Are you heading to the Gold Coast for an epic theme park holiday? Great choice, it’s a bundle of fun for the whole family! To ensure that you maximise your time at the theme parks, rather than travelling to and fro, we’ve curated a list of the Gold Coast accommodation options near the theme parks. After all, no one wants to endure a long trip home after a jam-packed day of fun. Read on to find out the best options for your next theme park adventure.
Where are the theme parks in Queensland
Most of the Gold Coast’s theme parks and adjoined attractions are situated in the Northern region of the Gold Coast, in the suburbs known as Oxenford and Coomera. This includes Movie World, Dream World, Wet n Wild, Top Golf, Paradise Country and Australian Outback Spectacular. This area is approximately 30 minutes drive to Surfers Paradise.
Hotels Near Seaworld
The exception is Seaworld, which is located by the water at Main Beach. Seaworld is a bit closer to the city lights of the Gold Coast, approximately a 15 minute drive to Surfers Paradise.
Seaworld Resort
But the best part is, Seaworld offers its very own adjoining resort so you can stay, play, eat and drink without leaving the property! Seaworld Resort includes its own waterpark, in case the keeds need to cool off before or after their big day out, plus a bar serving drinks and snacks to keep everyone well nourished. At night, there is a Sponge Bob themed light show around the pool, a final spectacle for the kids to enjoy before winding down for bedtime.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
If you’d prefer a more luxurious beachfront abode maintained by a world-class hotelier, across the road you’ll find the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. With a grand lobby entrance perfectly framing the water fountain and crystal clear pools surrounded by palms, to the backdrop of the mesmerising Pacific Ocean. A stay at the Sheraton Mirage will certainly add a touch of class to your family getaway.
If you’d prefer to spread your wings further afield and experience more of the Gold Coast, consider staying in Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.
Read on to discover the best family hotels we recommend in these popular beachside suburbs. There are also several accommodation options mentioned in our list which offer a hinterland escape within 20 minutes of the theme parks too.
Hotels Near Movie World
Whilst there are countless hotels to choose from near Movie World, there is one accommodation option that you absolutely must consider for a family holiday with a difference. That is Paradise Country.
Paradise Country, Oxenford
0 minutes to Movie World & Wet n Wild
Paradise Country is a theme park in its own right which includes its very own farm stay. Here you can pitch a tent and camp, or, if you’re travelling light you can opt for the fully-decked out luxe glamping tents. Being nestled between Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild you can wake up and make your way to to the parks without any fuss. Dreamworld is also just a short drive from here too.
Wet n Wild Gold Coast Accommodation
If you are seeking alternatives to camping out at Paradise Country, you’ll be please to know there are plenty of other Gold Coast accommodation options near Wet n Wild.
Mantra Southport Sharks, Southport
7.5kms to Wet n Wild
Mantra at Sharks is a unique hotel. For starters, it’s surrounded by footy ovals … perfect for young families with plenty of energy to burn! Secondly, it’s right next door to the Southport Sharks Club, which is one of the best family-friendly restaurants on the Gold Coast – it even has real sharks in an acquarium at the entrance! A relatively new hotel, with modern rooms and plenty of car-parking nearby.
JW Marriott, Surfers Paradise
13.7kms to Wet n Wild
The Marriott in Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular family hotel resorts in Australia. It’s most prominent feature is the lagoon style pool, teeming with live fish. Yes you read that correctly, you’ll see a huge variety of tropical fish flittering around the pool, much to the delight of swimmers young and old. Having undergone a recent renovation, a room at the Marriott will be pricier than most of the other options on this list, but the pool alone will make for a getaway to remember for years to come.
Paradise Resort, Surfers Paradise
13.9kms to Wet n Wild
Paradise Resort in Surfers has been voted Australia’s best family resort many times over, and it’s no surprise why. Located less than 14kms from most of the major theme parks, a stones throw from the action in Surfers Paradise and with its very own water park, lagoon pool, ice skating rink and kids club, this resort literally has it all!
Hotels Near Dreamworld
For Dreamworld accommodation, add 3-4 kilometres to each of the options mentioned above, as this particular theme park is separate from the others being located a bit further North on the M1.
Ruffles Lodge, Willow Vale
11 Minutes to Dreamworld
If a hinterland escape after a day at the theme parks sounds like your family’s idea of heaven, then look no further than Ruffles Lodge, Willow Vale. As a former Peppers Resort, this property is prestigious and luxe. Ruffles offers the perfect balance of play all day, followed by a restful and peaceful stay, and under 15 minutes to almost all of the major theme parks.
Big 4, Helensvale
6 minutes to Dreamworld
Set on 32 acres of tropical gardens on Salt Creek, it’s hard to believe the Big 4 Helensvale is so close to the theme park, just a 5 minute drive away. This property offers accommodation to suit all tastes, from villas and cabins to campsites. The choices don’t stop there either, the kids will be stoked with the water park with water-slides, lagoon pool, jumping pillow, the foot pool, frisbee golf and bocci.
Intercontinental, Sanctuary Cove
15 mins to Dreamworld
A grand and graceful property, nestled amongst golf courses and the marina is the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove. For those who appreciate the finer things, this is the hotel for you! Aside from the impressive newly renovated rooms, you’ll marvel at the local kangaroos around the property…not to mention the huge lagoon pool spanning over one acre!
And there you have it, our top picks for Gold Coast accommodation near the theme parks. If you have any other personal recommendations please feel free to leave them in the comments below!