Introduction to Gold Coast Family Resorts
If you’re looking for a family getaway on the Gold Coast that ticks all the boxes, look no further! We know we’re fortunate with the wealth of nature-based fun the Gold Coast brings, but these places really roll out the red carpet for kids. They know how to go the extra mile.
Whatever your family’s vibe, be it more from a chilled perspective or a full-on rampage, whether you’re after splash zones, jumping pillows, or the convenience of a fully self-contained apartment near all the action, this list has something for every type of family holiday.
Here are what we think are eight of the best family-friendly resorts on the Gold Coast you can find. They are loved by parents, adored by the kids, and are guaranteed to keep everyone entertained from sun-up to sun-down.
Paradise Resort Gold Coast – The Ultimate Kids’ Wonderland
Why Families Love It:
This place is often crowned Australia’s most kid-friendly resort, 13 years in a row, to be exact. And when you look into the specifics, it’s not hard to see why. Where to start? With a giant water park, indoor ice-skating rink, and entertainment for all ages, much thought has been put into what would make a resort work for everybody. More to the point, there is a kids’ club that runs all day. Yes, you read that right. All day! Paradise Resort is basically a mini theme park in itself.
Top Family Features:
- Massive outdoor water park with enormous tipping bucket, five slides, junior area, and all that good stuff across the age ranges!
- Zone 4 Kids Club with age-specific activities (babies to 12-year-olds)
- Ice skating, rock climbing, laser tag & indoor jungle gym
- A wide range of room options, family rooms have bunk beds, gaming consoles, microwaves, and the all-important WiFi.
- You can easily walk to the beach in minutes, at just 250m away
Best For:
Families with younger kids and tweens who want non-stop on-site fun. Parents can even book in for ‘Zone 4 Adults’ happy hour while the kids are safely entertained.
Often dubbed a “heaven for kids”, this Surfers Paradise icon is overflowing with activities, as you can see. The only problem we can see arising is which bit to hit first.
Price Range:
💰 From approx. $250–$450 per night (family room, depending on season, room type, and add-ons)
Parent-Approved Extras:
- On-site café with coffee and wine
- Licensed bar + daily kids club = actual alone time
- Laundry facilities in-room or onsite
- Daily activities schedule delivered to your door. No thinking required!
- No car? No problem, the cafes and shops are all within walking distance.
Turtle Beach Resort – Your Home Away from Home
Why Families Love It:
This is the kind of place where you can settle in and actually relax. Spacious apartments, great pools, and a restaurant with poolside delivery = holiday bliss—bonus points for the onsite mini water park and cinema. Set in Mermaid Beach, Turtle Beach is a long-time family fave for a reason. With spacious apartments, multiple pools, a splash zone, and a pizza bar that delivers poolside, it’s the stress-free home base every parent dreams of.
Top Family Features:
- 4 separate pool areas plus kids’ splash zone
- The Deck: onsite pizza and grill bar (hello poolside margaritas)
- Free in-room movies, games room, and mini golf
- Free kids’ club in school holidays
- Fully self-contained apartment
- BBQ areas, shaded playgrounds, and an onsite café
Best For:
Families who want a more laid-back, self-contained holiday with the option to cook, eat out, or order in — all without leaving the resort.
Price Range:
💰 From approx. $180–$350 per night (2-bedroom apartment)
Parent-Approved Extras:
- Poolside pizza and cocktails
- Full kitchens and washer/dryer in every apartment
- Woolworths is just a 5-minute walk away
- Secure, gated entry and shaded parking
- Quiet at night — big win if you’ve got napping toddlers
SeaWorld Resort – Stay & Play with the Dolphins
Why Families Love It:
If you’re heading to the theme parks, this one’s a no-brainer. Staying here is like getting a VIP pass to SeaWorld. You get easy access to the theme park (and exclusive early entry), and the resort has a lagoon pool, SpongeBob light shows, and dolphin meet-and-greets.
Top Family Features:
- Free SeaWorld entry packages & early park access
- Behind-the-scenes dolphin presentations
- Lagoon-style pool with waterfall
- SpongeBob splash zone & nightly character shows
- Interconnecting rooms for bigger families
Best For:
Animal lovers and theme park fanatics. Ideal for families planning to hit the theme parks hard without compromising on pool time.
