Paradise Resort Gold Coast Review + Things to do Nearby
Are you trying to decide if Paradise Resort Gold Coast is the right hotel for you?
In an attempt to make a few days of summer holidays less stressful, I booked the kids and me 3 nights at Paradise Resort Gold Coast, which we have been calling “the kids’ resort.”
This stay is a gift to them, as experience gifts are the best.
Due to our stay at the kid-friendly Paradise Resort Gold Coast being a gift, I wanted to make sure that this trip was just about the kids.
From the time we walked into the lobby to check in, and they saw the giant fish tank and indoor play area, neither kid wanted to leave.
Keep reading to learn more about Paradise Gold Coast Resort, plus fun things to do nearby in Surfer’s Paradise.
Paradise Resort Gold Coast Hotel Packages
My biggest issue with Paradise Resort Gold Coast is its website. It takes a long time to load.
That may make you want to just book your room and get it over with, but be sure to find out what deals and promotions they are running.
Paradise Resort Gold Coast caters to families, and families come in lots of sizes, with many different needs.
There were 3 deals available for our stay, and my first thought was that saving 25% would be the best deal, but thankfully, I did the math and found out that for a slightly lower price, we could stay the same number of nights, get breakfast included, receive a $50 restaurant voucher, and earn 2 free ice skating passes.
Most deals include a session at the Kids’ Club for each kid in your family. I found out that some deals include a session each day rather than a session each stay. Our deal included 1 Kids’ Club pass for each kid to be used on any day that we were at Paradise Resort.
Of course, the value of daily versus one kid’s club depends on the number of days you are staying, the number of kids that you have, and the kids’ willingness to attend the kids’ club.
You can also easily book Paradise Resort Gold Coast through TripAdvisor or Booking.
You may be able to check in early, and you can definitely enjoy the facilities early. We were able to check into our room at 10 am.
How To Get To Paradise Resort Gold Coast
The easiest way to get to Paradise Resort Gold Coast is by car.
We drove to the resort from Brisbane, but my husband dropped us off after a few hours, and we were left using public transportation.
It is easy to walk around Surfers Paradise.
Paradise Resort Gold Coast is just 2 blocks from the beach, and about a 15-minute walk to the main area of Surfer’s Paradise.
The tram stop, Surfers Paradise North, is just 1 block away from Paradise Resort Gold Coast.
On the way home, we took the tram to Helensvale Train Station and then took a train back to Brisbane.
The tram ride from Surfers Paradise North to Helensvale is approximately 30 minutes. The train ride from Helensvale back to Brisbane is about an hour and 15 minutes.
The drive to the resort is about an hour and 15 minutes from Brisbane.
The train goes to Brisbane airport, making it easy to get to and from Paradise Resort Gold Coast from Brisbane airport in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The GO Card used on Brisbane trains and buses is also used on the trams and trains in Surfers Paradise. If you do not have a GO Card, you can purchase one from a machine at the train station or the tram station. Make sure to tap on and off at each station.
It isn’t as convenient to get to the resort from the Gold Coast airport on public transportation, but cabs are available, or you can book an airport transfer.
Paradise Resort Gold Coast Hotel Rooms
There is a large variety of families who stay at Paradise Resort Gold Coast, and they provide many different room configurations.
Unlike many of the large buildings in Surfers Paradise, Paradise Resort Gold Coast is just 3 stories high.
There are 4 buildings in Paradise Resort Gold Coast. Dusty’s Digs, Cleo’s Castle, and Captain’s Quarters are all connected, while Astro’s Alley is at the front of the resort and can be reached from the main building.
Each room has a balcony.
While each standard room fits up to 4 people, they each have a connecting room, so that families of up to 8 people can be in connecting rooms. Larger family rooms are available as well.
The Paradise Resort Gold Coast website has videos of each room so that you can see exactly what they look like before choosing which room is right for you.
As there were just 3 of us, I was not picky and just chose the cheapest option for our selected dates. We ended up in a room in Cleo’s Castle.
Dusty’s Digs
Dusty’s deluxe room is the most upscale option at Paradise Resort Gold Coast.
