Where to Stay: Best Areas in Gold Coast

Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its hot and sunny climate, fantastic surfing beaches, and convenient access to lush mountain scenery in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

The area is considered one of the most beautiful in Queensland, and it has a significantly more relaxed pace than nearby Brisbane. Plus, it has no shortage of fun attractions to explore, including theme parks, museums, and art galleries.

If you’re planning a visit to the Gold Coast, your first step is finding the right place to stay. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Gold Coast accommodation, but which part of the city should you call home?

Let’s take a look at the best Gold Coast neighborhoods for vacations and highlight some of the city’s best hotels and resorts to help you find the perfect home away from home.

Broadbeach for First-Time Visitors

Highlights: Kurrawa Beach, Kurrawa Pratten Park, Cascade Gardens, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, The Star Gold Coast Casino

Broadbeach is one of the most popular parts of the Gold Coast for tourists, thanks to its excellent array of amenities and hotels.

There are two large shopping centers here – Pacific Fair and The Oasis — and many eclectic independent boutiques and local stores to explore. The Gold Coast Convention Center is also located at Broadbeach, so if you’re heading to the area for one of its events, it makes sense to stay in this neighborhood.

Broadbeach has some good beaches within easy reach, with Kurrawa Beach being a particularly popular one. The area is also home to The Star Gold Coast Casino, a huge hotel and entertainment complex with a variety of restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place for a night out.

You’ll find plenty more excellent restaurants, bars, and nightclubs throughout the Broadbeach area.

Where to Stay in Broadbeach

Here are some popular Gold Coast hotels in Broadbeach:

• Dorsett Gold Coast forms part of the Star Gold Coast complex, and it’s conveniently located close to the convention center, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, and Kurrawa Beach. It has a 24-hour check-in service, a chic pool and sundeck, and an on-site cafe and bar.
• The Darling is another hotel within the Star Gold Coast complex. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and boutique. Its indulgent rooms feature bespoke fittings and the finest amenities for a comfortable and relaxing experience.
• Meriton Suites Broadbeach is a beachside hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and a sauna.

Southport & Main Beach for Sophisticated Atmosphere

Highlights: Sea World, Anzac Park, Broadwater Parklands, Boomerang Art, Brickworks Centre

Southport lies towards the north end of the Gold Coast, and it’s a little quieter and more sophisticated than the likes of Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

That’s not to say that it doesn’t have good nightlife because there are some great bars and restaurants here, but the overall atmosphere is relatively relaxed.

Main Beach is Southport’s most famous stretch of golden sand and is particularly great for surfing. There are also some excellent outdoor community spaces to explore here, such as the sprawling Broadwater Parklands and lush Anzac Park.

The biggest attraction in Southport is Sea World, a vast marine theme park with adrenaline-pumping rides, entertaining shows, and a variety of resident animals, including penguins, seals, and sharks. SeaWorld makes Southport an excellent base for families, but the area has accommodation options to suit a range of tastes and budgets, from cheap hostels for backpackers to luxury resorts for couples.

Where to Stay in Southport or Main Beach

Popular places to stay in Southport and Main Beach include:

• Sea World Resort is a 4.5-star hotel with chic and spacious accommodations ideal for families. Rooms have patios or balconies with garden, pool, or Broadwater views, a water playground in the main pool area, and activities and shows regularly take place to keep kids entertained.
• Imperial Hotel Gold Coast is a 5-star luxury hotel on the waterfront with impressive architecture and lavish rooms. It has award-winning restaurants, private cabanas surrounding its pool, a fitness and wellness center, and a private marina.

Surfers Paradise for Surfing and Nightlife

Highlights: Restaurants, bars, clubs, live music venues, SkyPoint Observation Deck, Surfers Paradise Beach

Surfers Paradise is the Gold Coast’s most famous neighborhood and is beloved by both international travelers and Australians looking for sunshine, surfing, and fun nightlife. This lively area is packed with restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs, and you’ll also find plenty of live music venues such as The Avenue.

Surfers Paradise Beach has excellent waves, but if you’re not a fan of surfing, you can sunbathe, swim, and play volleyball. Don’t miss the SkyPoint Observation Deck for epic 360-degree views of the Gold Coast.

If you’re looking for a busy beach vacation with excellent nightlife and plenty of opportunities to socialize, Surfers Paradise is the ultimate destination. If you want rest and relaxation, you might not like this neighborhood’s bustling atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Surfers Paradise

Here are some of the best Surfers Paradise resorts and hotels:

• QT Gold Coast is a chic, luxurious hotel with stylish rooms, a pool, and a state-of-the-art gym. Free parking is available, and there are several trendy on-site bars and restaurants to choose from.
• JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is a popular 5-star resort that offers impeccable service and indulgent rooms and suites with air conditioning, WiFi, and marble bathrooms. Facilities include freshwater swimming pools, saltwater lagoons, and access to activities like snorkeling, gardening, and culinary classes.
• Paradise Resort is a fantastic hotel for families because it has a huge variety of on-site facilities including a waterpark, an ice-skating rink, a miniature train, and a kids club. If you’re looking for a resort with plenty of entertainment and dining options to choose from, Paradise is a very good choice.
• Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences is a convenient two-minute walk from the beach. Its comfortable rooms and suites include access to four on-site pools and a day spa. This hotel also offers free cancellation, which is handy for those who want a flexible itinerary.
• Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise provides comfortable and flexible accommodation and dining options. Many of its rooms have balconies with ocean views, and there’s an outdoor lagoon pool with a waiter service for ultimate relaxation.
• Q1 Resort and Spa is the tallest residential tower in Australia and its penthouse apartments are some of the most exclusive accommodations in the Gold Coast. The luxurious apartments offer exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean and the Gold Coast Hinterland, and guests can make use of the resort’s swimming pools, day spa, and free parking.
• Voco Gold Coast is an IHG hotel with luxurious rooms and suites, many of which have ocean views. Two pools and a gym are also available. The hotel’s location near Cavill Avenue makes it an excellent base for those who want to enjoy the neighborhood’s nightlife and food scene.
• Novotel Surfers Paradise is a pet-friendly hotel that lies just 150 meters from Surfers Paradise Beach. It has a pool, a fitness center, a full-size sports court, and an on-site cafe bar.
• Mantra on View Hotel offers stylish rooms with private balconies with beach views. It’s popular with business travelers thanks to its meeting and conference facilities.

