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Pet Friendly Accommodation Gold Coast | Our Top Ten Options

When you’re planning a trip to Australia’s Sunshine State and you want to take your dog along for the ride, then you need to find pet friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast. But whether you’re headed to Surfer’s Paradise or a quieter area like the Gold Coast hinterland, how do you find a clean, modern place that will welcome your dog as part of the family?

That’s why we’ve written this article. We’ve tracked down the top ten options for those seeking dog friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast. However much you’d like to spend or whatever the sort of space you require, this post covers the best pet friendly holiday accommodation available on the Gold Coast. So stay right here to find the perfect place for your long weekend or cheeky week away in sun-drenched Queensland!

Wondering what the best family dog is? We know!

Click here to see our number one overall choice for pet friendly accommodation in the Gold Coast area

We’ve selected Quest Robina because what other area offers a dedicated Dogway park for pooches? The area also offers lakeside walks and great access to amenities and beaches. There is also a good choice of sleek, air-conditioned accommodation in studios or apartments with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms.

Whether you fancy a family trip to bright and breezy Surfer’s, would prefer to find pet friendly accommodation in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast or want to head for the hinterland, this piece lists all the best short term accommodation on the Gold Coast that is pet friendly – as well as ideal for families.

Our quick reference comparison table lets you compare all the top pet friendly accommodation in the Gold Coast hinterland as well as by the sea. We also cover just what’s worth looking for when you need to book pet friendly holiday rentals on the Gold Coast, before reviewing the best options in further detail.

Compare the best pet friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast

If time is of the essence, this quick reference comparison guide lets you see the key features of each option at a glance. This way you can compare all the pet friendly accommodation in the Gold Coast beachfront or inland areas before reading our reviews of those you’re most interested in. If you want to track down pet friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise or other resorts, this is the best place to begin.

NameLocationTypeKey featuresPrice
Quest RobinaRobinaApartmentsDog park & lakes, good local amenities, shared pool & gardenClick here
Multi-million dollar mansionSurfer’s ParadiseHoliday homeVast inside & out, private pool, patio & parking, waterside locationClick here
Burleigh BreakBurleigh HeadsMotel1 min walk to beach, shared garden with BBQ, clean & welcomingClick here
Riviera B&BGilstonBed & breakfastTropical rainforest site with pool, shared kitchen & loungeClick here
Jadran Motel & El Jay’s Holiday LodgeLabradorSuites & apartmentsConvenient location, play park, garden & pool, clean & welcomingClick here
BIG4 Gold Coast holiday park Saltwater CreekCabins, villas & motel roomsNear theme parks, water park & jumping pillow, ideal for larger familiesClick here
Biggera Waters holiday houseRunaway BayHoliday houseGarden with pool & BBQ, luxurious accommodation, near beach & resort Click here
Garasu LodgeMudgeerabaHoliday lodgeMudgeeraba conservation area, natural setting, quiet & spaciousClick here
Family OasisBroadbeachApartmentsClose to beach & resort, terrace or balcony, pool, garden & BBQClick here
Sunburst MotelBiggera WatersMotelGreat value, saltwater swimming pool, close to BroadwaterClick here

Choosing dog friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast – what to look for

Does your search for the best pet friendly holiday houses on the Gold Coast – or indeed other types of quality accommodation – involve other criteria? If you’re planning a family break, for instance, then what is there for the kids to do while you’re away, and in there plenty of space for them and your pets to play in? Is a good value price or the level of luxury more important? When you’ll be travelling during the hottest months, would you like access to a shared or private swimming pool?

Location, location, location

Location is everything, but this must be balanced with other requirements – as well as the restrictions of your budget. Properties further from the coast, for instance, may not offer such easy access to the beach, but they may more than make up for that in terms of other amenities and space. Do you require an ocean or mountain view? Would you want to be able to walk everywhere, or are you happy to drive to the beach or other attractions? Are there certain places you plan to take day trips to, and if so will you take the car or use public transport?

Family friendly

If you’re travelling as a family complete with one or more pets, then you need to look for pet friendly holiday homes on the Gold Coast that will keep everyone happy. Access to the beach or a pool may keep the kids occupied for hours each day, for instance. If you’re a parent to teens or even tweens, being close to a resort centre may be a bonus, as they can go out exploring without being too far away from your accommodation.