There are 2 queen-sized beds and a kitchenette in each deluxe room at Dusty’s Digs.
Dusty’s Deluxe Family Room
Families up to 6 (or 7 with a baby) can stay in Dusty’s Deluxe Family Room.
These rooms are newly renovated and have 2 bedrooms.
One bedroom has a queen-sized bed, and the other has two sets of bunk beds.
Dusty’s Deluxe Accessible Room
Up to 4 people can stay in the accessible rooms at Dusty’s Digs.
Newly renovated, these rooms have a queen bed and a single bed, plus space for a portacot.
Captain’s Quarters
The Superior Room in Captain’s Quarters has 1 queen bed and 1 single bed with the option of adding a porta cot.
Captain’s Superior Bunkhouse
These rooms hold families of up to 4, but instead of needing a foldaway, there are bunk beds for the kids.
The Superior Bunkhouse includes a separate TV and gaming system for kids
Family Spa Suite
Up to 6 people can stay in a Family Spa Suite at Paradise Resort Gold Coast.
The spa suite has 2 bedrooms
Captain’s Superior Family Room
The largest room available, this 2-bedroom hotel room fits 7-8 people.
The main bedroom has a queen and a single bed, like the standard hotel rooms at Paradise Resort Gold Coast.
The second bedroom in the superior family room has 2 sets of bunk beds and space for a porta cot.
There is a separate TV and gaming system in the kids’ room.
Astro’s Alley
While the rooms are the same size as the other buildings, Astro’s Alley currently has resort rooms for the budget-conscious.
Like the other rooms at Paradise Resort Gold Coast, the rooms in Astro’s Alley are comprised of a single bed and a queen bed, with the option of adding a porta cot.
These rooms are older and will be updated at some point, but for now, they are discounted rooms.
Astro’s Alley King Bunkhouse (also available in Cleo’s Castle)
For families with 3 children, Astro’s Alley offers King Bunkhouse rooms with a king bed, a bunk bed, and a single junior bed.
These rooms also come with a gaming system and a small kitchenette.
Astro’s Alley Junior Bunkhouse (also available in Cleo’s Castle)
For families of 4, the junior bunkhouse has a queen bed and a bunk bed. Like the other bunkhouse rooms, the children’s section is separate and has its own TV and gaming system.
Family Room (Astro’s Alley and Cleo’s Castle)
The Family Rooms in Astro’s Alley and Cleo’s Castle are 2-bedroom hotel rooms that fit up to 5 people.
The main room has a queen bed and a single bed, while the other room has 2 single beds and space for a porta cot.
Cleo’s Castle
We stayed in Cleo’s Castle, which does not have information on the Paradise Resort Gold Coast website.
Like the rooms in Captain’s Quarters and Astro’s Alley, our room had a queen bed, a single bed, and room for a porta-cot.
We did not have a choice as to which building we were staying in, though if you have a preference, contact the resort.
21 Reasons Kids Love Paradise Resort Gold Coast
My kids tend to love being at hotels, even when the hotels don’t have much to offer.
Paradise Resort Gold Coast has a lot to offer.
Not once did they say that they wanted to go back to the hotel room.
Z4K Waterpark for kids 5+
Complete with 3 large slides and plenty of places to splash around, the ZVK Waterpark at Paradise Gold Coast is for anyone 5+.
I saw children and teenagers enjoying the ZVK Waterpark, as well as some parents.
The waterpark is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and sometimes later in the summer months.
Z4K Waterpark for younger kids
On the other side of the pool, there is a smaller water park for younger kids.
At 6 and 7, my kids enjoyed playing at both splash areas, but spent a lot more time at the larger waterpark.
For little kids, this area is much more manageable.
There is 1 slide and ankle-deep water to splash around in.
Lagoon Pool
To be honest, there is nothing extra special about the pool, but it is a pool, and kids love pools.
The Lagoon Pool is open from 7 am until 9 pm.
Spa
The Spa (or hot tub, jacuzzi, or whatever you call it) was anything but hot. Most of the day, it is crowded with little kids, and it is where one of my kids wanted to spend a good portion of his day.
Bubbles can be turned on and off, which the kids love.
