The Gold Coast is one of Queensland’s best summer holiday destinations for families. How could it not be, when you’ve got theme parks, golden-sand beaches, festive events and a range of affordable dining options. You might think it’s too expensive to visit the Gold Coast during peak season, but we’re here to show you that’s certainly not the case.
With more than 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve tracked down the best Gold Coast holiday deals at family-friendly hotels and resorts. These not only offer affordable room options, but also feature family-focused on-site facilities, including swimming pools, game rooms and restaurants.
Turtle Beach Resort
Located one street back from Mermaid Beach, Turtle Beach Resort welcomes families with a range of summer facilities, including wading pools, an adults-only pool, aquatic playground, water slides and Jacuzzis. Families can also play mini golf, tennis and arcade games in the game room. The 22-seat cinema is ideal for those rare rainy days, while The Deck Restaurant & Bar serves wood-fired pizzas and refreshing drinks.
The apartment-style accommodations are self-contained with full kitchens, laundry facilities, air conditioning and complimentary movie channels. The 2 Bedroom Family Suite can accommodate six guests with its queen-size bed and two bunk beds. It also has a private balcony and an Xbox with games.
Why Families Stay Here
- About 750 metres from the beach.
- Self-contained Gold Coast accommodation with in-room entertainment.
- Interactive games, art and craft sessions, evening dances and movie screenings at Club Turtle Kids Club.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: USD 190 – USD 778
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: 2346 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast, Australia
Hilton Surfers Paradise Residences
The 5-star Hilton Surfers Paradise Residences is nestled in the heart of Surfers Paradise, near popular restaurants, attractions and shops, including the Infinity Attraction funhouse and Paradise Centre shopping mall. Along with a range of guest rooms, the hotel has spacious self-contained apartments with one, two, three and four bedrooms. These offer full kitchens, floor-to-ceiling windows, housekeeping, plush bedding and laundries.
Take advantage of the family-friendly facilities, such as the babysitting service, video rentals, private cinema and kids’ splash pool. You also have access to three other pools, a fitness centre, sauna and organic-focused massages at the eforea spa. The on-site restaurants offer children’s menus, including the poolside Deck and signature seafood restaurant, Catch.
Why Families Stay Here
- A range of healthy snacks, smoothies and cakes sold at The Food Store.
- Self-contained apartments with ocean views in the centre of Surfers Paradise.
- Resort-style facilities, including four pools, bicycle rentals and a cinema.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 407 – USD 514
Guest Rating: 8.5
Address: 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia
Sea World Resort
Stay near all the excitement of Sea World’s animal shows, themed rides and quirky characters at Sea World Resort. The resort offers its own fun activities and entertainment, including live music in the Lobby Bar, singing and dancing at the SpongeBob Light Show and Nickelodeon character meet-and-greets. On-site dining includes flaming teppanyaki shows at Hatsuhana Japanese Restaurant and a seafood buffet at Shoreline Restaurant.
Save money by staying in the Resort Double Room, which can accommodate up to four guests with its two double beds. It also has a view of the resort gardens, a private patio or balcony and complimentary Wi-Fi. You can also upgrade to a Premium Broadwater Suite for ocean views, a living room and a main bedroom for Mum and Dad.
Why Families Stay Here
- Affordable poolside dining at Waterfall Cafe.
- Xbox games, a cinema and supervised activities at the kids’ club.
- The lagoon-style pool with a waterfall.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: USD 206 – USD 283
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast, Australia
Paradise Resort Gold Coast
Paradise Resort Gold Coast is a hub of family entertainment in Queensland. The on-site Z4K Water Park has a giant tipping bucket, hoses and slides, while the kids’ club offers pedal-powered buggies, a space-inspired room, painting room and a ball pit. Kids can ice skate at Planet Chill or play laser tag and scale the rock-climbing wall at Dusty’s Adventureland.
There are also various facilities for parents, including an adults-only zone with cocktail classes, cooking demonstrations, live music and wine and cheese pairings. The four-person Resort Room is the most budget-friendly option with a balcony, tea and coffee, mini fridge and air conditioning. There are also rooms designed for kids, such as the Junior Bunkhouse with a gaming console and play desk.
Why Families Stay Here
- A variety of room sizes and themes for families, including interconnecting rooms and spacious six-person suites.
- You can hire surfboards, purchase snacks from the convenience store and dine at the Poolside Café & Bar.
- Has a giant chessboard and a game room with arcade machines.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 196 – USD 904
Guest Rating: 7.6
Address: 122 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia
Bel Air on Broadbeach
Located across the canal from Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Bel Air on Broadbeach is an opulent resort with one, two and three-bedroom apartments. These self-contained accommodations have either ocean, hinterland or canal views, along with private balconies, barbecues, full kitchens and laundries. They’re perfect for saving money by cooking at home and also offer comfortable furnishings and modern appliances.
