The Best Resorts To Book On Australia's Gold Coast

A dream destination for anyone looking for adventure, Australia’s Gold Coast has the year-round sunshine, golden beaches, outdoorsy focus and natural wonders to guarantee your holiday is action-packed. But whether you’re hoping to explore the wilderness or hit the region’s upmarket shops and world-class galleries, there’s a place on the Gold Coast to suit everyone – from large families to solo backpackers wanting to stick to a budget. So, if you’re looking for great accommodation deals on the Gold Coast, start with these top properties – bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Rhapsody Resort, for teppanyaki and sunset cocktails

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Rhapsody Resorts rooftop garden and dining terrace with panoramic ocean views

Live the Gold Coast high life at this apartment building – just 100m (330ft) from Surfers Paradise Beach and an hour’s drive from Brisbane. Offering modern studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, the property is just two tram stops to the area’s best nightlife and has Pacific Ocean views from its swimming pool and spa area. There are also teppanyaki BBQ facilities and an outdoor terrace on the 27th floor to entertain in style.

2. Bring the kids to Sunbird Beach Resort

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The pool area at Sunbird Beach Resort just steps from the beach

Travelling with children who want to make the most of the Australian sunshine? This is one of the best Gold Coast resorts for families, with an indoor and outdoor pool, tennis court and even a kid pool so they can enjoy themselves. The apartments are perfect for families, too – with private laundry facilities, fully equipped kitchens, DVD players and balconies. There’s also a BBQ grill and picnic area, a garden and beach towels provided so you can get on with enjoying your holiday together.

3. The Waterford on Main Beach, for jaw-dropping ocean views

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Spacious deluxe apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows offering uninterrupted ocean views at the Waterford on Main Beach

Ocean views are a must when booking accommodation on the Gold Coast, and these beachfront apartments have some of the best. Centrally located in Main Beach and a 15-minute walk from the heart of Surfers Paradise, the spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments all have uninterrupted ocean panoramas for endless gazing. Guests can also enjoy a full-size tennis court, entertainment cabana, riverside jetty and heated pool and spa.

5. Q1 Resort and Spa, for breakfast with a view in Australia’s tallest residential resort tower

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Expansive and modern high-rise apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning ocean views at the Q1 Resort and Spa

It’s all about the view at this exclusive apartment building – located in one of the world’s tallest residential resort buildings, rising a staggering 322m (1,056ft) into the air. Jaw-dropping views from Brisbane to Byron Bay come as standard, while weekend breakfasts are served on the 77th-floor observation deck for a truly unforgettable treat. Apartments have between one and four bedrooms, and all include free covered parking and use of two outdoor lagoon pools plus one indoor heated lap pool, BBQ facilities, residents’ lounge and private cinema.

6. Modern apartments and a very unique pool at Aussie Resort

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Lagoon-style pool surrounded by greenery and the buildings of the Aussie Resort

You don’t have to spend a fortune to stay in this pricey Australian region. This resort – near Burleigh Heads beach – offers cheap accommodation on the Gold Coast without skimping on style. Choose from a selection of self-contained one-bedroom apartments with private balconies, laundry facilities and modern kitchens, so you can save even more money on eating out. All include access to free private parking, a hot tub, a garden and a heated pool in the shape of Australia.

7. Family-friendly fun on a budget at Ashmore Palms Holiday Park

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The lush grounds outside the apartments with patios at Ashmore Palms Holiday Park

Children will be in heaven at this holiday park within easy reach of all the Gold Coast sights. However, they may never want to leave the resort itself and its two swimming lagoons with a waterfall, tropically landscaped gardens, two children’s playgrounds, a tennis court, DVD library and a rainforest walkway through aviaries housing exotic macaws and other parrots. The park’s one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments mean you’ll have plenty of space to relax in the evening, too.

8. QT Gold Coast, for spa treatments, Japanese food and poolside cabanas

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Stylish, modern lobby areas with pops of bright colours at QT Gold Coast

Looking for truly decadent accommodation on the Gold Coast? This beachside hotel is aimed firmly at adults craving a little indulgence, with Instagrammable decor, a sleek spa and a see-and-be-seen pool lined with cabanas. Dining options are especially lavish and include Baja Californian dishes at Stingray, with over 50 in-house tequilas and weekend DJs, or the Gold Coast’s first fine-dining modern Japanese restaurant, Yamagen.

9. Try wood-fired dinners and marina strolls at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

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Luxe restaurant space with green and white motifs at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

Styled as a grand Queensland estate, this tranquil resort is hidden away in Sanctuary Cove with easy access to its marina, golf courses, one-acre (0.4ha) lagoon beach and beautiful gardens. There are restaurants and bars within a two-minute stroll, but the hotel’s Fireplace restaurant is also unmissable – with wood-fired cuisine offering a unique smokey flavour. Rooms are just as exquisite, finished with parquet floors, extra-deep bathtubs and plantation shutters.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.