The ultimate Gold Coast accommodation guide

Best for: Interactive family holidays

Australia's first JW Marriott Resort has won the hearts of family travellers - right here in Surfers Paradise. The luxury resort has everything you'd need on holiday including a sprawling pool with a waterfall. A range of experiences will make this family holiday one to remember, including cooking classes, escorted kayak adventures, craft workshops and family yoga by the pool.

Nearby, Paradise Resort is pretty much a kid's heaven on earth (and a parent’s too, thanks to complimentary child supervision!). It's the only resort in Australia that’s got a water park, ice rink and kids club under its belt – not to mention a rock climbing wall and dunk tank.

QT Gold Coast

Best for: stylish stays

If you’re into delicious food, good wine and all things retro, then QT Gold Coast is where you need to be. The hotel is an entertainment and dining destination in itself, boasting one of the hottest bars on the coast along with funky Japanese dining at Yamagen, and a gourmet buffet experience that will send foodies into a frenzy at Bazaar restaurant.

The rooms are unconventional, boasting plenty of quirk and colour, and each one comes with a private balcony to take in the surrounding mountain, river or ocean views.

Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

Best for: epic beach views

At Peppers Soul, not only do you get all the goodies that come with this luxury brand (cue state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional dining at Hyde Paradiso, a lively Mediterranean-inspired oceanfront lounge and bar), but rising 77 levels above the sandy beaches of the Surfers Paradise foreshore, uninterrupted beach views will serve as the cherry on top to a perfect stay.

Wyndham Surfers Paradise

Best for: extended stays

For an extended holiday, base yourself in the beating heart of Surfers at the Wyndham. You’ll feel at home in your deluxe self-contained apartment and everything you need is only a short walk away, including the main beach and Cavill Avenue with its haven of restaurants, shopping and entertainment. If you’re feeling thirsty, head to House of Brews to sample local beers – they’ve got 32 domestic and international craft beers on tap.

Want to stay further north? Here’s where to eat, stay and play on the Northern Gold Coast and plenty of things to do in Surfers Paradise.

Broadbeach accommodation

There’s no denying that glitz and glam take centre stage at Broadbeach. While its luxury brand hotels and world-class casino and shopping centre are a key drawcard for this hotspot, ‘Broadie’ still manages to exude coastal cool with its beautiful beaches and lazy parklands home to yoga classes and weekend markets.

Peppers Broadbeach

Best for: family holidays

Peppers Broadbeach is where high-end facilities meet holiday comfort to create the ultimate family stay. Young ones will be kept occupied with the heated resort pool while parents take full advantage of some downtime encouraged by the hotel’s Zen gardens and tai chi lawns. Or, head across the road to spend the day together chilling at the beach or learning to surf. At night, snuggle up for a bit of family bonding when you catch a flick in the private cinema - there's a full kitchen in each apartment if you're spending the night in.

Cést La Vie Elite Holiday Home

Best for: luxury group holidays

Waterfront location? Check. Cinema and entertainment rooms? Check. Outdoor kitchen? Check. Cést La Vie by Elite Holiday Homes at Broadbeach Waters trades in a classic hotel stay for million-dollar living with everything you could need and then some. Housing up to 16 people with 8 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms, it’s ideal for families, a large group of friends or a corporate getaway.

The Star Gold Coast 

Best for: romantic staycations

With everything you need under one roof, The Star Gold Coast is the ideal location for those wanting to whisk their special someone away for a night of glamorous fun.

Choose from hotel rooms at The Star Grand, fun spaces and pool clubs at Dorsett, luxury suites at The Darling, or apartment-style living at The Star Residences. Watch the sunset from the rooftop bar, catch a live show in the theatre; indulge in some tuna tataki and Moreton Bay bug tempura washed down with a shochu cocktail at Kiyomi; then hit the casino and try your hand at winning big before calling it a night in luxe surrounds - and pillow-soft beds. 

Carmel By The Sea

Best for: the beach at your doorstep

Opposite the magnificent beach and parkland, Carmel By The Sea serves up epic water views alongside cosy coastal apartments that feel like home. You’ll get the best of both worlds as it’s slightly out of the hustle and bustle, but still within walking distance to Broadbeach Mall, Kurrawa Surf Club and a range of al fresco dining options.

