Dive with tropical fish at the JW Marriott Gold Coast pool

A lagoon full of tropical fish, a grand sweeping staircase and attentive, friendly staff combine at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa.

Colourful tropical fish flash past in the water below. There’s Nemo the clownfish, along with silver bream, Moon wrasse and more. Guests of all ages surface with broad smiles after swimming in the lagoon at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa . It’s an experience few other hotel pools can offer.

Elegant and luxurious, but with an unmistakably Queensland style, the resort brings a new standard of luxury to South East Queensland, all just a short walk from the Gold Coast’s white sandy beaches.

With a Luxury Escapes offer from just $399 per night (two-night minimum) available until May 31, 2025, there’s plenty of time to discover and explore all the resort has to offer. Make the most of its tropical lagoon-style pools, award-winning restaurants, bright, airy guest rooms and indulgent spa.

The pool in JW Marriot Gold Coast — A luxurious Gold Coast escape awaits.

JW Marriott Gold Coast’s pool

It’s hard to go past the saltwater lagoon, with its 300-odd colourful tropical fish representing 20 species. Don a snorkel and flippers or check out an underwater scooter from the recreation centre and you’re all set. Surrounded by lounge areas, cabanas and dining options the pools provide a space the whole family can enjoy at their own pace.

Named Australia’s best hotel pool in 2024, the lagoon is designed with multi-generational travellers in mind. Find varying depths and plenty of corners to explore, from the swim-up grotto to waterfalls and sandy beaches. A freshwater pool has a children’s slide or you can relax in one of the Jacuzzis.

People swimming with the fish at JW Marriott's pool. — Take a dip in the saltwater lagoon and swim alongside tropical fish.

JW Marriott Gold Coast’s rooms and suites

Starting from a generous 42-square-metres in size, guestrooms boast panoramic views of the ocean, cityscape or Gold Coast hinterland mountains from their floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies.

All rooms are air-conditioned, with state-of-the-art electronics, a work desk and Nespresso machine. Generous marble bathrooms have bathtubs and separate shower.

JW Marriott Gold Coast's executive suite. — Wind down in the spacious comfort of your executive suite, fully equipped with all the essentials.

Award-winning dining at JW Marriott Gold Coast

Seasonal menus, using sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients, highlight regional products with an ocean- or paddock-to-plate concept in the hotel’s five restaurants .

Citrique is renowned for its sumptuous breakfasts, Sunday long lunch, seafood and grill buffet. An à la carte menu also showcases local seafood and produce, with matching wines. Open kitchens, interactive live stations and at-table preparation of some dishes creates a lively atmosphere.

In Misono, energetic teppanyaki chefs entertain with their clever knife work and theatrical flair while they cook at hot plates built into each table, a great favourite with families. The Japanese artistry extends into the flavours and presentation of dishes, always adding something surprising and different to the table.

Misono’s Japanese whisky bar is a great place for sundowners, or you can book an adults-only dining room for a more private experience, including a sake showcase.

For more casual dining, relax and unwind over a cocktail at Chapter & Verse or head there for high tea. Open for all day dining, it has a cafe vibe during the day and transitions to a craft cocktail bar feel at night. Chapter & Verse is also the spot for live music.

And if you’re just after a quiet night in your room, the resort’s 24-hour in-room dining service (Savour by JW) is the answer. Make a selection from either Citrique or Misono’s menus.

Premium Seafood at JW Marriott Gold Coast — Delight in seasonal, sustainable menus.

Family offerings

Family by JW, an interactive program for both children and adults, offers the opportunity to bond over fun culinary experiences and other creative activities that enhance the holiday spirit.

Join the Mini Misono sushi- or pizza-making classes. The whole family can learn the art of sashimi from trained chefs. Or participate in herb planting in the JW Garden, where a tour can also reveal everything about the herbs, edible flowers, fruits and vegetables grown for the culinary team’s daily use.

The comfort and quiet of the JW Marriott Concierge Library offers a balance of local culture, well-being and culinary insights within a bookstore-like setting. Thoughtfully designed Serene Spaces provide restful corners to pause and relax.

JW Marriott Gold Coast family activity — Book a range of activities for every family member to enjoy.

Spa by JW

Step into a world of relaxation and rejuvenation at Spa by JW . Book one of six treatment rooms, a signature couple’s room including a relaxation lounge, ensuite stone bath and twin showers, traditional saunas, showers, relaxation pods and an outdoor relaxation area. The extensive spa menu and personalised care tailored to individual needs are among the reasons it was voted in top position on TripAdvisor.

Whether you’re tired from a long journey or simply looking for well-deserved pampering, Spa by JW’s carefully curated treatments cater to your overall well-being in a sanctuary dedicated to fostering mental and physical balance. If time is short, express spa treatments are a simple indulgence, and the welcoming spa lounge is the ideal place to relax with friends or simply unwind.

Start planning your Gold Coast getaway at jwmarriottgoldcoast.com

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

Discover the Gold Coast pool where you can dive with tropical fish