Creating precious family memories is a surefire way to get in the little tacker’s good books. So heading out, and checking into family-friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast is a recipe for success. After all, it requires no tent setup, no leaking eskies, and no need to repay your mate after spending a few cramped nights on the couch.
With the Gold Coast’s breathtaking patrolled beaches, smattering of vibrant theme parks and winding kid-friendly waterfall walks, it's the perfect locale for your next family escape, or staycay. Pack your bags, your fun-loving spirit and the kiddos. Here are 15 of the best family-friendly accommodation spots on the Gold Coast.
Family Friendly Gold Coast Airbnbs
The Mermaid Quarters
Mermaid Beach | Sleeps 4
Think—seaside home with a massive cubby house. The Mermaid Quarters houses a private heated pool and is situated a stone’s throw from the ocean’s shore. Decked out in stunning aqua and turquoise tones, this idyllic space is hands down one of the best family-friendly places to stay with kids on the Gold Coast. The 1960s-style abode features bunks for the little tackers while the adults drink and dine on the patio. Close to popular eateries like Poke Poke, Glenelg Public House and destinations like Putt Putt Mermaid Beach, consider it your family’s next coastal getaway. Book here.
Villa By The Theme Parks
Oxenford | Sleeps 8
A short drive from iconic theme parks like Movie World, Wet ‘n’ Wild and even TopGolf and Outback Spectacular, this Gold Coast family-friendly Airbnb is your new home away from home. Relax after a day of rollercoasters and Warner Brothers street shows at your own hidden oasis surrounded by tropical gardens.
It’d be rude not to take a dip or chill out with a Netflix slumber party. But after all, you could also satisfy any cravings with grocery stores a mere 2 km away and cosy up across four spacious bedrooms. At $460 a night, your hosts are completely committed to making your family-friendly stay on the Gold Coast an unforgettable one. Book here.
Family-Friendly Unit on the Marina
Labrador | Sleeps 6
If you and your crew love nothing more than water sports, pelicans and good old-fashioned fish and chips at sunset, this is the best family-friendly Airbnb for you. From $402 a night and a mere 100 metre walk to much-loved Charis Seafood and the water’s edge, make use of generous footpaths, shady picnic areas and surrounding eateries during your stay.
Head down to the kid-friendly lagoon daily from 1:30pm to watch swarms of up to 100 pelicans arrive for their feed of fish from the local fish shop. Or head down to your onsite BBQ and pool area to wrap up another stunning day of your family holiday. Book here.
Floating Home On The Marina
Main Beach | Sleeps 6
Is your family made up of people over the age of five? Then don your sailor hat and head straight to this family-friendly floating home on the Gold Coast. Located on Southport’s Spit, you’ll be mere minutes from Seaworld, water sports and even get a front row seat to fish feeding.
Snuggle into two bedrooms, sip on the spacious decks and revel in all that is two-storeys of water top bliss. You’re also a tiny five-minute walk to restaurants or 10-minute drive to Surfers Paradise. Coming in at $500 a night, this is hands down the best family-friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast for an unforgettable bob above the big blue. Book here.
Kirra Wave
Kirra | Sleeps 7
If it's a beach house fit out with extras for the kids you’re after, look no further. Kirra Wave offers a beachfront pad with a tri-bunk and handy additional options like a high chair, travel pram, kids toys, portacot, books and games.
On the southern end of the Gold Coast, make your trip from the airport an easy one and explore neighbouring Coolangatta’s dining precinct and beachside playgrounds. From $816 a night, this is one of the most luxury family-friendly Airbnbs on the Gold Coast. Book here.
Cottage Close to The Broadwater
Labrador | Sleeps 6
This neat, fully fenced and family-friendly cottage is the perfect place to rest your head after a day exploring the glorious Gold Coast. Centrally located near sprawling pathways along the water’s edge, Australia Fair Shopping Centre and cafés, this is the best family-friendly accommodation for shopping, swims and sunset walks.
Wander a short 250 metres to the child-friendly wonderland that is Broadwater Parklands. With playgrounds as far as the eye can see, a marine-themed water play area and BBQs ready for your afternoon chow down, consider it a full, or multi-day affair. From $368 a night, your pooch is even invited. Book here.
Bend Of The River
Tallebudgera | Sleeps 6
Tucked away from Burleigh Heads’ hustle bustle lies an old-worldly sanctuary overlooking Tallebudgera River’s bend. A short eight-minute drive to David Fleay’s Wildlife Park, you’ll be surrounded by a rolling meadow, yet have no shortage of nearby activities at Bend of The River.
Originally a thriving dairy farm, this family-friendly Queenslander features a charming fire, friendly resident horses and an old fig tree with a quaint swing. Nestled within 15 acres of fruit orchards and a short drive to infamous beaches, you really do get the best of both worlds at Bend of The River. Book here.
Resort Living in Surfers
Surfers Paradise | Sleeps 6
Staying in a high rise on the Gold Coast is a rite of passage. And here’s your chance to shine. Located inside one of Australia’s most family-friendly resorts, this centrally located child-friendly Airbnb is the quintessential Surfers Paradise stay. Featuring child-proof eating ware, beach toys and child locks, your kiddos have been thought of every step of the way.