The resort’s facilities also cater to families, such as the kids’ wading pool, the communal barbecues and the two-tiered pool. You can visit the tour desk to organise excursions, relax in the sauna or Jacuzzi or dine at the on-site Cafe Bel Air.
Why Families Stay Here
- Has portable cots, high chairs and strollers for hire.
- Self-contained apartments with kitchens, balconies and laundries.
- The 14-metre indoor lap pool, full gym and heated Jacuzzi.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 260 – USD 347
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: 2633 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Australia
Mantra Towers of Chevron
Manta Towers of Chevron is popular among families, particularly for its ample on-site parking and, more importantly, the sprawling lagoon-style swimming pool with sandy beaches. It also offers barbecues, indoor and outdoor lap pools, a gym, sauna and private theatre. It doesn’t sleep on its on-site dining options either, offering a variety of restaurants at the adjoining Chevron Renaissance complex.
The resort offers deals for guests staying the week in the self-contained apartments with one, two or three bedrooms. The most-popular apartments have two bedrooms and one or two bathrooms, along with full kitchens, laundries, furnished balconies, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Why Families Stay Here
- Located in Surfers Paradise near popular restaurants, shops and attractions.
- About 10 minutes’ walk from the beach.
- The 600-square-metre lagoon-style pool with beaches and sun loungers.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 338 – USD 528
Guest Rating: 7.9
Address: 23 Ferney Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia
NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park
Families holidaying on a tight budget can keep everyone happy at NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park. The powered camping and caravan sites have access to a camp kitchen and amenities block, while the cabins offer kitchenettes, verandas, TVs and dining areas. You can also stay in villas with full kitchens, laundries, multiple bathrooms and separate lounge rooms.
There’s oodles of family fun to be had without leaving the holiday park, from rounds of mini golf, pedal go-karts, three playgrounds, four swimming pools and heated Jacuzzis. The multi-sports facilities include basketball, netball, soccer and tennis, while the water park has an aquatic playground. The on-site Galleons Bistro offers a kids’ menu and al fresco dining with seafood, pasta and steaks.
Why Families Stay Here
- The games area with video games, pool and air hockey at Galleons Bistro.
- Supervised activities and games at the kids’ club.
- About a five-minute walk from the Cos Zantiotis Playing Fields.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: USD 176 – USD 422
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: 117 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters, Labrador, Gold Coast, Australia
BreakFree Diamond Beach
A leafy park is the only thing separating BreakFree Diamond Beach from the golden sand and sun-sparkled ocean. However, you’ll find numerous reasons to stay at the resort, including two lagoon swimming pools, a heated Jacuzzi, children’s playground and shaded barbecue area. Families can also enjoy nights in with resort-facilitated delivery options from local restaurants.
The self-contained apartments are ideal for creating holiday homes with full kitchens, private balconies and cable TVs. The two and three-bedroom apartments are spacious and offer separate living rooms, laundries, dining tables and large balconies. You’ll find a variety of restaurants and fast-food eateries one street back along Gold Coast Highway.
Why Families Stay Here
- Beachfront self-contained apartments with kitchens, laundries and comfortable bedrooms.
- Complimentary parking and Wi-Fi.
- Offers discounted tickets to a range of attractions and experiences, including Warner Bros. Movie World, at the tour desk.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 209 – USD 394
Guest Rating: 8
Address: 10-16 Alexandra Avenue, Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast, Australia
Oaks Calypso Plaza Resort
Oaks Calypso Plaza Resort offers beachfront accommodation in peaceful Coolangatta on the Queensland-New South Wales border. The family-friendly resort has one and two-bedroom self-contained apartments with views of the resort pool, ocean or Gold Coast hinterland. The 2 Bedroom Premier Apartment is our pick for its full kitchen, laundry, private balcony and separate living and dining rooms.
The lagoon-style pool is one of the big reasons families love staying here, as it’s surrounded by shady palm trees and sun loungers. You also have access to a Jacuzzi, game room, gym, 24-hour reception and tour desk. A variety of restaurants are just around the corner, including Sunshine Thai, George’s Paragon Express Dining and Bondi grill’e Coolangatta.
Why Families Stay Here
- Beachfront self-contained accommodations.
- The sprawling swimming pool and arcade games.
- A short walk from the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 143 – USD 265
Guest Rating: 8.3
Address: 99 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, Gold Coast, Australia
Mantra Circle on Cavill
Manta Circle on Cavill is located on the popular dining and shopping strip of Cavill Avenue, about 10 minutes’ walk from the beach. The hotel often offers discounted deals for longer stays and has panoramic Pacific Ocean or hinterland views from its self-contained apartments. These have one, two or three bedrooms, along with full kitchens, laundries, separate lounge and dining rooms and private balconies.