The Spa is open from 7 am to 9 pm daily.
Dunk Tank
The dunk tank is usually available at certain times throughout the day. When we were there, it was open at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
A staff member will help set up 2 lines: one for kids who want to be dunked and the other for kids who want to throw a ball and dunk someone.
Trampolines
Right next to the dunk tank are 2 trampolines.
Each trampoline is meant for 1 person at a time and is screened in.
They weren’t crowded when we were there, despite a lot of guests, and kids seemed to be good at taking turns when they saw someone waiting.
Giant Chessboard and Other Giant Games
There is a giant chessboard near the trampoline and dunk tank, but outside of the pool gate.
There are other large games, such as Connect 4 and Jenga, near the playground.
Playground
Near the pool, but behind a separate gate, is a playground.
There isn’t any shade on the playground, so we went to the playground as the sun was setting.
There is a variety of seating at the playground, and one night we took our takeout pizza dinner and ate by the playground so that the kids could keep playing.
Dusty’s Jungle Gym
Sometimes you need a break from the sun, and that is when it is time to head inside to Dusty’s Jungle Gym, a 2-story play area in the lobby.
Kids can be seen from inside Penguins Restaurant, and many kids play while waiting for their meals to come out.
Virtual Reality Coaster
Near Dusty’s Jungle Gym is a VR roller coaster.
Two kids can ride at a time and choose which ride they want to go on.
We did not book this, though we saw a few families ride. Rides are $10 for 2 people and must be booked in advance.
Planet Chill Ice Skating
Upstairs in the lobby building is Planet Chill Ice Skating Rink.
Sessions are 1.5 hours and begin at various times throughout the day.
We joined in on one session, as 2 free tickets were included with our hotel package.
The rink is small, and there is plenty of seating around it. The kids skated while I watched.
There are penguins available for them to hold on to while they ice skate, which is helpful, especially when you have a kid who has never ice skated before.
One of my kids used to take lessons, and this rink was a little disappointing. It is not completely smooth, so skating wasn’t as easy as she remembered, but it is a nice way to get out of the sun for an hour and try something different.
Kids’ Club
Most hotel packages come with at least 1 visit to the kids’ club per child. Some packages include one pass per child each day!
There are 2 main sessions for the kids club, 10 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm, with before and aftercare available for an additional charge.
Kids’ Club is separated into 3 sections. The main kids’ club is for kids ages 3-12, but there is a smaller space for kids 0-2 and a teens’ club as well.
I pre-booked my kids for the afternoon session on our last day at Paradise Resort Gold Coast, figuring we would all appreciate a break by then.
When checking in, the front desk handed me a 50% off coupon for another kids’ club session. We went to explore the hotel, and when we looked into the kids’ club, they offered me a 50% off coupon as well.
I ended up signing the kids up for the afternoon session on our 2nd day as well. They were excited to go, and for $40, I got a 3-hour break. Plus, one of my main reasons for signing them up was to get them out of the sun for a few hours.
Each kids’ club session has a theme.
My kids attended the pajama party and talent show.
They enjoyed both kids’ club sessions at Paradise Resort Kids’ Club.
I didn’t hear many details, but I do know there is a shaded outside area for them to play in, as well as an indoor slide and play area. There are structured games as well.
Meals can be ordered in the Kids’ Club, but there is a daily menu that only has 1 dinner choice, which my kids would not eat. They got to play while the other kids ate, and I took them to dinner at 6 when their session ended.
Trivia, Games, Competitions
When you check into Paradise Resort Gold Coast, you are handed a daily schedule with both paid and free activities.
Activities occur all day, and there are plenty of free included options.
The free trivia, games, and competitions take place by the pool, so they are easy to get to, as everyone is most likely in that area anyway.
We didn’t participate in anything except the hula hoop contest, in which my 7-year-old won a lollipop, but I would have liked to play Kahoot trivia. I was too busy watching my kids instead.
Cooking and Art Classes
We did not participate in any of the paid classes, but there are lots to choose from at reasonable prices.
While we were there, we saw a pizza-making class that is $10 and includes your pizza. Cookie, cupcake, and muffin classes are available as well.
