Thinking about an easy, family-friendly getaway on the Gold Coast? You’re in the right place. Over the years, we’ve stayed at a wide range of Gold Coast family resorts – from action-packed stays designed to keep younger kids busy, to more relaxed resorts and hinterland escapes that work better for older children and teens.
This list isn’t about ticking boxes or hyping every resort on the map. It’s a handpicked round-up of places we’ve actually stayed at and enjoyed as a family, covering beachfront resorts, apartment-style stays and rainforest retreats. If you’re looking for a Gold Coast family holiday that suits your style of travel – whether that’s full-on fun or a slower pace – these are the resorts we’d happily book again.
Table of contents
- Paradise Resort Gold Coast – Best all-in-one Gold Coast family resort for younger kids
- NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort – Best Gold Coast family resort for outdoor-loving kids
- O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat – Best hinterland family resort near the Gold Coast
- Binna Burra Lodge – Best affordable hinterland family stay on the Gold Coast
- Swell Resort – Best apartment-style family resort on the Gold Coast
- The Star Gold Coast – Best Gold Coast resort for families with older kids
- JW Marriott Gold Coast – Best luxury Gold Coast family resort
- Which Gold Coast family resort is best for your family?
- FAQs about Gold Coast Family Resorts
- Where to next?
Paradise Resort Gold Coast – Best all-in-one Gold Coast family resort for younger kids
Paradise Resort is our top choice when it comes to family resorts on the Gold Coast. Particularly for families with younger kids. It really does have everything, and there is a great range of indoor activities for bad weather days. The ice-skating rink is a huge winner with the kids!
The resort has an amazing range of activities and a kids’ club that the kids actually asked to go back to. As a parent, though, I really enjoyed how family-friendly the rooms were and the variety of dining options.
Our room even boasted fun bunk beds for the kids with an Xbox. This kept them occupied for an extra hour in the morning, so I could sleep in. After all, it’s my holiday too!
From kids club to fun on the waterslides through to ice-skating, evening outdoor movies, dance parties and more, Paradise Resort is probably the easiest family holiday resort on the Gold Coast in terms of keeping the kids occupied and happy.
NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort – Best Gold Coast family resort for outdoor-loving kids
When looking at Gold Coast family resorts, NRMA Treasure Island is a very close second to Paradise Resort. I love the outdoor style activities here, which I think are really important for the kids. They get enough screen time during the school term! The only reason it didn’t make the top spot is that there are a lot more food choices at Paradise Resort.
From the awesome Bear Grylls ‘Kids vs Wild’ survival missions and pedal carts through to a splash park, jumping pillow and no less than four pools, it’s virtually guaranteed that the kids get a good dose of exercise and Vitamin D every day. Yourself? You can either join in the fun or relax poolside while supervising the kids.
Accommodation ranges from caravan and camping sites through to glamping tents, cabins and villas.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat – Best hinterland family resort near the Gold Coast
If you’re looking to escape the city to the hinterland, O’Reilly’s in the Lamington National Park is our top choice for Gold Coast family resorts among the green. There are plenty of amazing outdoor activities for the whole family here and accommodation ranges from campgrounds through to rooms, villas and studios.
Families will love the Tree Top Walk and feeding the birds. Don’t miss the Birds of Prey and the Wildlife Encounters shows, where you can expect to cuddle a snake, have your finger-licked by a squirrel glider, and get up close and personal with birds of prey.
For those with kids over 12 years of age, jump on a segway tour, but if not, all ages can head out on a glow worm tour. Hiking is great here, with some tracks leading to waterfalls.
Binna Burra Lodge – Best affordable hinterland family stay on the Gold Coast
Set in a beautiful location, Binna Burra Lodge is a more affordable alternative to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Camp, stay in a family safari tent or splurge at the Sky Lodge, but either way, you’ll love the rainforest surroundings, wildlife and great family hiking at this Gold Coast resort.
Go on the family-friendly after-dark walking tour to spot nocturnal animals, get your steps up on a great day hike with epic views or just chill around your accommodation. We recommend the safari tents for an affordable stay!
If you don’t feel like cooking, the on-site restaurant cooks up amazing meals.
Swell Resort – Best apartment-style family resort on the Gold Coast
Swell Resort in Burleigh Heads is a great place to base your family to enjoy the Gold Coast’s beaches. Wedged between Surfers Paradise to the north and Coolangatta to the South, this beautiful stretch of the Gold Coast has the best of both worlds.
This family-friendly Gold Coast Resort is just 200 metres to the beach and 300 metres to Burleigh Head National Park and Headland.