The stay itself is entertainment alone, what with its pristine pools, hot tub, bubbling spa, onsite restaurants and games room. Though if you do choose to venture, you’ll find attractions like Ripley's Believe it or Not, Infinity, bowling and TimeZone games arcade right at your doorstep. At $259 a night, this is one of the most affordable family-friendly places to stay on the Gold Coast. Book here.
Family Friendly Gold Coast Resorts
JW Marriott Resort
Surfers Paradise
JW Marriott in Surfers Paradise undertook massive renovations in 2020—$35 million dollars' worth to be exact. So what does a $35 million-dollars refurbishment look like? Well, we’re talking a total refresh of the 223 rooms and suites, as well as the Marriott’s two original restaurants, the lobby lounge and bar and pool bar.
JW Marriott's signature teppanyaki restaurant, Misono, showcases Japanese-inspired dining experiences and we promise flying rice balls never get old with the little ones. Citrique, the Marriott's main restaurant, features an interactive show kitchen and daily family-friendly buffets. Book here.
Turtle Beach Resort
Mermaid Beach | Various room sizes
Turtles are pretty great. And if your kids think so too, then you’ll want to flap your flippers all the way to the best kid-friendly accommodation in Mermaid Beach. Turtle Beach Resort offers a variety of 1, 2 or 3 bedroom fully contained apartments, plus an onsite Turtle Kids Club with complimentary sessions for kids aged 4 to 12.
Not to mention the 22 seater cinema, onsite restaurant and Splash Zone Water park, featuring water slides for toddlers and bigger kids too. From $460 a night, make use of neighbouring Bam Bam Bakehouse, the nearby beach and waterfront walks. Book here.
Rocks Resort
Currumbin Beach | Various room sizes
A ripper family holiday on the Gold Coast usually includes three things. A day at the beach. A meander at a local attraction. Eats overlooking the Gold Coast cityscape. And your stay at Rocks Resort includes the trifecta.
With rooms starting from $270 a night, and Currumbin Beach in view, within a few minutes you’ll be grabbing a bite to eat at the Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Club or hand-feeding lorikeets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Stand up paddle boarding in Currumbin Creek has got to be on the cards and a cuppa (or babychino) at The Salt Mill won’t go astray. Book here.
Q1 Resort & Spa
Surfers Paradise
If you’re taking the kids on holiday in Surfers, you might as well go big, and it doesn’t get much bigger than the iconic—and 230 metre high—Q1 Resort & Spa. Australia’s tallest residential tower boasts state-of-the-art, self-contained apartments, capturing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the sparkling lights of the city and the lush green of the hinterland.
Level up the luxury and unwind at one of their three swimming pools, enjoy Japanese cuisine at their in-house Osaka Kaiten restaurant for or head to the Seventy7 Cafe for memorable sky-high dining. If you’re feeling adventurous, conquer the Skypoint Observation Deck Climb, which is Australia’s highest external building climb and boasts 360-degree panoramic views from a staggering 270 metres above sea level. Book here.
Family Friendly Gold Coast Hotels
Mantra Circle On Cavill
Surfers Paradise
Location, location, location is what Mantra Circle on Cavill is all about. Centrally located on Ferny Avenue in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Mantra Circle on Cavill should be your go-to accommodation on the Gold Coast if you want to easily commute to all of the Gold Coast's top tourist attractions.
The hotel itself is 69 storeys high and boasts a 12-seat theatrette, two lagoon-style pools, an indoor heated pool, a full gym and onsite parking. Mantra gets our vote as one of the best family-friendly accommodation spots on the Gold Coast. Book here
Cedar Creek Lodges
Tamborine Mountain | Various room sizes
Chances are your family includes some adventure lovers, and others keen to kick back in lush the hinterland. We know just the place. Venture inland for a rainforest getaway with the little tackers at Cedar Creek Lodges. Set within 114 hectares of lush rainforest, this kid-friendly accommodation also shares its site with Thunderbird Park.
Fossick for ancient thunder eggs, pan for crystals, or jump on a pedal boat for a family day out like no other. Or is a treetop zip lining adventure more your style? Choose to stay in rooms, lodges or glamp with your crew beside a bubbling stream. Dining options include the Rainforest Restaurant and Lounge Bar or check out the Terrace Kiosk for snacks and treats between activities. We’re dubbing Cedar Creek Lodges one of the best family-friendly accommodations for adventure and nature lovers alike. Book here.
Iconic Kirra
Kirra
You couldn’t get any closer to the world class surf break, Kirra Point if you tried, making Iconic Kirra the perfect escape when you want to enjoy the serenity minus the Surfers Paradise crowds. Featuring ocean views from all apartment balconies, minimal yet spacious rooms, a heated pool with mini lap pool, on-site gym, and surrounded by cute cafes and ridiculously good restaurants, it’s the perfect place to book your next stay.
Kirra is the under-stated little sister of Coolangatta, but we think both are worth exploring especially due to the wide variety of eating options in the Southern seaside burbs of the Gold Coast. View the sunrise from your bed and soak up that salty sea breeze at one of the Gold Coast's best hotels. You can thank us later. Book here.
If you're looking to save coin on your next Gold Coast holiday, look no further than the best cheap Gold Coast accommodation for under $150 per night.
Image Credit: Airbnb, JW Marriott Resort, Q1 Resort & Spa and Cedar Creek Lodges