Best Theme Park Accommodation on the Gold Coast

Best Theme Park Accommodation on the Gold Coast

08 Feb 2024

Ready to ride some roller coasters, splash down water slides, see some adorable animals and experience the wonder and excitement of a theme park holiday with the kids? If you’re on the hunt for convenient family accommodation near gold coast theme parks, then we’ve got you covered. Read on for where to stay while you play.


Sea World Resort 

If you’re looking for accommodation close to theme parks, you can’t get closer than this. With its own aquatic adventure playground, expansive lagoon pool (with varying depths for different ages), five family-friendly dining outlets and direct access to Sea World, this Main Beach accommodation offers a mix of fun, adventure and relaxation.

While a day exploring Sea World’s exciting rides, animal encounters, exhibits, shows and presentations is more than enough to make any kid’s day, a stay at Sea World Resort means extra helpings of fun. They can say hi to their fave Nickelodeon characters, splash the day away in the pool and play in the nightly LED light show. Spacious rooms and suites are waiting at bedtime - the resort has been recently refurbished and feel fresh, bright and airy. Each has it's own balcony or patio with water, pool or garden views. 

When it’s time to eat, there are plenty of delicious, family-friendly options for breakfast, lunch and dinner available.  Enjoy an entertaining Japanese meal cooked Teppanyaki-style at Hatshuana, the resort’s award-winning restaurant, fuel up on buffet breakfast, pizza and pastas, light lunches, grab-and-go meals, coffee and more all within the supreme settings and views overlooking the Gold Coast Broadwater.

Sea World resort is surrounded by Gold Coast attractions -  Marina Mirage, Surfers Paradise are close by, with a stunning beach a mere minute’s walk from the lobby. Make the most of your stay with package deals which include entry to other Village Roadshow Theme Parks, meal vouchers and more. 

Location: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Paradise Country

 

Paradise Country provides an authentic Australian farm experience and this popular theme park has onsite accommodation in the form of a farmstay. Pitch a tent, park your caravan or stay in one of the beautifully decked out Eco Tents surrounded by gum trees, and the sounds of birdlife (including the farmyard roosters!).

After a busy day of exciting entertainment, exhibits, shows, presentations, exhibits and a menagerie of native wildlife and farm animals, surprise the kids with a sleep over at Paradise Country Farmstay. Convenient and close to other theme parks, you’ll have everything you need including family-friendly  breakfast and lunch daily at The Farm House Restaurant, and unlimited access to Paradise Country during park hours.

During your stay you’ll be treated to exclusive experiences for farmstay guests. Relax on the grassy hill at sunset for games on the lawn, wine tasting for grown ups and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. In the morning, kids will be thrilled to join in farm activities like collecting eggs, milking cows and bottle feeding baby farm animals. 

Location: Production Dr, Oxenford 

NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort

Centrally located, and delivering all the ingredients for a fun, relaxing holiday with kids, NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort is a favourite for family stays. Most of the major theme parks are within a 20-minute drive, so get a multi-park pass and use NRMA Treasure Island as a home base while you explore endless family fun. 

Choose to stay in a comfortable, self-contained cabin or villa, relax in a glamping tent or enjoy the outdoors on a Gold Coast camping or caravan site. Wheelchair-accessible and pet‑friendly accommodation options are available. Whichever setup suits your tribe best, settle in for a guaranteed good time with an onsite splash park, kids’ club, mini golf, pedal cars,  playgrounds and four resort style pools. Yes, four!

The park runs a kids activities program where can play games and races, get creative and join in the packed schedule of fun. There’s also the Bear Grylls Survival Academy - an outdoor experience with interactive challenges set up in a natural setting.

Meals together are made easy at Galleon’s Bistro, which serves up family-friendly dining  seven days a week in a laidback alfresco atmosphere. Parents can treat themselves to a cocktail at the end of the day too, and watch the kids frolic in the nearby splash park.  After dinner,  snuggle up and enjoy an outdoor movie on the lawn… although it’s unlikely the kids will stay awake until the end with such an action-packed day. 