Coolangatta for Natural Beauty

Highlights: Pristine beaches, high-quality cafes and restaurants, Kirra Hill Lookout

Coolangatta is the Gold Coast’s southernmost suburb, and it’s situated on a jetty in the beautiful Coral Sea. Some of the region’s most pristine beaches can be found in Coolangatta, including its namesake beach and the nearby Greenmount Beach.

Climb Kirra Hill for fantastic views over pretty Kirra Beach from its lookout. In addition to its natural beauty, Coolangatta is known for its excellent food scene. The area has several excellent cafes and seafood restaurants, with highlights including Rainbow Bay Surf Club and Kirramisu Cafe.

Despite being some 18 miles from the Gold Coast city center, Coolangatta is well-connected to the city’s main sights via public transport, and it has a good range of hotels and holiday apartments.

It’s close to Gold Coast Airport, making it the ideal area to stay in if you’re planning a very short trip. If you want a taste of the Gold Coast at a relaxed pace, the trendy Coolangatta is for you.

Currumbin for Family Vacations

Highlights: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, green spaces

The small neighborhood of Currumbin is the perfect destination for families who love active vacations and time spent in the great outdoors.

There are plenty of green spaces to explore, including Currumbin Hill Conservation Park, which is part of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you can see and meet a range of native animals that have been rescued and nursed back to health.

Hotel options are somewhat limited in Currumbin compared to Coolangatta, but there are plenty of apartment rentals available if you’re interested in a self-catered vacation. If you have a car, you’ll be within easy reach of the lush Currumbin Valley, where hiking trails await you to explore the rugged countryside and discover hidden rock pools and waterfalls.

Burleigh Heads for Romantic Getaways

Highlights: Burleigh Head National Park, swim-friendly beach, Reg Chesters Park, Hinterland access, Burleigh Golf Course

Burleigh Heads is the perfect peaceful paradise for couples looking for a romantic break. It has Burleigh Head National Park on its doorstep, so you can enjoy long walks in nature as well as lazy strolls along the beach.

You’re also not far from the Gold Coast Hinterland where more dramatic scenery awaits.

The waters at Burleigh Heads Beach are consistently calm, which makes them safe for swimming and discourages big crowds of surfers from hitting the waves, so you can enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere than in Surfers Paradise. Behind the beach, you’ll find Reg Chesters Park, which has good picnic and BBQ facilities.

Palm Beach for Peace & Quiet

Highlights: Palm Beach Parkland, Currumbin Creek, Tallebudgera Creek

Palm Beach has one of the whitest stretches of sand on the Gold Coast and offers a quintessential beach town experience much more reserved than Southport and Surfers Paradise.

You can expect beachfront hotels, eclectic eateries, charming boutique shops, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, and surfing.

Head to Palm Beach Parklands for a quiet walk along the boardwalk and or to wade in shallow ocean pools. There’s also a Treasure Island Playground here that kids are bound to love. You could also try your hand at fishing or kayaking on Currumbin Creek and Tallebudgera Creek.

Mermaid Beach for Laid-Back Vibes

Highlights: Patrolled ocean swimming areas

Mermaid Beach is hemmed in by Miami and Nobby’s Beach to the south and bustling Broadbeach to the north. It offers a laid-back seaside village vibe close to the heart of the city. It has three fantastic swimming areas that are patrolled by the local Life Saving Club, so you can relax on the beach and hit the waters with confidence.

Locals consider Mermaid Beach the place to go for a quiet and safe swim, so if you want to beat the crowds, head here. There are some trendy boutique hotels and motels in Mermaid Beach, but be prepared to commute to livelier areas if you want nightlife.

Hope Island for Golf Enthusiasts

Highlights: Hope Island Marina Shopping Village, golf courses

Hope Island lies in the northernmost end of the Gold Coast region, and it’s renowned for its scenic canal system and luxurious waterfront homes. If you don’t stay here, be sure to at least plan a visit to soak in the neighborhood’s enchanting natural beauty.

There are three world-class golf courses in and near Hope Island – The Pines, The Palms, and Links Hope Island — so if you’re an avid golfer, you might appreciate a vacation here. Don’t forget to visit the popular Hope Island Shopping Center, a charming open-air waterfront mall and dining district on Hope Island Marina where you can also catch sight of some impressive superyachts.

Book Your Visit to the Glorious Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is an unforgettable travel destination no matter which area you stay in. Now you’re up to speed with some of its top neighborhoods, you can get started planning your trip to this sunny Australian haven.