Level of luxury

What kind of amenities could make or break the holiday for your family? Do the kids or adults require a reliable WiFi connection for work or leisure purposes? The luxuries found at cheap pet friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast are likely to be fewer, for example, so would it be worth paying extra to ensure a more memorable break? If it means you’d spend more time at the accommodation, then this might even save you money overall.

Pet friendly

As well as cleanliness, pet friendliness is clearly a must when searching for dog friendly accommodation in Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach or other areas. Every option listed in this guide will welcome your four-legged friends, and they provide facilities than even larger pets should be content with. Where could you take your dog for a walk each day? If you have a larger dog, it might also be worth looking for a place with a bigger yard to make sure they can get enough exercise.

Other helpful features

Would you like, for example, a dishwasher if you’ll be cooking family meals, or a laundry room so you don’t have to pack too much? Do the family require plenty of outdoor and indoor space? It might well be possible to save money by spending more time at the accommodation rather than paying for meals out, entrance fees and so on. If you will be taking day trips, it’s also worth factoring in access to highways or public transport – as well as the cost of travel. Air-conditioning is another feature you may wish to include.

Top 10 pet friendly holiday accommodation on the Gold Coast – reviews

Quest Robina review

pet friendly accommodation gold coast
  • Apartments
  • Robina

In the pleasant residential suburb of Robina is Quest, a complex comprising studios and apartments in varying sizes. This Gold Coast accommodation for a family with pets is located just a few kilometres from Miami, with Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach, Surfer’s Paradise and Palm Beach also within easy reach.

This is perhaps the perfect place for pooches, as there are plenty of lakeside walks in the area. Robina is also home to a unique doggie attraction of its own – the Robina Dogway, a park designed purely with dogs in mind that has tunnels, hurdles and jumps for dogs to play in while their human companions look on. Robina also offers some great shopping centres and recreational facilities, as well as direct trains to Brisbane.

Quest Robina’s studios and apartments share a swimming pool, fitness centre and a garden with barbecue. There is also private parking and free WiFi throughout. Every air-conditioned unit has a balcony, plus dining and lounge areas with flatscreen TV. The centre of Robina is under a kilometre away from this smart complex. 

Pros:

  • Local dog park and lake walks
  • Close to shops and other amenities
  • Pool, garden with BBQ, parking and gym

Cons:

  • Not right by the beach

Click here to view the studios and apartments available at Quest Robina

Multi-million dollar mansion review

pet friendly accommodation qld
  • Large holiday home
  • Surfer’s Paradise

Wow – just wow. If you’ve got the cash to splash, this deluxe mansion style holiday home provides fabulous pet friendly accommodation in Surfers Paradise for even a very big family. Pooches are permitted too, so you can all experience this once-in-a-lifetime kind of holiday in the sun.

The location is unbeatable, as are the amenities. This multi-million dollar pad is right on the water, and comes complete with lots of space indoors and out. There’s a vast outdoor terrace with a pool and amazing vistas, while inside you’ll find 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms plus plenty of living, dining and relaxing areas. Including a games room complete with pool table.

This air conditioned, luxurious Gold Coast dog friendly accommodation also offers free WiFi, flatscreen cable TV, private parking, hot tub and a barbecue. If you and your kids would love to live the dream lifestyle for a few short days or weeks, then this multi-million holiday let makes for a truly memorable experience.

Pros:

  • Live like a multi-millionaire
  • Huge indoor and outdoor spaces
  • Waterside accommodation with games room

Cons:

  • Higher price tag

Click here to view this Surfer’s Paradise multi-million dollar mansion

Burleigh Break Motel review

dog friendly cabins gold coast
  • Motel rooms
  • Burleigh Heads

If you want pet friendly motels on the Gold Coast, it’s worth checking this one out. This highly rated motel offers dog friendly accommodation in Burleigh Heads, just a single minute’s walk from the beautiful beach. Perfect for walking the dog, as well as allowing the kids to play in the water and on the sand.

Surfer’s Paradise is around 15 minutes’ drive away, with theme parks such as Seaworld and Dreamworld accessible via a half hour drive. The motel offers a range of room sizes, including family rooms with bunk beds for the kids. All are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms, fully equipped kitchenettes, some lounge and dining furniture and flatscreen TVs.

At this friendly complex there is a shared garden with barbecue and ample parking. Past guests love the cleanliness, warm welcome and of course that unbeatable location just metres from the beach and local shops.

