is a haven for families who love the outdoors. Here are the best Gold Coast family resorts:
Make sure to visit the Gold Coast if you are travelling to Australia with kids, as it offers beautiful beaches, thrilling theme parks, and a variety of family-friendly attractions. Choosing the right family resort can make all the difference when it comes to a memorable family vacation. In this review, we will explore the 10 best Gold Coast family resorts, including their amenities, activities for kids, and proximity to family attractions.
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s premier family destinations, with its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and natural attractions. It is home to a wide range of family-friendly resorts, offering amenities and activities for kids of all ages. To help you choose the best Gold Coast family resort for your next family vacation, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 resorts based on TripAdvisor ranking, along with information on amenities and activities for kids, and proximity to family attractions.
Meriton Suites Broadbeach
Meriton Suites Broadbeach is a family-friendly resort located in the heart of Broadbeach, offering a range of modern and spacious family-friendly apartments with ocean or hinterland views.
The striking building with its two high-rise towers is located just meters away from the surf beach and is close to vibrant cafes and restaurants in Broadbeach. It offers 413 fully equipped oversized suites that are perfect for family living, with the option to open windows and enjoy the cool sea breeze.
The hotel also offers convenience with an onsite retail promenade and nearby world-class entertainment and shopping options, including the Star Casino, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, and Oasis Shopping Centre. The G:Link Light Rail is also easily accessible for visitors to connect to Surfers Paradise, Southport, and Gold Coast University. Moreover, it offers easy access to the domestic and international airports of the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Many guests praised the hotel’s central location, spacious rooms, and proximity to the beach, restaurants, and shopping areas. Guests also appreciated the helpful and accommodating staff.
Rhapsody Resort
Rhapsody Resort is a popular family-friendly resort in Surfers Paradise, offering a range of modern and stylish apartments and boasts of stunning ocean views, a great location, and friendly staff. Guests describe the rooms as modern and clean, noting the comfortable beds and well-appointed kitchens.
The resort features a range of amenities, including the rooftop pool, gym, and spa. There are a variety of activities available for kids, including a games room, where they can enjoy arcade games and table tennis. Other activities for kids include a kids’ pool and a children’s playground.
The resort is conveniently located near a range of family attractions, including Surfers Paradise Beach, SkyPoint Observation Deck, and the Gold Coast Wax Museum. Plus it’s nearby a grocery store and restaurants nearby.
3. Paradise Resort Gold Coast
Paradise Resort Gold Coast is a family-friendly resort located in Surfers Paradise. The resort offers a range of family-friendly rooms and suites, including themed rooms for kids. The resort features a range of amenities, including a water park, a pool, a fitness center, and a kids’ club.
For kids, there are a variety of activities available, including a kids’ club, where they can enjoy supervised activities such as games and crafts. Other activities for kids include a playground and a kids’ pool.
The resort is conveniently located near a range of family attractions, including Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Dreamworld. It is also a short walk to the beach and a variety of restaurants and cafes.
4. Q1 Resort & Spa
Q1 Resort & Spa is a luxurious family-friendly resort located in Surfers Paradise, offering a range of family-friendly apartments with ocean or hinterland views. It boasts of a central location and the stunning views from the rooms, particularly those on higher floors.
Q1 Resort & Spa’s Skypoint Observation Deck is a popular tourist spot in Surfers Paradise, offering breathtaking views of the Gold Coast hinterland, Pacific Ocean, and Byron Bay. The resort offers several recreational options, including Q1 Spa, three swimming pools, gymnasium, steam and sauna rooms, BBQ facilities, and a mini-movie theater. Each apartment includes a kitchen, laundry facilities, TV with cable channels, ensuite bathrooms, and complementary WiFi.
Q1 Resort and Spa’s Presidential Penthouse is a luxurious option, occupying an entire level of the resort and offering a private swimming pool, two roof-top balconies, a sauna, and a private theater with lounges, a TV, and surround sound.
5. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast is a luxurious five-star resort located minutes away from Surfers Paradise Beach on the Gold Coast. With direct beach access and an ideal location across from Marina Mirage, guests can enjoy seascapes and water activities. The resort features a lagoon pool, swim-up bar, and 14 flexible event spaces for guests to customize and celebrate big moments. Rooms and suites offer smart amenities, high-speed internet, and Signature Sheraton Sleep Experience beds. The resort is suited for both locals and travelers alike.
