12 of the most dazzling Broadbeach accommodation picks

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Unpack and unwind close – but not too close – to central Gold Coast action with the dreamiest Broadbeach accommodation.

Surfers Paradise’s chilled-out neighbour has finessed its bookable digs in recent years, taking full advantage of its prime location beside the Gold Coast’s beating heart. The once sleepy suburb is now overflowing with a sophisticated edit of serviced apartments, high-shine hotels and slick Airbnbs, making it a well-trodden, well-rounded destination. Offering the finest of dining, epic things to do, and a superb cafe culture right on its doorstep and within walking distance, Broadbeach accommodation is one of the city’s hottest tickets.

1. Dorsett Gold Coast

an aerial view of the Dorsett Gold Coast, Broadbeach accommodation
Check in to chill out at the dazzling Dorsett Gold Coast. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Price: $$-$$$

The Star Gold Coast’s domination continues with Dorsett Gold Coast, a swish space offering glittering poolside R&R. The high-end Broadbeach accommodation oozes confidence, with glossy finishes and splashes of marble against rose gold and turquoise, totally illuminating your holiday.

Soak up the sun at Isoletto Pool Club, an al fresco haven with a 12-metre infinity pool where drowning cocktails and looking dapper draped across four-post cabanas is the order of every day. Swap cushioned orange luxury for a sunken sun lounge, built right into the pool, when you’re keen to cool off.

The rooms extend the fun as tropical printed carpet and curvy jewelled-toned furnishings pop with personality, while huge TVs, rain showerheads and balconies dial up the luxe. This place is a popular option for couples while still winning points among families as twin rooms offer ample beds.

You’re moments away from The Star’s wide range of eateries, but there’s also Jin Cafe & Bar serving up a mix of drinks, coffee, light snacks and sharing platters, plus a gorgeous executive lounge on level 19 which offers buffet breakfast and a 90-minute complimentary canapes and drinks service from 5pm daily.

Azure Spa & Fitness is within The Star, on hand to keep your workout and beauty regimens on track while on tour.

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2. The Shores

Price: $-$$

Sucker for a Palm Springs-inspired stay? The Shores, located 15 minutes down the Gold Coast Highway from Broadbeach, is the city’s latest ode to the beloved mid-century trend, decked out with a Slim Aarons-inspired pool scene and retro van slinging drinks. An original 1970s motel, the accommodation has totally remodelled its rooms, which range from the Miami Mini for two guests to the Palm and Sunset Suites which both sleep four. Whatever you land on, the interior is beachy perfection with terrazzo-printed flooring, duck-egg blue walls and doors, SMEG bar fridges, pale timber and all the whites.

In even better news, the team are working on a sibling location within Broadbeach itself, which will join their Surfers Paradise location and planned Kangaroo Point and New Farm builds in Brisbane. Watch this space.

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3. Meriton Suites Broadbeach

a cosy suite with balcony and beach views at Meriton Suites Broadbeach
Meriton Suites Broadbeach is within walking distance to the beach.

Price: $$-$$$

One of the best things about staying in Broadbeach is its central Gold Coast location, and life is extra easy at Meriton Suites Broadbeach. Close enough to notorious Cavill Avenue without hearing its round-the-clock raging, and within walking distance to the beach and the retail heaven that is Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, this Broadbeach accommodation consists of elegant studios and one, two and three-bedroom suites inside two 32-level high-rises on the Gold Coast Highway.

Featuring balconies with sensational views, king beds, Kevin Murphy toiletries and separate living areas, the rooms are luxurious while still providing much-needed kitchen and laundry facilities. To help families or business travellers really settle in, a fitness centre, two swimming pools, a sauna, an indoor spa, and on-site cafe are ready to be explored.

Additionally, the views from this place are second to none. Blue-on-blue vistas, all elevated above ground level, are spied from multiple spots within each room, soothing your stay from every angle.

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4. Peppers Broadbeach

the pool at Peppers Broadbeach
Relax by the resort pool. (Image: Peppers Broadbeach)

Price: $$$-$$$$

Fancy a stay above the clouds? Peppers Broadbeach’s magnificent three-bedroom Sky Homes feel as though you’re floating miles above sea level (you’re above level 30, in fact), offering panoramic views across the whole city including its rich hinterland.

The lavish spaces feature three bathrooms, huge balconies, full kitchens with European appliances, marble bathrooms, soft bathrobes, minibars, and laundries. They’re monochrome masterpieces, and the magic continues throughout the Broadbeach accommodation’s smaller stays.