You need only wander downstairs for tasty and convenient dining at White Rhino Bar & Eats or the funky Circle Expresso. Of course, the resort-style facilities will keep you hanging around longer, such as the 12-seat theatre, two lagoon pools, indoor heated pool, game room, children’s play area and sauna.
Why Families Stay Here
- Has a full gym, complimentary pool towels and DVD hire.
- The communal barbecue areas and Zen gardens.
- About a five-minute walk from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Surfers Paradise.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: USD 224 – USD 529
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: 9 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia
Atrium Resort Gold Coast
Families looking for more exclusivity might want to stay at the stylish Atrium Resort Gold Coast, which is located on the beach and has ocean-facing self-contained apartments. The 2 Bedroom Waterfacing has earned four stars with its full kitchen, two-person spa bath, laundry facilities, two TVs, large private balcony and air conditioning.
One of the most alluring aspects of this resort is its heated rooftop pool and spa overlooking the Broadwater and islands. It also has another outdoor pool and spa, a full gym, rooftop barbecue area and sun deck, tennis court and game room with table tennis and billiards. You can dine on site at the BYO restaurant and grab a coffee from L’Etranger.
Why Families Stay Here
- Self-contained apartments in a quieter neighbourhood on the beach.
- The safe swimming conditions at the beach across the road.
- The rooftop barbecue area, pool and spa.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 583 – USD 714
Guest Rating: 7.9
Address: 510 Marine Parade, Biggera Waters, Gold Coast, Australia
Ocean Pacific
Stay at the 4.5-star Ocean Pacific in the idyllic coastal suburb of Broadbeach, which is known for its surf breaks. The kids will love the game room’s arcade machines and pool table, while parents can chill in the massage chairs. There’s also a 20-metre pool and kids’ wading pool, a Jacuzzi, sauna and communal poolside barbecues.
The self-contained apartments overlook the Pacific Ocean or the resort’s verdant gardens. They have one or two bedrooms, but also offer full kitchens, air conditioning and Foxtel in-home entertainment. The one-bedroom apartments can accommodate three guests with sleeper sofas in the separate living rooms, while the two-bedroom apartments can squeeze in five guests.
Why Families Stay Here
- About a five-minute walk from the Dracula’s Cabaret Gold Coast horror-themed dining experience.
- Has a wading pool for little kids and a game room with arcade machines.
- All rooms have complimentary Foxtel and Wi-Fi.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: USD 307 – USD 405
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: 25 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Australia
Sandcastles on the Broadwater
Families love the spacious balconies at Sandcastles on the Broadwater. They’re just one of the many alluring features of the self-contained apartments here, which also have full kitchens, separate living rooms, cable TV and plush bedding. The apartments have one, two or three bedrooms and some are particularly indulgent, such as the 2 Bedroom Spa Superior Apartment with ocean views and a spa bath on the balcony.
It’s near impossible to walk past the lagoon-style swimming pool without diving in for a swim. It’s surrounded by palm trees and has a timber deck with sun loungers and communal barbecues. There’s also a game room with a pool table, a fitness centre and supervised children’s activities.
Why Families Stay Here
- A short drive from the Gold Coast theme parks, including Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast.
- Family-friendly activities organised on site.
- About 500 metres from the waterfront dining at Charis Seafoods.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 213 – USD 242
Guest Rating: 8.3
Address: 392-398 Marine Parade, Labrador, Gold Coast, Australia
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
The 5-star Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort offers spacious rooms with essential amenities and incredible views of the beachfront, tropical gardens or lagoons. Wake up refreshed on the Sheraton Sleep Experience® Bed before admiring the sunrise by your window or private terrace.
Elevate your stay in the unique villa-style accommodations with separate living areas, full kitchens and bedrooms. Enjoy exclusive access to the Oasis swim-up pool bar, book a pampering massage at the nearby spa or wander across the sky bridge to shop at Marina Mirage’s boutiques.
Why Families Stay Here
- The iconic seafood buffet at Terraces Restaurant.
- Luxury hotel set among six hectares of sparkling lagoons and tropical gardens.
- Spacious and comforting accommodation with luxurious appointments.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 383 – USD 1,329
Guest Rating: 9
Address: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast, Australia
Hotel Location
Enjoy a Family Beach Vacation this Summer
Treat your family to a memorable holiday on the Gold Coast, where you have a range of self-contained accommodation. These apartments and suites offer excellent value for money with their private balconies, comfortable bedrooms and full kitchens and laundries. They also offer access to resort-style facilities, including water parks, restaurants and lagoon pools.
Where do you want to stay on the Gold Coast? Let us know in the comments below.