There are also bath bomb workshops, paint and sip classes, and slime making, among other classes, depending on the dates of your stay.
Hair Braiding
Another thing we didn’t participate in, but lots of others did, was the hair braiding, which takes place by the pool.
Many little girls got their hair braided with colors and length added in, making mermaid hair.
Dusty’s Safari Train Rides
Outside of the hotel, you can see the Safari Train on your way in.
The Safari Train runs once a day, and unfortunately, we were not able to ride it.
For $5 a person, I know my kids would have loved riding the Safari train, but it was always running while we were at lunch.
Rock Climbing and Laser Tag
To be honest, we never even saw the rock climbing or laser tag, but those with older kids or those interested in doing something besides playing by the pool have plenty of choices at Paradise Resort Gold Coast.
There is a cost of $15 per person for rock climbing and $12 per person for laser tag.
For the length of our stay, we did not feel like we needed to pay for more activities, but if we stayed longer, I would have looked into these options as well as the classes and workshops.
Nightly Entertainment
Something special happens each night. Saturday is movie night by the pool.
We were looking forward to movie night, not realizing it is just on Saturdays (and occasionally other days during the summer).
My family arrived on a Sunday, but having gotten up early to attend a surf lesson, we went off the property for dinner and skipped the nightly entertainment to go to bed early.
The next two nights, we attended a magic show, a fire-twirling show, and an aerial/dance show.
While people do show up early for seats, we got there just a minute or two before the shows started. My kids were able to sit on the floor in the front, and I sat in the back, which worked just fine for me.
Some nights, the splash pad/waterpark stays open til 8 p.m., but we were not there on those days.
On our last night, we went swimming after the show.
The Restaurants
There are 3 restaurants and a bar at Paradise Resort Gold Coast.
The meals are kid-friendly, and my kids especially enjoy not having to leave the resort to find food.
You can scan a QR code and order your meals, which means that the kids can play until their food is ready.
Penguins Restaurant
Penguins is the main restaurant, a sit-down restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner.
Our package included the daily continental breakfast, which we loved.
There is a variety of mini pastries to choose from, as well as a selection of fruit. Meat, cheese, and yogurt are available, as well as cereal. The continental breakfast is set up like a buffet, but there is someone getting your food for you as it is behind glass.
The breakfast includes juice, coffee, and tea.
My only complaint about breakfast is the coffee. I did see many people ordering coffee from the bar, and I ordered an iced coffee later in the day.
Hot food and à la carte options are available for purchase as well.
We had dinner at Penguins one night.
There is a play area in the restaurant, but it is geared toward really little kids. It does have a TV playing cartoons, which my kids always wanted to watch.
While I waited for our food, they joined a new friend at Dusty’s Jungle Gym. It is located right outside the restaurant, and I could see them play.
I sat by the window, and they saw when their meals were delivered to the table and came inside to eat.
Jerry’s Burgers, Deb’s Pizza Shack, and Poolside Cafe and Bar
Located right outside of Penguins restaurant, near the pool, is a large room with 3 fast-casual restaurants.
Poolside Cafe and Bar serves drinks and has a water fountain for filling up reusable water bottles or plastic cups.
You can order food either online or at the counter, and they alert you by text or buzzer when your order is ready.
Unfortunately, not everything on the menu is available to order online, so I had to order at the counter sometimes.
While snacks can be purchased at any of the restaurants, or at Splashes, the resort shop, we recommend bringing your own. We are thankful for the fresh fruit we brought. The kids did not have to wait for snacks, and I did not have to worry about how much money we were spending on food each day.
Freedom
Of course, I watched my kids, but one thing we all appreciated was the freedom that staying at Paradise Resort Gold Coast allowed us all.
My kids knew they had to stick together, and I moved from spot to spot with them at the pool.
They had to sit on the chairs out of the water while I picked up our food, but they did not have to come with me. They were able to play at the jungle gym while I waited for dinner.
I was able to finish an entire book while they played in the water park.
Then, there is the kids’ club, which they did not want to leave on the first day. Having a few hours without a parent made them feel so cool. It did not feel like a babysitter (which, to be honest, they probably would have loved) but something that was just for them.