The Wave Resort

Best for: extended stays

Never mind the fact that The Wave Resort’s architectural design is actually in the shape of waves; you couldn’t pick a better spot for a long-term stay for three very simple reasons: 1) their self-contained apartments are gloriously spacious and modern; 2) you’re smack bang in the centre of Broadbeach where Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, The Star Casino and the Gold Coast Convention Centre are practically your neighbours; and 3) you have access to an infinity AND sky pool. Need we say more?

Check out some more accommodation options in Broadbeach.

Mermaid Beach, Miami and Burleigh Heads accommodation

These Gold Coast suburbs - Burleigh Heads in particular - has got some seriously understated charm and charisma. Over the last few years, this golden stretch of coastline has become a hub of coolness with its one-of-a-kind shopping, burgeoning cafe culture, edgy watering holes and trendy markets. So much so, a big name in luxury is moving in.  

Mondrian - coming soon

Best for: 2025 luxury escapes

Opening in 2025, Mondrian embraces the salty-chic Aussie coastal lifestyle – relaxed yet sophisticated. And the property is perfectly poised to enjoy the best of the beach and the surf - as well as the burbs best bars and dining. 

The opening will welcome 208 luxurious and beautifully designed studios, suites, homes and beach houses that blend seamlessly with the skyline of beachfront and pine-dotted headland. Add in immersive restaurants, bars, a pool club and luxury spa, Mondrian is set to be the new dream retreat for luxury travellers. 

Nobby Beach Holiday Village

Best for: caravan or cabin stays

Whether camping or caravanning is your family style, or a holiday villa or house suits you better, everyone will feel at home at Nobby Beach Holiday Village. It’ll be hard to find reason to leave the grounds during your stay, with the mini mart and state-of-the-art camp kitchen, heated pools, mega waterslide and kids playground on-site. But if you keep an eye out on their hot deals, you could score a bargain stay with VIP theme park passes thrown in.

Turtle Beach Resort

Best for: family fun

If your kids were to imagine their dream resort, it would look a lot like Turtle Beach Resort. Just 300 metres away is Mermaid Beach, although you may have a hard time pulling your family away from the huge water park and mini golf course. Adults aren’t forgotten – there’s a grown-ups-only retreat should you wish to drop the little ones off at the kids club and enjoy some downtime in peace. The apartments are spacious and all come with a full kitchen.

Bujerum Apartments on Burleigh

Best for: extended beach stays

A staycation at Burleigh Heads is always a good idea, and you can’t beat the centralised location of these stunning Queenslander-inspired Bujerum Apartments for a long-term stay. You’ve got the rolling surf of Burleigh Beach at your doorstep, the bustling shopping and dining hub to your left and the National Park to your right. It’s a Burleigh sandwich in the best way.

Southern Gold Coast accommodation

With its amazing surf, natural beauty and relaxed way of life, the Southern Gold Coast is the perfect place to holiday if you’re after a change of pace. From Palm Beach and Currumbin right through to Coolangatta on the state’s edge, discover the laid-back allure that is the Gold Coast’s southside.

Rolling Seas

Best for: beach house holidays

Searching for a slice of Europe on the Gold Coast? Anchored aside Bilinga Beach is the sprawling mansion of Rolling Seas – a bespoke experience for up to 12 guests. Made up of two spacious villas with white-washed walls reminiscent of Greece alongside Hampton-inspired exteriors and alcove day beds, you’ll feel exactly like you’ve walked into a holiday house in the Mediterranean. 

Seeking something a little extra on your holiday? From private, in-home dining experiences to celebrating milestone occasions in style, the Rolling Seas team will curate bespoke experiences to make this the beach holiday to remember.

Sanctuary Beach Resort

Best for: family holidays

With Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary around the corner and an uncrowded beach at your doorstep, the Sanctuary Beach Resort is the perfect spot for families looking to avoid the well-worn tourist track but still enjoy all the perks of the Gold Coast. If you have a car, head 15 minutes inland to the Currumbin Rock Pools for a picnic and freshwater swim.