Top Family Features:
- Free SeaWorld access packages available
- Kids’ water play zone & SpongeBob light show
- Family suites with interconnecting options
- Lagoon pool with waterfall grotto
- Nightly character shows and meet-and-greets
Price Range:
💰 From approx. $260–$450 per night (family room with theme park access)
Parent-Approved Extras:
- Theme Park access = much less stress in the car!
- Room service and onsite restaurants
- Loads of parking and stroller-friendly grounds
- Air-con and blackout curtains in every room, blackout curtains don’t get enough hype in our opinion.
- Optional breakfast buffet = no early-morning cooking or trying to cram cornflakes into the already full car boot.
RACV Royal Pines Resort – Luxury Meets Kid-Friendly
Why Families Love It:
Need a little luxury while still keeping the kids happy? This is your spot. Expect first-class service, stunning grounds, and an epic splash zone that the kids will love — just a short drive from Surfers Paradise. This resort blends 5-star elegance with family practicality. Think: golf course for the grown-ups, water park for the kids, and plenty of space to unwind in style.
Top Family Features:
- Heated resort pool with water play area & slide
- Kids’ playground and jumping pillow
- Excellent on-site restaurants (and kids’ menus!)
- Day spa and golf course
- Family suites available
Best For:
Parents who want a bit of luxury (and maybe a spa treatment) while still keeping the kids entertained.
Price Range:
💰 From approx. $240–$400 per night (family room)
Parent-Approved Extras:
- Wine at the pool bar while the kids play
- Beautiful gardens for pram strolls
- Day spa massages (yes, please)
- Room service for tired nights in
- Super clean and modern interiors
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park – Camping with Creature Comforts
Why Families Love It:
This is no ordinary holiday park. With a mega water park, petting zoo, and pedal karts, it’s ideal for outdoorsy families who love a relaxed, community vibe, with a touch of luxury. More than a caravan park, this place has serious resort vibes — including a huge water park, heated pool, and petting zoo. Bring the caravan, book a cabin, or glamp it up in style.
Top Family Features:
- Massive water park with slides and fountains, and a resort-style pool
- Poolside bistro and cafe
- Free kids’ club and activities during holidays
- Petting zoo, movie nights, jumping pillow, and pedal karts
- Choice of cabins, villas, or caravan/camping sites
- Dog-friendly accommodation options with leash-free areas
Best For:
Families looking for flexible, affordable stays, especially if you’re travelling with pets or a caravan.
Price Range:
💰 Cabins from approx. $160–$300 per night
💰 Powered sites from $60–$100 per night
Parent-Approved Extras:
- You can BYO wine to the BBQ area
- Kids can roam safely in the gated areas
- There are communal kitchens, laundry, and a café onsite
- Drive-through check-in for caravans
- Close to the theme parks and major shops
Treasure Island Holiday Resort – Holiday Park Meets Theme Park Vibes
Why Families Love It:
It’s got the feel of a classic Aussie holiday park with all the bells and whistles of a resort. Think pirate-themed mini golf, waterslides, and a bistro that serves up dinner without you having to leave the pool.
Top Family Features:
- Pirate-themed mini golf & splash park
- Waterslide, jumping pillow & playground
- Family-friendly bistro & bar
- School holiday activities and movie nights
- Accommodation from camping sites to luxury cabins
Best For:
Fun-seeking families who want that holiday park feel with a big dose of added fun (and good food).
Why Families Love It:
This one’s all about fun — from pirate-themed mini golf to waterslides, movie nights, and family dining. It’s located in Biggera Waters, just a few minutes from Harbour Town for outlet shopping.
Top Family Features:
- Splash Park, waterslide & heated pools
- Mini golf, jumping pillow & playgrounds
- School holiday activities galore
- On-site bistro with takeaway options
- Family villas, cabins, and powered sites
Price Range:
💰 Cabins from approx. $180–$350 per night
💰 Sites from $60 per night
Parent-Approved Extras:
- Cocktails are available from the bistro
- Close to Harbour Town outlets
- Well-equipped kitchenettes
- Optional daily housekeeping
- Shaded play areas and bike-friendly grounds
Ashmore Palms Holiday Village – Peace, Parrots & Palm Trees
Why Families Love It:
This tranquil resort is a hidden gem, especially for families who prefer something quieter but still packed with kid-friendly charm, including resident parrots and a lagoon-style pool.
