The 3 Best Family Resorts in Gold Coast

Looking for a much-needed resort holiday a little closer to home than famous Fiji? Look no further and check out these three best family resorts in Gold Coast, QLD.

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach resort is 4.5-star family resort 500m from beautiful Mermaid Beach. It offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments suitable for families of all sizes. Turtle Beach packs a lot into its complex, with four pool areas including a mini waterpark, four pool spas and a day spa, two saunas, a playground, tennis court, arcade room, cinema, and a BBQ area! For guests aged 4-12, the Club Turtle Kid’s Club keeps them safe and occupied while you kick back and enjoy your holiday. Kids enjoy arts and crafts, interactive games, video games, movie screenings and dance and disco nights in the evenings, making it perfect for a family holiday and number one on this list of the best family resorts in Gold Coast.

Surfer’s Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa

For a more high-end, luxury experience at one of the best family resorts in Gold Coast, visit Surfer’s Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa. This resort is a 5-star luxury destination with stunning views of the ocean and hinterland from your room’s own private balcony. This tropical wonderland boasts its own saltwater lagoon and artificial reef complete with fish! Besides that, they have expansive pools, a waterfall and waterslide. The kids will be busy for days exploring the whole place.

Meanwhile, you can relax at the poolside bar and lounge, and enjoy the five dining options, fitness centre and day spa. And did I mention the free WiFi? If the facilities at the resort aren’t enough to keep you and the family occupied, the beach is only a 6 minute walk away, and the famous Gold Coast theme parks a short drive away.

An aerial view of the saltwater lagoon and palm tree-laden relaxation area at the Marriott Resort on the Gold Coast. Pic via: Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa/Facebook. — Indulge in the incredible saltwater lagoon and tropical pool area at the Marriott!

Q1 Resort and Spa

Last (but not least) on our list of the best family resorts in Gold Coast is the famus Q1. The 78-storey Q1 Resort and Spa is a 5-star luxury resort and spa in the heart of the Gold Coast. You can have breakfast on top of the world in the Skypoint Bistro and Bar, and take in the panoramic views of the Surfer’s Paradise. Afterwards, the Skypoint Observation Deck and Climb is a must for the kids and thrillseekers!

Q1 offers several accommodation options, including one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments and penthouse suites. Aside from the classic Bistro Q1 has a sushi restaurant and the newly-opened Asami Teppanyaki dining experience.

Of course, what would a resort holiday be without a swim? Q1 Resort and Spa has two outside pools and a heated one indoors. Q1 also has a luxury spa, games room and private theatrette, so there’s something for the whole family. If the stunning views in Australia’s tallest resort are too enticing, Main Beach is a 3 minute walk away.

Two pools and relaxation area at Q1 Resort and Spa on the Gold Coast. Pic via: Q1 Resort and Spa/Facebook. — Soak up the sun in the pools at Q1 Resort and Spa.

What have we missed? Share with us your favourite family resorts in Gold Coast in the comments below!

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30 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 09 Aug 2023
    10:14 am
I miss having little kids to take on holidays

- - ashblonde said
  - 31 Jul 2021
    10:40 am
I won a trip to Sea World many years ago without our kids, so I would love to take them all up there for a family holiday with their own kiddies now 30 years on.

- - kell_jenkins said
  - 16 Jun 2021
    9:02 pm
The Marriott is an amazing hotel, the pool is one of the best out of any hotels worldwide ive ever stayed in, the refurbished rooms are really well done, can’t wait to go there again!

- - mom101628 said
  - 05 May 2020
    10:22 pm
Any of these resorts would be wonderful – just need to get this beer-virus out of the way so we can start going to places like this again. Thanks for the post.

- - Cookfromscratchmum said
  - 25 Apr 2020
    7:57 pm
The intercontinental sanctuary cove on the Gold Coast is my favourite as they have a man made lagoon there for kids and it’s surrounded by restaurants and all facilities

- - Petal53 said
  - 18 Apr 2020
    8:54 pm
I haven’t been to any of these. In fact, I haven’t holidayed on the Gold Coast for over 20 years. I head to Brisbane or beyond.

- - mom322089 said
  - 04 Apr 2020
    7:37 pm
paradise resort was fabulous and totally geared for a family
- missyj replied
  
  12 Apr 2023 , 10:42 am
  I love hearing Paradise Resort is good, can’t wait to take my boys in less than 4 weeks!!!
- - mom160289 said
  - 04 Apr 2020
    2:53 pm
These all look great. Thanks for the recommendations

- - Jbuttxx said
  - 01 Apr 2020
    5:58 am
Something to look forward to once corona virus is all gone

- - Kasey said
  - 29 Mar 2020
    7:03 pm
I’ve never stayed in these resorts before, but Turtle Beach sounds like it would be fun for my big family. I’ve stayed at Paradise Resort a few times and we absolutely loved it.

- - DaffyD said
  - 07 Mar 2020
    11:00 am
I’m dreaming of it right now!

- - mom290396 said
  - 21 Feb 2020
    10:54 pm
Not sure how I could choose between them! The waterpark one looks pretty cool for the kids… ok me. But the beach also looks nice, relaxing, shallow and clear.

- - ThisIsMe said
  - 18 Feb 2020
    1:38 pm
Turtle beach looks amazing for kids

- - rovermum said
  - 17 Feb 2020
    12:17 pm
We love the Gold Coast as a holiday destination and to visit friends. Our latest trip had us staying in a private apartment in Runaway Bay. I find the places we stayed at previously have now all changed name, but the Australis a few years back was awesome.

- - mom321515 said
  - 16 Feb 2020
    8:44 pm
Turtle beach looks awesome

- - BellaB said
  - 16 Feb 2020
    7:10 pm
Great alternative – Turtle Beach looks great.

- - mom60462 said
  - 15 Feb 2020
    10:46 am
Stayed at Turtle Beach many years ago and it was very run down looks like its had a facelift

- - mom93821 said
  - 14 Feb 2020
    6:55 am
Gold Coast holidays are fun! Close proximity to the fun theme parks!
- Ellen replied
  
  17 Feb 2020 , 8:44 am
  Good to know
- - Ellen said
  - 13 Feb 2020
    8:31 am
I’ve never been on a Gold Coast holiday. We moved to Qld medio last year so it should be something closer to our reach. Still think these types of holidays are quite dear and not within our reach in that regards.

- - mom343701 said
  - 13 Feb 2020
    6:04 am
wow they do look fabulous, wish we could afford these