Guests can catch evening shows at Home of the Arts and visit Sea World, located one kilometer away. The resort offers a refreshing bathroom, smart amenities, high-speed internet, and signature Sheraton Sleep Experience beds in each room or suite. The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort provides a luxury beachfront resort experience where guests can recharge after their travels and explore the Gold Coast, share experiences and discover adventure.
6. Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach is located in the cosmopolitan area of Broadbeach, just 50 meters from the beach and close to the Gold Coast Convention Centre. The hotel offers 296 spacious guest rooms with balconies and panoramic views, two pools, tennis courts, and a spa. It is also conveniently located next to a light rail station providing easy access to many of the Gold Coast’s hotspots.
The hotel is in close proximity to the Gold Coast’s theme parks, scenic sights, and shopping centers. The dedicated concierge team is available to assist with activities and local information. Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach is a 30-minute drive from Gold Coast Airport and a 90-minute drive from Brisbane Airport, with onsite parking available for an additional fee.
7. Sea World Resort
Located adjacent to Sea World theme park, the Sea World Resort is a popular choice for families visiting the Gold Coast. The resort offers a range of family-friendly rooms and suites, including ocean-view rooms and suites with separate living areas and private balconies. The resort features a range of amenities, including a water park, a pool, a fitness center, and a kids’ club.
The resort offers family-friendly activities such as Dolphin Discovery presentations, Nickelodeon character meet and greets, a lagoon pool, and a kid’s club. Kids can explore SpongeBob’s SplashBash Aquatic Adventure Playground, meet their favourite Nickelodeon characters including Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants, splash out at the resort lagoon pool and swim under the waterfall, take part in the nightly SpongeBob SquarePants LED Lightshow, family-loved lawn games, plus escape to a fun filled Kid’s Club featuring games, movies and more.
There are also multiple dining options available on-site. It has comfortable and spacious family rooms with free Wi-Fi and direct access to Sea World.
8. Mercure Gold Coast Resort
Mercure Gold Coast Resort is a family-friendly resort located in the hinterland of the Gold Coast. It’s known for its beautiful grounds and gardens, as well as the peaceful and quiet atmosphere. It’s a relaxing and rejuvenating resort located next to the Palm Meadows Golf Course.
Guests like the various amenities offered by the hotel, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, and golf course. Guests also commented on the comfortable beds and spacious rooms, with some noting the views of the golf course.
It is situated a 30-minute drive from Coolangatta Airport and within close proximity to Gold Coast Theme Parks and Surfers Paradise. The resort offers two outdoor pools, two floodlit tennis courts, a fully equipped gymnasium, and a day spa for massages, sauna, and outdoor spa.
9. Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites is a 4.5-star resort located in Coolangatta, opposite Coolangatta Beach, and close to the airport and various Gold Coast attractions. The resort offers self-contained apartments with one or two bedrooms, full kitchen and laundry facilities, and sheltered balconies with ocean or hinterland views.
Its central location and proximity to the beach, restaurants, and shopping areas makes it a great option for families. The resort features a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, and gym. Guests also praised the comfortable beds and spacious rooms, with some noting the great views of the ocean or the city.
Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites is well-known for its spacious and comfortable apartments, which are perfect for families looking for a home-away-from-home experience. Each apartment features a fully-equipped kitchen, a separate living and dining area, and a private balcony with ocean or pool views.
10. Mantra Legends Hotel
Mantra Legends Hotel is a family-friendly resort located in the heart of Surfers Paradise. It offers a range of accommodation options, from spacious rooms to suites with kitchenettes and separate living areas. The resort features a range of amenities, including a pool, a fitness center, and a games room.
It also offers air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, wireless connectivity, and some rooms have a private balcony. The hotel features conferencing facilities, an outdoor pool area, a gym, and a steam room.
Overall, the Gold Coast has a wide range of family-friendly resorts that cater to a variety of tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious retreat or a budget-friendly option, there is something for everyone on the Gold Coast. With a plethora of activities for kids and proximity to some of Australia’s best family attractions, the Gold Coast is a great destination for families looking for a fun and relaxing vacation.
Families can soak up the sun, go for a swim, or simply relax on the beach. For those who crave adventure, the Gold Coast has several world-class theme parks such as Dreamworld, Movie World, and Sea World, which offer thrilling rides, interactive animal encounters, and shows for all ages. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking in the hinterland, exploring national parks, or trying their hand at water sports like surfing and jet skiing.
Additionally, families can visit popular attractions like Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Infinity Attraction, or Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. With its diverse range of activities and attractions, the Gold Coast is a family destination that promises a memorable and fun-filled experience for all.
