If you’re keen to combine golden sands with glittering high rises and all the buzz of a lively seaside city, then the Gold Coast is for you. Just over an hour south of Brisbane, this glitzy coastal metropolis is brilliant for bustling beach breaks, with top-notch nightlife, designer boutiques and luxury hotels aplenty. The best places to stay on the Gold Coast certainly reflect the city, with swish contemporary properties housed in skyscrapers, as well as hip hotels fusing laid-back surf vibes with all the mod-cons.

There are an astonishing 35 long, flat, golden beaches along this stretch of sun-drenched coastline, promising some of the best surf in Queensland — and perhaps across Australia. Many top breaks are clustered around trendy favourite Surfers Paradise, a fun-filled neighbourhood where you’ll also find brilliant hotels, bars, clubs and eateries. Head towards the southern end of the city for more relaxed, understated charm. Take the time to discover the best of both worlds if you can — and don’t miss the theme parks and casino!

Venture inland to wind your way through the Lamington National Park’s lush rainforests and deep, dramatic valleys on foot or by bicycle, or to marvel at the ancient volcano of the Springbrook National Park. There are pretty historic towns, vast farms and tranquil lakes to see in this part of Queensland, too. Return to your pick of the best places to stay on the Gold Coast for glamorous evenings overlooking the ocean.

The Best Places to Stay on the Gold Coast

For Playful Surfers & Partygoers

• QT Gold Coast is a playful, sea-facing hotel with funky, architect-designed interiors in Surfers Paradise. Airy rooms boast stunning ocean and mountain views, with black-and-white striped textiles and bright orange chairs, whilst cabins have more earthy charcoal and terracotta tones. Expect a fantastic spa, buzzy eateries and regular live music nights at Stingray Bar. Super sociable.
• voco Gold Coast is decorated in white, dark blue and bright bursts of banana-yellow. Fresh and youthful, this surf and party-focused hotel has two swimming pools, various event spaces and three convivial eateries. The best suites have kitchenettes and big tubs for long soaks after a day out on the waves of Surfers Paradise Beach.
• The Island, Gold Coast has 98 minimalist rooms and suites boasting chalet-like wood panelled walls, crisp white linens and grey and charcoal accents. Think industrial-chic rooms, and retro-inspired shared spaces including a laid-back bistro, games room, swimming pool with striped parasols, and a rooftop bar with lively DJ nights. Very good fun for partygoers.

For Families

• Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast is a rare five-star offering in Gold Coast. Set right on the beach, this beautiful contemporary resort has multiple swimming pools, a serene spa, hip event spaces and two terrific restauraunts. Families will love the abundance of water sports, the children's pool, manicured gardens and flexible room options. A real treat.
• Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise rises 77 floors, promising dazzling views from its Surfers Paradise boulevard setting. Think chic white and cream apartments wth floor-to-ceiling windows, refreshing rooftop swimming pools and a lively Mediterranean lounge-bar with kids' menus. The boulevard is ideal for cycling and strolling as a family.
• Peppers Broadbeach, made up of two high-rise towers, offers a collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, perfect for family holidays. The children's play area, swimming pools, garden, cinema room and pool table will be a huge hit. Apartments are well-equipped, but shared BBQ spaces are great for relaxed evenings outside.

For a Resort with a Golf Course

• Royal Pines Resort rises from amidst verdant surroundings, slightly inland of the city's coastal hotspots. Contemporary rooms & suites overlook the 27-hole golf course, which offers three nine-hole options for keen golfers. A gym, spa, tennis courts and lagoon pool area with water slides makes this a top spot for couples as well as families.
• Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove sits in a 1940s homestead on the banks of the Coomera River marina. Smart suites are large and light, and there are also five tennis courts, lagoon pools and multiple restaurants. Once again, the golf offerings are a hands-down highlight: The Pines and The Palms are both championship courses.

For Glamorous Luxury

• Imperial Hotel Gold Coast is unlike any other property in the city. Huge and immensely opulent, the hotel has glitzy white and gold interiors, a 90-berth marina and big swimming pools surrounded with four-poster sun loungers. Expect parquet flooring, glittering chandeliers and indulgent shared spaces. Romantic yet also family friendly.
• The Star has become a Gold Coast landmark, with more than 500 chic contemporary guest rooms on tiny Broadbeach Island. Whilst furnishings are cream, with blue and grey, bold patterned carpets add a sense of colour. Expect impeccable service at the fitness centre, rejuvenating spa, multiple restaurants and 2000-seat theatre. Lively and luxurious.
• Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa sits on 2.5 acres of verdant grounds on the northern shores of Surfers Paradise. Warm teal rugs accessorise rooms clad in white linens, with big spa tubs, ocean views and a real sense of sophisticated style. A luxury choice with live music events, a tennis court, spa, pools, a private marina & gourmet fare.
• The Darling at The Star Gold Coast is made up of 56 swanky suites, set within the trendy Star Entertainment Complex. Sumptuous spaces are bedecked in glittering chandeliers, with jewel-toned velvet upholstery and big soaking tubs. Next-level glamour for well-heeled romantics.

For Great Value

• Meriton Suites Southport is a collection of modern suites with up to three minimal, white and charcoal bedrooms. The high-rise building means that suites have superb city and sea views, and sitting rooms and kitchens make the property ideal for long stays. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and rates are very reasonable.
• Meriton Suites Broadbeach, another of the group's properties, also has studios and multi-bedroom suites, this time in the south of the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer lots of light and panoramic views, and understated interiors have charcoal sofas, modern kitchens and crisp white linens. Cool off in the indoor and outdoor swimming pools on hot days.

FOR A Holiday APARTMENT

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Gold Coast?

• Fly to Gold Coast Airport, south of the city, and travel to your hotel by bus or taxi. You can also arrive by train from Brisbane under 1.5 hours. Many hotels will be happy to arrange an airport or railway station pick up in advance.
• Queensland is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Like much of Queensland, the Gold Coast has two seasons: the warm, dry season — from April to September — and the hot, wet season, between October and March. Visit during the warm, dry season if you can, avoiding the school holidays for great hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Brisbane.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Queensland.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Gold Coast