Your go-to guide to family friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast

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By Sarah Bristow

Queensland is a place fluent in family-friendly destinations, making it an enjoyable getaway for both inter and instrastate travellers. But, it’s the Gold Coast in particular that entertainment for all ages prospers, making it a much-loved destination for those travelling with kids in tow.

The region’s range of beautiful beaches, eateries, resorts, national parks, and gaggle of theme parks have made it a must-visit for those travelling with children aged from toddlers to teens. Not to mention the ample Gold Coast accommodation to choose from - there is something for all budgets sprinkled from the heart of the GC right down to its southern border. We’ve created a go-to guide for parents booking their next getaway with this list of family-friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast.

Sea World Resort, Main Beach

Shark Bay Lagoon Exhibit at Sea World | Sea World Gold Coast Theme Parks

It doesn’t matter whether your travelling troupe contains toddlers or teenagers at Sea World Resort, is one of the best family-friendly accommodation options on the Gold Coast. Perched on the Gold Coast Broadwater, not far from the bright lights of central Main Beach, Sea World is the only theme park resort in the country. This child-friendly spot is focused on convenience, within easy walking distance from the theme park’s ample aquatic and non-aquatic adventures, plus it plays host to 405 spacious family rooms, five dining outlets, and three bar areas all within tropical grounds. There's also a handful of guest-exclusive opportunities, including complimentary behind-the-scenes dolphin training.

Peppers Broadbeach, Broadbeach

Sitting among Broadbeach’s cluster of shining skyscrapers is Peppers. It may be a slightly more expensive option when it comes to child-friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast, but its location is really second-to-none. This place sits on the doorstep of Broadbeach, within easy reach of a plethora of great cafes and restaurants. But Peppers is designed so that you don't have to leave, with uber styled one, two and three bedroom suites, and three bedroom sky homes (better suited to older kids) boasting kitchen and laundry facilities, wifi access, contemporary furnishings, private cinemas, heated lap and resort pool, and a Tai Chi lawn.

Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park, Tallebudgera

Guided SUP Yoga class on Tallebudgera Creek, Pure Aloha Yoga | best beaches Gold Coast

Budget-friendly Gold Coast accommodation can be found nudging the sparkling waters of Tallebudgera Creek by Burleigh Beach. The Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park may be easy on the wallet but that’s not to say its amenities are in short supply. This is the place to stay if you plan on spending plenty of time in the water, with the neighbouring creek beloved by young families for its protected waters, and nearby Burleigh awash with regular surf if older kids form a part of the party. But there’s heaps to do within the park’s grounds - think a trio of swimming pools, a tennis court, a kiosk, camp kitchens, barbecues, a playground, and a rec room. Accommodation ranges from two and three-bedroom cabins fringed by white sand to powered and unpowered tent and van sites.

Turtle Beach Resort, Mermaid Beach

Right in the heart of Mermaid Beach sits Turtle Beach Resort, the expansive family-friendly Gold Coast accommodation that’s a somewhat unexpected find sitting some 300 metres from the shoreline. Within its grounds you’ll find one, two, and three-bedroom fully self-contained apartments which are perfect for families who plan staying for a while. There's also the resident Club Turtle for kids aged four to 12 armed with plenty of activities, from disco to movie screenings. If that doesn’t tempt you, the remaining amenities will - think a quartet of swimming areas, waterslides, spas, putt-putt, playground, tennis courts, games rooms, eight barbecue areas, an adult-only pool and spa, two saunas and a fitness room.

JW Marriott Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise

Family enjoying a spa in the Junior Suite, at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa | Bathtubs with amazing views Queensland

If you crave a more traditional hotel, turn your attention towards JW Marriott in Surfers Paradise, within walking distance of the sand. This is one seriously suave place to enjoy a holiday and one well worth the splurge - picture 223 rooms and suites boasting unrivalled creature comforts (Nespresso coffee included) and uninterrupted panoramic views of the hinterland and ocean. This is the place to visit for a sophisticated take on a family holiday where days can be enjoyed by the saltwater lagoon complete with waterfall and real tropical fish for snorkelling opportunities, and nights at the hotel’s group of restaurants, including much-loved Japanese eatery Misono.

Paradise Resort, Surfers Paradise

Paradise Resort famously makes visiting kids the priority. You're best travelling here with kids under 12, who have up to four hours of free supervised care built into every accommodation package. But it's not just a babysitter that will make you want to stay - the resort boasts a water park in its centre, and indoor and outdoor playground, an ice-skating rink, and an on-site bistro are and bar (for the parents). There are even bunkhouse room options for those on holidays with three (or more) children, which weaves in a separate play area into the room.

Meriton Suites, Surfers Paradise

Surfers’ Meriton Suites have been designed as a lavish home away from home. The building offers an award-winning take on the self-contained apartment, with a fleet of five-star amenities at each guest’s fingertips. This is a family-friendly accommodation option best enjoyed with older children, with each of its one, two, and three-bedroom options joined by a gourmet kitchen and internal laundry (not to mention all the latest gadgets). But it’s not just the amenities that will surely tickle your fancy - Meriton sits within walking distance of both the beach and the main drag of Cavill Avenue.

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove

While Sanctuary Cove may be famously host to a thriving golf-loving community, the Gold Coast suburb is also where the InterContinental calls home. This luxe interpretation of child-friendly holiday options promises to pamper parents as much as entertain any kids who have come along for the ride. Picture 251 grandly styled rooms which overlook the three internationally renowned championship golf courses nearby, a neighbouring lagoon pool, and easy access to the marina.

Royal Palm Resort, Palm Beach

It’s further south in Palm Beach (a suburb rich in cafes and restaurants) where the affordable Royal Palm Resort resides right on the beach. Within its impressively ample grounds, this resort is home to a gathering of two-bedroom self-contained apartments, each with its own private balcony and views of either the waterfront or the neighbouring hinterland. But you won’t be spending too much time in your room at this child-friendly Gold Coast accommodation thanks to the presence of a lagoon-style pool and multiple tennis courts.