Older children can easily enjoy their freedom and make friends at Paradise Resort.
Proximity to the Beach
Paradise Resort Gold Coast is just 2 blocks from the beach.
We went once, and we ended up walking down to the main area of Surfers Paradise.
The kids played in the sand, jumped over small waves, and then we got lunch before heading back to the resort.
While I am glad that we got to the beach, we didn’t plan to swim there. Swimming on the beach at Surfers Paradise is not relaxing for me. There are specific places where swimming is allowed, between flags. The waves can be big, and it is easier to watch the kids in the pool.
They were happy building a dam out of the sand and then going back to the hotel.
Fun For Adults at Paradise Resort Gold Coast
There is an adult area coming soon to Paradise Resort Gold Coast, and it is needed.
I spent the majority of my time with the kids, but when they went to the kids’ club, I didn’t have anything to do.
While I could have walked down to the beach, I got nervous and did not want to leave the property without them.
Normally, I would have sat by the pool and read a book, but I did not want to go to the pool alone, as it is not a calm place. There are kids everywhere.
There is a gym, which I never saw, and never looked for.
I spent the time they were in the kids’ club in our room. I showered, read, watched TV, and relaxed. It was fine, but it would be nice to have an area for adults.
There are adult events like cocktail tastings and paint-and-sip classes for a fee.
Kid-Friendly Activities Near Paradise Resort Gold Coast
We found that there was enough to keep us busy at Paradise Resort Gold Coast, but for those looking to head off the property, there is plenty to do nearby.
These activities are all within walking distance from Paradise Resort Gold Coast, but for those who do not want to walk, there is a tram a block away from the hotel and it stops close to the activities that are further away, closer to the main area of Surfer’s Paradise.
Putt Putt / Mini Golf
King Tutt’s Putt Putt has both indoor and outdoor mini-golf courses.
There are two indoor putt-putt courses at King Tutt’s. Both courses are 18 holes. One features an Ancient Egyptian theme while the other is dinosaur-themed.
The outdoor putt-putt course at King Tutt’s is an 18-hole course called “Tutt’s Challenge” and is meant to be the most challenging of the 3 courses.
We love the indoor putt-putt course at Holey Moley in Brisbane, and I am sure it is just as fun in Surfer’s Paradise.
Each hole has a different theme, and you can choose to complete 9, 18, or 27 holes of mini-golf.
Under-18s are allowed into Holey Moley Surfer’s Paradise until 8 pm.
Slingshot Gold Coast is an outdoor 18-hole mini-golf course with a Western theme.
There is also a giant slingshot that 2 people can ride at a time.
Head to Timezone for a glow-in-the-dark indoor 12-hole putt-putt course.
Timezone Arcade
Timezone is an indoor family amusement center.
In addition to their arcade and glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course, they offer bumper cars, bowling, and laser tag.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Another arcade option that is fun for kids and adults is Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Filled with interactive games and virtual reality, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is a fun place to go at night or on a rainy day on the Gold Coast.
Archie Brothers has a bar and restaurant inside.
Hijinx Hotel
Groups of 2-6 play an interactive game at Hijinx Hotel. Games last 30 minutes and take place in 5 out of the 15 rooms located at the Hijinx Hotel.
Players who want to experience all of the rooms can book more than one session.
Hijinx Hotel is open late, so it is another fun place to play on the Gold Coast at night.
Infinity Gold Coast
Infinity Gold Coast is described as a maze of spaces with unique special effects.
The experience takes about 30 minutes and provides many opportunities for Instagram-worthy photos.
Due to extreme darkness, this experience is only for those 8+.
My kids aren’t old enough to attend, and I can not quite wrap my head around what it is. It seems like one of those experiences you need to have to understand.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
For those looking to spend some time out of the sun, Ripley’s Believe it or Not provides 12 galleries with over 300 exhibits as well as an interactive movie ride.
There are 6 choices for movies, though they are not all recommended for children under 13. You need to be at least 90 cm tall in order to ride, and anyone under 13 needs to be with an adult.