One- and two-bedroom suites are situated across its lower floors. Elsewhere, there are communal Teppanyaki-style barbecues to enjoy, a gym, two swimming pools, an outdoor spa, a theatrette, a steam room and sauna. Plus, you’re right in the heart of the action with some of the suburb’s most popular cafes and restaurants just a walk away.

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5. The Darling

an elegant and cosy interior at The Darling, Broadbeach
The Darling features fully furnished, elegant suites. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Price: $$$$

Make it a getaway to remember with a stay at the exceptional The Darling, offering glamorous lodgings within The Star Gold Coast’s prime location. The extravagant penthouses (you better believe there are multiple versions) feature two bedrooms, making them a ridiculously special-occasion option for families, while the King and Twin suites are more couple-friendly with open-plan fit outs.

Just like its renowned Sydney counterpart, The Darling is dramatically decorated with rich hues, a high-quality blend of velvet and silky textures, and European interiors. Expansive windows, the fluffiest of beds, Bose sound systems and state-of-the-art technology offer plenty more to get excited about.

When it’s time to (further) indulge, there’s a dreamy rooftop swimming pool right next to the acclaimed Nineteen at the Star restaurant, plus you’re also welcome to visit The Star’s Azure Spa & Fitness for all your beautification needs.

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6. Mel’s Place

epic beach views from Mel’s Place, Broadbeach accommodation
Immerse yourself in pure Pacific Ocean bliss. (Image: Mel’s Place)

Price: $$$$

If you prefer your privacy, Mel’s Place will propel your group getaway to all-new heights, offering three spacious bedrooms and three luxurious bathrooms to up to six guests. The two-level Broadbeach Airbnb is elegantly styled with warm hues and coastal-inspired furnishings but let’s be real about this place — it’s the views that get people booking. Sink into the living and dining to immerse yourself in pure Pacific Ocean bliss, with a wraparound balcony luring you even closer to mesmerising waves and blazing sunsets. The Broadbeach accommodation’s kitchen is also positioned with epic views, ensuring there’s no escaping downtime. Secure parking and Wi-Fi are also included.

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7. Vue Broadbeach

the top view of the pool at Vue Broadbeach
Vue Broadbeach features a 12-metre pool with sun beds.

Price: $$$

Instagram-friendly living just 120 metres from the beach is on offer at Vue Broadbeach, a block of apartments frequented by families and couples craving stylish surroundings.

Featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom stays, this Broadbeach accommodation is chic from start to finish as the jaw-dropping lobby (it’s like an immersive art space with texture upon texture enveloping you in drama) greets you with 360-degree monochrome marbled magic.

Inside the rooms, coastal interiors and textures create calming spaces, while fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, balconies, flat-screen TVs, dining tables and plush lounges bring ample comfort. Two electrical barbecues, a 12-metre pool with sun beds, a spa bath and a sauna offer further picture-perfect backdrops.

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8. Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

sunlounges by the pool at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Recline on lounges by the pool. (Image: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach)

Price: $$$

A glittering outdoor pool with views stretching all the way to the Gold Coast hinterland is the headliner at this Broadbeach accommodation, located right between Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and the smaller Oasis retail mecca.

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, tailoring mainly to couples, boasts almost 300 rooms and suites, taking from the hotel chain’s French heritage and delivering stays dripping in luxury. Think toiletries crafted by French fashion house Balmain, carpeted floors, massive flat-screen TVs and in some, spa tubs and pillow menus so you can select your preferred squishiness.

There are three on-site eateries including Bistro On3, offering daily buffet breakfast; Room81, a cocktail lounge with mostly antipasto; and TC’s Bar & Gaming Lounge, providing a more casual experience. There’s also a second open-air pool, gym and tennis court.

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9. Key West

Price: $$$$$

Grab your nearest and dearest for a stay at one of the suburb’s most extravagant waterfront mansions, Key West, situated in Broadbeach Waters, just a 15-minute walk from all the shops and cafes.

The two-level, six-bedroom property sleeps up to 12 guests and offers enough space for each individual family to holiday without stepping on everyone else’s toes thanks to several living spaces begging for you to collapse in.

The rooms inside this Broadbeach accommodation are all beautifully appointed, complete with plush carpets and cosy interiors, and if you’re staying on the top floor, private balconies create the ultimate sunset setting.

