LUXE TO LESS – GOLD COAST HOLIDAYS TO SUIT EVERY FAMILY

We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to family accommodation on the Gold Coast, so we’ve narrowed down the search! From luxe to less, check out some of our picks.

When it comes to family-friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast, according to TripAdvisor, there are 550 places to consider parking your family for your Gold Coast stay. Spoiled for choice, right? But while top-rated is always worth checking of course, there are so many other factors that need consideration too – like which end of the Coast you prefer, and then is it beachside, creekside, hinterland or city? There is also the room, apartment or home conundrum? Oh, and the biggest one – budget.

In an attempt to squeeze so many choices into one little blog, we’ve narrowed down the search to suggest our top three places that might suit different families for different reasons. So while we are not claiming this list as the best per say, let’s go with luxe to less instead.

LUXE

Tipping the top of the luxe list for me isn’t just about cost. It’s all about the experience and I doubt you would find anything quite as beachside chic as the unassuming from the outside, and drop dead gorgeous from the inside – Bon Sol at Burleigh.

Upfront, there is some seriously beautiful decor in these exclusive apartments (there are only two), so if you are being accompanied by some sticky little fingers that cannot resist touching, save your sanity and go for a less lavish decor option. BUT if your idea of a holiday is a beachside oasis of interior bliss with a soundtrack of the whispering sea, close to all the cafe and restaurant action, and your kids actually LISTEN to you – this could very well be your dream holiday.

Not only will you be stationed directly across from one of the most beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast – I’m talking about you Burleigh Heads – there is a beach butler too. Yep – every yummy mummy needs a beach butler to pop up her ‘brella, organise her chairs, smooth her towels and top up her drink with sparkling water or champagne am I right? A short stroll will bring you to the epicenter of chic – James Street, with cafes, restaurants and fashionable boutiques to peruse. And If you need some local guidance, a booking made or some supplies sent, your personal property manager is just a phone call away.

KIDS PARADISE

Glamp, explore the reef, feast on the buffet and freshen off under a waterfall without leaving your hotel – how is this possible?

At the Surfers Paradise's JW Marriott Resort & Spa – making this one of our all-time family favourites. And while not new, it has that perennial charm that makes coming here a pleasure no matter how many times you’ve been. Kids are well taken care of with one of the best pools on the Gold Coast to explore, complete with water slide, giant spa, waterfall (yep- full size too) and the most surprising attraction, a living reef. Kids can dive down and live out their true mermaid or mermen dreams with colourful coral and schools of pretty fish. Or if they prefer to be land lubbers, they can join the daily fish feeding from the surface. There is a sandy shore, capacious day beds and poolside service that ensures spending a day poolside is a relaxing treat for everyone.

Upstairs the fun doesn’t stop, with mini glamping tents available (for a small fee) on request. When the kids are in the pool, staff can set up the tent so kids will want to go straight to bed when they come in! There is a spotlight, reading book and cuddly toy in the glamp pack, and for parents needing their own time-out, this is an ideal (ehhh make that essential) – room service suggestion.

Kids club runs 365 day a year with a program for littlies and teens to choose from. Days are themed for maximum kid appeal and include Pirates and Mermaids, Clown Day, Mini Olympics, Australian Animals to name but a few, and there is also movie nights inclusive of dinner with other kids clubbers and a huge selection of sports activities for the teens.

Kids are also invited to eat free, with a selection of restaurants to choose from. This is Surfers Paradise yes, but more like kids’ paradise if you ask me.

LESS IS MORE

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and in the case of Nobby Beach Holiday Village, a pretty idyllic spot to claim as that village. But that is what scores of families do every year by consistently ranking this place as one of the best on the Gold Coast for a relaxed, sun and sea inspired family holiday.

A mere 400 metre easy stroll from the spectacular shorelines of Miami and Nobby Beach, close to iconic local surf clubs, restaurants and cafes, and nestled as close as you can get to the multi-million dollar neighbourhood of Mermaid Beach – but without footing the gilded price tag that comes with being a permanent resident.

The village includes a selection of two-storey poolside penthouses that can fit in either a few families or larger groups, deluxe villas and affordable studios for families or couples, right through to BYO with powered caravan and tent sites. Kids will be in their element, with two heated swimming pools, a giant waterslide and kids’ playground, plus there is that other giant pool to factor in – the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean whispering from just down the street!

Pack the kids scooters, bikes, blades and skateboards as there are miles of beachfront bike tracks to explore. Close by at Pizzey Park there is also a skate park, more lakeside tracks to conquer and a public swimming pool complete with water play park where Olympic swimmers train! Also within walking distance, Doodlebugs offers younger kids the chance to expend some energy on inflatable play zones and a short drive or bus ride (which comes right past the door) away, the kids will love a few rounds of mini golf at Putt Putt Golf at Mermaid Beach, or a movie sesh while mum gets her shop on at Pacific Fair.

Cherished family holiday memories are all carved out here on the Gold Coast. And whether it is fun in the sun, days spent surfing and building sandcastles, or exploring all the Gold Coast has to offer, there is something for every taste, budget and style no matter how you like to holiday.