Location: 117 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

For convenience, close proximity to theme parks and a whole lot of fun, you can’t beat Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park in Helensvale. With a variety of accommodation options (choose from camping or caravan sites, cabins, villas, motel and safari tents) combined with an impressive list of onsite activities to keep kids busy, it’s a perfect spot to stay for families on a theme park holiday. 

You’ll be in prime position here. It’s only a 1.5km walk to Warner Bros Movie World and you can be at Wet ‘n’ Wild, Paradise Country, Dreamworld and White Water World  in five minutes by car. Once you’ve had your fill of rollercoasters, rides and slides for the day, head back to your home away from home and enjoy all the fun on offer. 

The kids can ride around on bikes or have a go in the park’s pedal cars. Or hit the playground, basketball court, flying fox,  jumping pillow and off road remote control race car track. And then there’s the super-sized (heated) lagoon pool and massive waterpark with multiple slides - an aquatic playground which will wear out even the most energetic little people. While the kids are busy, parents can relax in the poolside café with a coffee or cocktail - even better it stays open until 8pm and serves up plenty of kid-friendly meals to keep the hungry hordes fed and happy.

Location: 66-86 Siganto Dr, Helensvale

Paradise Resort



A short 10-minute drive from Sea World, this Surfers Paradise accommodation is a world of family-friendly fun itself. When the kids are happy, the parents are happy - that’s the philosophy at Paradise Resort. Check in for a holiday your little ones will never forget!  

Paradise Resort makes life very easy for parents. Your only challenge will be tearing the kids away from the smorgasbord of awesome activities on offer. From toddlers to teens, all ages are catered for. Choose from ice skating, laser tag, jungle gym, games room, rock climbing, character performances, arts and craft, disco nights,  plus a humongous pool and epic water park. For something the whole family can enjoy, check out poolside movies, family bingo plus a range of live entertainment.

There’s a Kid’s Club for ages 6 months - 12 years, plus teen activities so this is a place where parents can really switch off and relax. With multiple dining options within the resort grounds, you’ll be able to feed even the fussiest eater. Whether you want to eat at a restaurant, order room service or enjoy a meal poolside, you’ll be catered for. And should you want to explore the beaches, dining, shopping and attractions of Surfers Paradise, it’s right there on the doorstep.

Location: 122 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

Situated on the northern end of the Gold Coast, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort offers a five-star stay in a luxury resort. This secluded and exclusive Gold Coast hotel is nestled amidst award-winning golf courses, a world-class marina and sprawling tropical gardens. It’s a short 15- minute drive to theme parks from here, but when you return to your relaxing accommodation after a day of busy theme park fun, this oasis will feel a million miles away.

You’ll feel right at home in spacious, comfortable rooms with views across the marina, neighbouring golf course or shady grounds. The kids will be won over by Netflix and YouTube on the inroom TV. Outside, they’ll be entertained by the giant chessboard and enthralled by the one-acre lagoon pool - perfect for a marathon game of Marco Polo. Take a stroll around the grounds at dawn or dusk to see resident kangaroos grazing and lazing on the grass. 

To prepare for your theme park adventure, first of all, fuel up on a hearty buffet breakfast - you’re going to need it for a full day of fun at Movie World, SeaWorld, Dream World, White Water World, Wet ‘n’ Wild or Paradise Country. 

On your return, enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the four dining options onsite. The new Lagoon Beach Club is a hit with kids, serving casual poolside cuisine with a view of the expansive, sparkling pool. Alternatively take an easy walk to the nearby Marina Village where there’s a variety of restaurants and cafes to cater for every taste. 

Location: Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove


 

 

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Kate Veling
Kate Veling

Travel writer, Kate Veling, came to the Gold Coast for six months and loved it so much she’s still here 20 years later. The laidback lifestyle suits her to a tee and as a mum of three, she knows all the best parks, swimming spots and kid-friendly fun to be had in her ‘hood. She’s often found getting amongst the thriving local arts and culture scene, dancing to live music or kicking back on the beach, but rest assured it’s all in the name of research.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. 
 
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.