Duck Boat and Bus Tours
Aquaduck Gold Coast offers a 1-hour city and boat tour, just like Quack R Ducks.
The tours begin on land and then cruise through the water.
For older kids, 15+, Aquaduck offers a Secrets, Scandals, and Sunsets tour.
Parasailing
Kids who are 8+ can go parasailing.
At least 2 people need to book for the tour to run. Solo, tandem, and group rides are available.
The minimum total weight per parasail is 65 kilos, and the maximum weight is 200 kilos.
Parasailing takes approximately 1 hour.
iFLY Gold Coast
For those who would rather leave the ground in a controlled area or those who just want to have some indoor fun, there is iFLY Gold Coast.
Kids as young as 3 can experience “skydiving” at iFLY.
While we have never experienced indoor skydiving, my kids like going to iFLY to watch the people who are participating.
Strike Surfers Paradise
More than just a bowling alley, Strike Surfers Paradise offers 10 lanes of bowling, a karaoke room for up to 15 people, and 2 escape rooms.
The escape rooms are recommended for those 15+, but each Strike location claims to have at least 1 room for children. If you are interested in bringing younger children, ask them which current room is right for your group.
Strike has family specials and deals for kids before 4 p.m.
Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms
Padlockd, the largest escape room center in Australia, has 8 rooms with various age limit requirements. In general, their rooms are recommended for kids 10+, but younger children are allowed to attend with an adult.
3 escape rooms at Padlockd are too scary, due to the themes, and those rooms are only available for those 15+.
The most family-friendly escape rooms at Surfers Paradise are Escape Hunt Gold Coast, which claims that each of its 4 escape rooms is kid-friendly. Their rooms are recommended for kids 7+, but anyone can join in as long as someone 15+ is in the room.
Fox in a Box Gold Coast is another kid-friendly escape room option at Surfers Paradise. Their rooms are recommended for kids 10+, but everyone is welcome. Kids under 7 play for free. Kids 14 and under can play without an adult, as long as one drops them off and picks them up.
There are currently 7 escape room options at Fox in a Box Gold Coast, and some of them can be made more kid-friendly upon request.
Sky Point Observation Deck
For those who want to check out the view from above, Sky Point Observation Deck offers gorgeous views of Surfer’s Paradise from 240 meters above the ground.
The elevator goes to the 77th floor for the Sky Point Observation Deck. Would you rather climb the stairs? Check to see when the Stair Challenge is on each year.
Anyone 12+ can add the Sky Point climb to their experience and climb a ladder and almost 300 stairs from the observation deck to get a 360-degree view from the top of the Q1 building, Australia’s highest external building climb.
Would you rather just enjoy the view from a restaurant? Sky Point Bistro and Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the 77th floor.
There are lots of special events at Sky Point, such as live music and holiday events.
Packing For Your Trip to Paradise Resort Gold Coast
Of course, packing varies by individual, but here are a few items that you don’t want to leave behind.
There is a shop at Paradise Resort Gold Coast with just about anything you might want, but the prices are resort prices.
I ended up buying a toothbrush, as I packed 2 of our 3.
- multiple bathing suits so one can dry while you wear the other
- bathing suit cover-ups for going back and forth from the pool
- wet bag
- hats
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- shampoo and conditioner, as our room did not have any
- reusable water bottles, a water fountain is available at the Poolside Bar
- casual clothes to wear to meals and indoor events
- shoes to wear to the pool
- beach towels *see below
- snacks
There aren't towels by the pool. While their website says otherwise, we were instructed to bring our bath towels to the pool and then call the front desk to exchange them for new towels. Most people brought or bought beach towels to use by the pool.
More Fun with Kids Near Surfers Paradise
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- How to Spend a Beautiful Day Outside with Kids Near Brisbane
- Tamborine Mountain with Kids
- Things to Do When it is Raining on the Gold Coast
- Cheap Things to Do on the Gold Coast
- Tropical Fruit World
- Gold Coast at Night with Kids
- Surfers Paradise at Night
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants on the Gold Coast
- Kids Eat Free Gold Coast
Pin Paradise Resort Gold Coast for Later!