Accommodation at Swell Resort consists of modern, fully self-contained apartments, making it easy to have a holiday with the comforts of home. Also, a quick shop to stock your fully equipped kitchen means you can save a ton of money by not having to eat out for every meal.
Spend lazy days at the beach, enjoy the nearby night markets and simply enjoy the Gold Coast for everything that it is.
The Star Gold Coast – Best Gold Coast resort for families with older kids
Although the well-known Star doesn’t really market itself as a family-friendly resort, it’s surprisingly family-friendly. Providing, of course, that you don’t expect that your kids will be allowed in the 18+ casino downstairs.
Casino aside, The Star is the most luxurious on this list, has pools, more restaurants than you can poke a stick at, and is located in a sought-after area.
Chill out at the Isoletto Pool Club area (level 6) that’s exclusive to guests of The Star, and enjoy the skyline views from the pool and eating area while the kids splash about.
Families can stroll to Kurrawa Beach only 800 metres away, and hit up the shops at Pacific Fair only 400 metres across the road. Those with older kids might like to book into Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant, which is only 300 metres away.
JW Marriott Gold Coast – Best luxury Gold Coast family resort
If you’re considering a luxury stay that genuinely works for families, the JW Marriott Gold Coast is one of those rare five-star resorts that actually delivers value – even with kids in tow. From the moment you step into the grand lobby, it feels polished and premium, yet still welcoming for families.
The absolute standout is the saltwater lagoon, complete with tropical fish that kids can snorkel with, plus a sprawling heated pool that winds through the resort with waterfalls, currents and a small slide. It’s the kind of place where you could happily spend days without leaving the hotel. Daily fish feeding at the lagoon is a must-do, especially for younger kids.
Dining is another highlight. Citrique Restaurant is family-friendly despite its upmarket feel, offering a kids’ menu alongside its excellent buffet options (including a standout seafood buffet on select days). There are also unique hands-on experiences for families, like pizza-making, sushi classes and scavenger hunts.
With spacious, modern rooms, excellent service and a prime location in Surfers Paradise close to beaches and attractions, the JW Marriott Gold Coast is ideal for families wanting a special-occasion stay or a more indulgent Gold Coast family holiday – and yes, it really is worth the expense.
Which Gold Coast family resort is best for your family?
Choosing the right Gold Coast family resort really comes down to your kids’ ages, your travel style, and how much structure (or freedom) you want on holiday.
- Travelling with younger kids who need constant entertainment? Paradise Resort Gold Coast is hard to beat for kids club and keeping little ones busy from morning to night.
- Want kids outdoors, active and burning energy? NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort is ideal for families who value fresh air, movement and less screen time.
- Craving a nature escape away from the crowds? Head to the hinterland and choose O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat for a memorable family experience surrounded by rainforest and wildlife.
- Looking for a more budget-friendly hinterland option? Binna Burra Lodge delivers the same natural beauty with flexible accommodation that suits a range of budgets.
- Prefer self-contained accommodation near the beach? Swell Resort is a great base for families who like space, kitchens and easy access to Burleigh’s beaches and walks.
- Travelling with tweens or teens who want something ‘cool’ or simply want something more luxurious? The Star Gold Coast works surprisingly well for families with older kids thanks to its location, dining options and nearby attractions.
- Looking to combine luxury with family-friendly vibes for younger kids? JW Marriott Gold Coast is your winner.
Every one of these Gold Coast family resorts offers something different, which is exactly why they’ve earned a place on this list. Match the resort to your family’s vibe, and you’re far more likely to have a holiday everyone actually enjoys.
FAQs about Gold Coast Family Resorts
The best Gold Coast family resorts depend on your children’s ages and travel style. Popular options include Paradise Resort Gold Coast for younger kids, NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort for outdoor-loving families, and JW Marriott Gold Coast for luxury family stays.
Families with toddlers and younger children often prefer Paradise Resort Gold Coast due to its family-focused rooms, kids club and activities that run throughout the day.
Yes. Some Gold Coast family resorts focus on location and self-contained accommodation rather than structured kids activities. Resorts like Swell Resort are ideal for families who prefer flexibility and privacy.
Yes. Hinterland resorts offer a quieter, nature-based experience. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Binna Burra Lodge are popular for families who enjoy wildlife, walking tracks and rainforest scenery.
Families with tweens or teens often prefer resorts with nearby dining, shopping and attractions. The Star Gold Coast works well due to its location and facilities.
It can be. Luxury resorts like JW Marriott Gold Coast are worth the expense when they combine five-star comfort with genuinely family-friendly facilities and experiences.
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