La Costa Motel

Best for: unique retreats

Retro beach style combines with old-fashioned hospitality at La Costa Motel in Bilinga. The famous ‘Highway Heritage’ motel is a hidden gem on Gold Coast’s southside, after being lovingly restored by John and Diane who have managed to revive the unique features, including the original colour of the building and its neon light box with original lettering.

Explore the neighbouring beaches – Kirra, Coolangatta and Tugun – on one of the motel’s vintage bicycles or walk up Point Danger for prime dolphin and whale viewing. If you’re flying in from out of town, take advantage of La Costa’s free airport transfers.

Nirvana By The Sea

Best for: extended stays

Taking holiday living to a whole new level, the five-star self-contained apartments (with floor-to-ceiling windows, might we add) at Nirvana By The Sea boast all the comforts of home plus a Gold Star theatre room and Executive Lounge complete with library, pool table and lounge for your entertainment and pleasure.

When you’re ready to trade in your bird’s eye view of Kirra Beach for an up-close one, take a stroll along the beachfront boardwalk; or, if you are feeling adventurous, do the opposite and sky dive from high above Kirra Beach with Gold Coast Skydive.

Reflections Coolangatta Beach

Best for: family or group getaways

Rising above Coolangatta’s Greenmount Beach, Reflections will be your home away from home – with a choice of one, two and three bedroom apartments. Each apartment boasts large balconies and panoramic views, ideal for sharing meals and quality time together.

Onsite facilities include a heated lap pool and spa, gymnasium, steam room, sauna, theatrette and Teppanyaki grill. Steps away, Coolangatta’s strip of al fresco dining and shopping awaits. Be sure to check out famous Snapper Rocks and grab a bite to eat at Rainbow Bay SLSC too. 

Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation

Only a short drive from the beach you will find the green behind the gold. Set in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, the Hinterland is a nature-lovers heaven, with walking trails, waterfalls and ancient flora and fauna abundant throughout Lamington and Springbrook National Parks. Here's where to stay. 

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Best for: family nature escapes

Run by the third generation of O’Reilly family, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is a nature playground bursting with eco-activities for the whole family to enjoy. From their Eco Ranger program for kids over five years old (held during school holidays and public holidays) and guided glow worm tours, to the famous Tree Top Walkway and dreamy Lost World Spa.

There's a range of accommodation from glamping and camping to suites, but book one of the mountain villas to get your own balcony spa bath overlooking the rainforest.

Pethers Rainforest Retreat

Best for: romantic weekends

Romantic escapes don’t get much better than your own secluded treehouse in the rainforest. At Pethers Rainforest Retreat in North Tamborine, lovebirds won’t ever have to leave the nest when they’ve got their own private Jacuzzi for two, a snuggly fireplace and spa treatments (which can be had either inside or on your balcony overlooking the rainforest) all in the comfort of their own ‘home’. Worth leaving your room for, however, is the locally sourced and sustainable meals at Pethers’ award-winning restaurant.

The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat

Best for: unique stays

Experience a fairytale wonderland at The Mouses House in Springbrook. From your own unique chalet (named after a Disney character) nestled between cascading streams and towering brush box trees to the native birds serenading you with their songs and brushtail possums that visit you at night; you'll feel like you’ve stepped into another world when in reality, you’re only one hour from the coastline.

Worendo Cottages

Best for: epic hinterland views

Picture this: green as far as the eye can see, rugged mountain ranges, and sheep in your front yard. Hinterland experiences don’t get more authentic than those at the Worendo Cottages in the Lost World Valley. Whether you’re looking to hole up in a romantic cottage or bring your friends and family along for a farm stay experience, escape the mundane for a little comfort on the edge of Gold Coast wilderness.

Want incredible views for just two? Check into Tiny Wild Houses at Binna Burra Lodge - luxurious little tiny homes perched on the escarpment. 

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat

Best for: wellness retreats

Need a bit of a breather from the hecticness of everyday life? At Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, their innovative wellness programs are the perfect excuse to take a few days off to indulge in a holiday that’s all about you.

The multi-award winning, ecotourism certified retreat offers a complete wellness revamp to help soothe the soul and nourish you to your healthiest self. Ranging from two to seven nights, they include massages, organic meals, wellness seminars, and access to all facilities and scheduled activities.

With so much Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation available, check out our dedicated guide.