There’s also a gorgeous pool alongside an inbuilt barbecue and dining space, a private jetty to anchor your boat (as you do) and an open-plan kitchen with a butler’s pantry.

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10. Mantra Sierra Grand Broadbeach

a spacious suite with beach views at Mantra Sierra Grand Broadbeach
Mantra Sierra Grand Broadbeach stands tall in the heart of the city.

Price: $$$

Providing luxe creature comforts like a theatre room, tennis court, heated swimming pools, a sauna, steam room and gym, this sky-high Broadbeach accommodation is a convenient choice for families hunting down a comfortable Gold Coast getaway.

Home to a series of one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments, Mantra Sierra Grand Broadbeach is located within a short walk from Pacific Fair Shopping Centre as well as loads of cafes and bars.

The rooms are stripped back of cluttered furnishings, providing simple, quality lodgings to let beautiful ocean views and salty beach air drift through spacious builds. The kitchens are fitted with dishwashers and large refrigerators, while washing machines and dryers feature throughout.

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11. Lilet Airbnb

an indoor pool with sunloungers at Lilet Airbnb, Broadbeach accommodation
Get access to The Star Residences’ pool on Level 20.

Price: $$

Step inside the pages of an interiors magazine with a stay at Lilet Airbnb, a one-bedroom apartment within The Star Residences, styled to beachy-chic perfection. Located on level 34, the stay is decorated with a mix of rattan and timber, eclectic artworks, Italian appliances and hints of greenery. It’s cosy, and an ideal base camp for couples.

The Broadbeach accommodation also features access to The Star’s level 20 facilities including a pool and spa, yoga room, gym, sauna and steam room, plus there’s an enclosed courtyard fitted with barbecues and cushy lounges to make mealtimes easy if you’re too chilled to head out.

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12. Avani Broadbeach Residences

beach and city views from the blacony of Avani Broadbeach Residences, Broadbeach accommodation
Witness stunning views of the city skyline and ocean from your suite. (Image: Avani Broadbeach Residences)

Price: $$$

Leave the baby gear at home when you book a stay at Avani Broadbeach Residences, a Broadbeach accommodation standout with the littlest of holidaymakers in mind.

Providing travel cots, highchairs, kids’ cutlery and dishes, the team have also fitted out their one- and two-bedroom stays with simple yet stylish furnishings (read: not too many breakables), making the spaces exceptionally kid-friendly.

Wall-mounted TVs, separate lounge and dining areas, balconies offering water views, fully equipped kitchens with coffee machines and laundry facilities are all in the mix, as well as several ground-floor eateries.

The Beach Hotel, which opened in November 2024, is a buzzing hot spot with live music and its Mediterranean-inspired Cora restaurant, while the pub itself is the place to go to keep the good times rolling into the wee hours. There’s also a swimming pool, gym and barbecue areas located on site.

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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From reef to rainforest: Discover the best Port Douglas experiences

(Credit: TTNQ)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    Ancient rainforest, coral reefs, laid-back luxury and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Port Douglas offers a side of Australia unlike anywhere else.

    Mornings in Port Douglas start with a beautiful symphony. As day breaks, the lyrical calls of Rainbow Lorikeets, cries of the sulphur-crested cockatoos and rhythmic Coral Sea waves create a colourful soundtrack for Tropical North Queensland’s sunrise. If there’s one place in Australia that captures the sweet spot between luxury and laid-back living, it’s here. This small, seaside village has just enough glamour to feel indulgent and just enough barefoot charm to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaos of everyday life.

    Whether you’re diving into the warm waters on Four Mile Beach or enjoying an ice-cold drink and a Barramundi burger overlooking the marina, Port Douglas offers more than just a seaside holiday.

    Local gourmet goodies

    Nautilus restaurant port douglas
    Nab an open-air table beneath a canopy of palms at Nautilus. (Image: Toby Stanley)

    The tropical food scene in Port Douglas is influenced by the rich agricultural regions surrounding it, with fresh produce arriving daily from nearby farms and tropical growers across the region. At Nautilus – a hidden, palm-fringed restaurant just off Macrossan Street – the menu showcases regional flavours. Its Signature Nautilus Mango Soufflé is a long-time favourite.

    Nearby, Hi-Tide by the Beach offers a relaxed way beachfront dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea. From crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls to wild barramundi and a volcanic hot stone steak, taste the diverse flavours of Tropical North Queensland.