Top Family Features:
- Tropical gardens & resident macaws
- Lagoon pool & separate children’s pool
- Multiple playgrounds & a tennis court
- Free kids’ activities & family BBQ areas
- Self-contained cabins (some with private courtyards)
Best For:
Families who want a calmer, nature-focused stay without being far from the main attractions.
Why Families Love It:
If you want peace and quiet but still want to keep the kids happy, Ashmore Palms is the perfect compromise. Think lush gardens, colourful parrots, and plenty of space for kids to roam safely.
Top Family Features:
- Two pools (including a kids’ wading pool)
- Macaws, lorikeets & other friendly birds
- Several playgrounds and tennis courts
- School holiday activities and games room
- Family cabins, some with private BBQs
Price Range:
💰 From approx. $160–$300 per night (2-bedroom cabin)
Family-Approved Extras:
- Extremely quiet and well-kept grounds
- Full kitchens and laundries in all cabins
- Ideal for sensitive sleepers and pram naps
- Bird shows are surprisingly entertaining
- Free parking and easy highway access
Nobby Beach Holiday Village – Laid-Back Beach Vibes with Kid Appeal
Why Families Love It:
Nobby Beach is super chill, and the village reflects that. It’s got a great playground, heated pool, and waterslide, plus it’s close to cafes and patrolled beaches — all the essentials without the fuss. It’s low-key, local, and close to one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast. Think giant inflatables, a splash-tastic pool, and easy access to the beach, cafes, and surf clubs.
Top Family Features:
- Heated pool with slide & shaded toddler pool
- A giant inflatable obstacle course and playground over the summer
- Walking distance to the beach & Nobby’s cafes
- Five-minute walk to beach, surf club, and cafes.
- School holiday activities: Games room, movie nights & camp kitchen
- Wide range of cabins, villas, and powered campsites available
Best For:
Beach-loving families who want something relaxed, clean, and convenient (with good coffee nearby).
Price Range:
💰 Cabins/villas from approx. $150–$300 per night
💰 Sites from $50–$90 per night
Parent-Approved Extras:
- Nobby’s cafes = good coffee and brunch
- Quiet, clean, and pram-friendly layout
- Pool lounge chairs + shaded toddler splash area
- Friendly staff are happy to help with family needs
- Cheap Uber ride to Pacific Fair if needed
Final Thoughts
So, to sum up, when you’re planning your family holiday on the Gold Coast, as you can see, you’re spoiled for choice. With its sun-soaked beaches, theme parks, and endless outdoor adventures, it’s no wonder this Queensland hotspot is a top pic. We know that choosing where to stay can make or break your trip, especially when you’ve got little ones (and their snooze schedules) to consider, and we hope we’ve taken some of that load off your shoulders.
We’ve rounded up eight of the best family-friendly resorts on the Gold Coast, each offering something a little special for every kind of crew. Want all-day action and organised chaos? Paradise Resort is packed with laser tag, water parks, and ice skating. After a relaxed, apartment-style vibe? Turtle Beach Resort hits the mark with self-contained rooms, pizza delivery, and multiple pools. If you’re heading to the theme parks, SeaWorld Resort makes it easy — with exclusive park access and underwater-themed rooms, the kids will rave about in show and tell.
For a luxe-meets-family experience, RACV Royal Pines blends 5-star service with splash zones and playgrounds. Prefer a holiday park setup? BIG4 Gold Coast, Treasure Island, and Ashmore Palms deliver with everything from mini golf and jumping pillows to petting zoos and parrots. And for laid-back beachy vibes, Nobby Beach Holiday Village keeps things casual and close to the surf.
Across the board, these resorts tick all the family-friendly boxes — think full kitchens, splash pads, play zones, kids’ clubs, and importantly, adult extras like wine by the pool, laundry facilities, and nearby cafés. Whether you’re road-tripping in a caravan or booking a full-on resort stay, these Gold Coast gems make travelling with kids a whole lot easier (and actually enjoyable). So pack the swimmers, load up the snacks, slip, slop, slap, and get involved!
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