    Visitors can also explore the region’s local markets. Port Douglas Markets offers artisan products and tropical treats each Sunday, while the Saturday morning Mossman Markets is the place for fresh local produce from the surrounding farming community.

    Just outside of Port Douglas, Ospreys at Thala Beach Nature Reserve has one of the region’s most memorable dining outlooks. Perched on a small headland between rainforest and sea, take in views across the coastline and mountains while you dine. The seasonal menu highlights local seafood, tropical fruits and native ingredients sourced from across the region

    Travelling with young humans

    Hartley's Crocodile Adventures port douglas
    Catch a spectacle at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. (Credit: TTNQ)

    Port Douglas caters for all types of visitors, but families especially love the walkable streets, wide beaches and range of activities nearby. An attraction that never fails to delight all ages is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – a wildlife sanctuary and ecotourism park with some of the region’s largest crocodiles. Here, you’ll also find koalas, cassowaries, turtles and other Australian wildlife.

    For something slower paced, sit back and enjoy a tranquil visit aboard the historic Lady Douglas River Cruise. Glide along the calm waters of Dickson Inlet, keeping an eye out for birdlife and estuarine crocodiles along the mangroves. Children can take part in activity sheets onboard and even have the opportunity to help steer the boat.

    This region is also deeply connected to Indigenous culture, and a Dreamtime Walk is one way to learn about it. Discover the stories, traditions and connection to Country of the local Kuku Yalanji people from local Indigenous guides, while exploring the rainforest and waters of Mossman Gorge.

    Exploring local waterways

    Coya Beach port douglas
    Walk along the peaceful Cooya Beach. (Credit: TTNQ)

    Join a guided tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures to explore the peaceful Cooya Beach. Led by deeply knowledgeable local Aboriginal guides, try seasonal local bush tucker, take in the beautiful landscape and gain insight into the history, culture and traditions of this land.

    Surrounded by dense canopy and ancient species, nearby Hartley’s Creek Falls are at their finest after rain. These beautiful falls are reached via a lush rainforest walk that winds through creek crossings, towering greenery and moss-covered boulders.

    To swim where the locals swim, head out past local farms and into the foothills of the Mossman River to Shannonvale – a low-key freshwater swimming hole surrounded by sun-warmed rocks and deep pockets of clear water. It’s a quiet area to spend a few hours retreating from the world.

    Adrenaline adventures

    Sailaway Port Douglas
    Take to the ocean with Sailaway Port Douglas. (Credit: TTNQ)

    One of the most high-octane ways to enjoy the nature of Tropical North Queensland is white-water rafting down the impressive Barron River. With Grade two and Grade three rapids, expect plenty of splashing, some teamwork, and a few moments where everyone in the raft screams and laughs at the same time.

    Join Back Country Bliss for the most unique floating experience you’ll ever encounter. Head into the rainforest and float along the serene Mossman River on your individual board, taking in the sights and sounds of the ancient landscape around you.

    If you prefer ocean swimming, Sailaway Port Douglas explores the idyllic Low Isles and the outer reef on their snorkelling tours. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from above or below and look out for coral gardens, giant clams, colourful reef fish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.

    For land-lovers, the Devil’s Thumb is a challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views over the coast and endless cane fields. This 10km return hike will take around six to eight hours, so leave a whole day and pack snacks!

    Experiences that give back

    Skyrail Rainforest Cableway port douglas experiences
    See the rainforest from above on The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Credit: TTNQ)

    With two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest region – it’s not surprising Tropical North Queensland is a hub for eco-tourism. The stunning Daintree Ecolodge was founded on the principles of minimising environmental impact, supporting the local community and teaching guests about the local Indigenous culture. Their elevated rainforest-style ‘bayans’ are tucked among the trees, bringing nature into every part of a guest’s stay.

    Further down the coast, the luxury bungalows and treetop hideaways of Thala Beach Nature Reserve are dotted across 45 acres of protected headland, forest and beach. The property’s design intentionally preserves large areas of native vegetation and beachfront ecosystem, while conserving the surrounding habitat. The private beach and various swimming pools offer a cool retreat from the heat of the day, while the main lodge offers the perfect place to read and relax.

    The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5-kilometre cableway between Cairns and nearby Kuranda, has won multiple tourism and environmental awards. It’s also the first tourism attraction in the world to achieve Platinum EarthCheck Accreditation, for its long-term environmental management and sustainability initiatives.

    Start planning your Port Douglas adventure at tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au.