Pros:

  • 1 minute walk to Burleigh Heads beach
  • Parking and garden with BBQ
  • Helpful, welcoming hosts

Cons:

  • A little more basic than some

Click here to find out more about this pet friendly Burleigh Heads motel

Riviera Bed & Breakfast review

pet friendly airbnb gold coast
  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Gilston

Small families seeking a peaceful stay in dog friendly accommodation in the Gold Coast hinterland should love this place. It’s not actually that far inland, but offers a feeling of spaciousness due to the fact that it’s positioned on an 8 acre tropical rainforest site. You can drive to Surfer’s or the Gold Coast theme parks in under 30 minutes.

There are rooms with a double bed plus a single, which are ideal for a family of 3, as well as larger rooms with an additional sofa bed that could accommodate a couple plus 2 to 3 kids. A continental breakfast is served daily, and dinner can also be booked upon request.

This popular Gold Coast accommodation is pet friendly and offers gardens with a pool and barbecue, a private balcony or shared verandah to all rooms and a guest lounge with kitchenette. Massages and a laundry and ironing service can also be arranged via the owners.

Pros:

  • Set in 8 acres of tropical rainforest
  • Shared guest lounge and kitchenette
  • Dinner, massages and laundry available

Cons:

  • Not the best for bigger families

Click here to see the Riviera B&B in Gilston on the Gold Coast

Jadran Motel & El Jays Holiday Lodge review

dog friendly accommodations
  • Suites & apartments
  • Labrador

With its Labrador location, you might expect this squeaky-clean pick among motels on the Gold Coast to welcome pets, and in fact previous guests say this is one of the highlights of a stay at Jadran and El Jay’s. Whether you want accommodation in Biggera Waters or cheap hotels in Southport, this place is positioned between the two areas and right by the Gold Coast Broadwater.

The range of accommodation includes suites and apartments sleeping up to 5 guests in each. All come with a kitchenette or larger kitchen, making self-catering simple for the duration of your stay. All the main theme parks such as Wet ‘n’ Wild, Movie World, Dreamworld and Sea World can be reached via a 15-minute drive.

Jadran and El Jay’s has a kids’ play park, swimming pool, covered parking spaces and a garden with barbecue. Inside, each unit comes complete with air-conditioning, flatscreen TV and kitchen equipment. A range of cafes, take-aways and restaurants are just 5 minutes away on foot.

Pros:

  • Play park, pool and garden with BBQ
  • Range of eateries within 5 minutes’ walk
  • Clean accommodation in good location

Cons:

  • Not the quietest option

Click here to check out the Jadran Motel and El Jay’s Holiday Lodge

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park review

pet friendly accommodation qld
  • Motel rooms, cabins & villas
  • Saltwater Creek

If you’re seeking pet friendly cabins on the Gold Coast then the BIG4 holiday park is ideal. With a jumping pillow, water park and activity centre, it’s very well set up for families. Including those with cats or dogs.

This top pick among pet friendly caravan parks on the Gold Coast offers a range of accommodation options. There are cosy, open plan cabins for small families, bigger 2 or 3 bedroom cabins and a range of villas and bungalows. The motel also offers a rooms sleeping up to 7. Just a 5 minute drive will take you to all the major theme parks of the area.

The amenities offered at this Gold Coast holiday parks accommodation option are pretty much unparalleled. There’s a water park with slides and a resort-style pool, a jumping pillow and a wealth of other activities including bike and kayak hire to keep kids busy. The park is set among 32 acres of subtropical gardens and there is also a licensed cafe on site.

Pros:

  • Activity centre, jumping pillow & water park
  • Ideal for larger families
  • Close to theme parks

Cons:

  • Not too close to the coast

Click here to discover the BIG4 holiday park on the Gold Coast

Biggera Waters holiday house review

pet friendly accommodation qld
  • Holiday home
  • Biggera Waters

This spectacular holiday home in Biggera Waters welcomes pets, and there’s plenty of space for all the family to stretch out in too. With 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, it offers luxurious air-conditioned accommodation for eight or more guests.

The holiday house has a pool, private parking and a garden with a barbecue. Inside, the modern amenities include a flatscreen TV, free WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen and a furnished dining area. There is also a hot tub at the property.

Harley Park Beach is well under a kilometre away and the house is also located close to popular fishing spots. Past guests love the fact that Harbour Town is close by, where there are shopping facilities and a range of restaurants.

Pros:

  • Stylish and spacious
  • Close to Runaway Bay & Harbour Town
  • Private pool, gardens with BBQ & parking

Cons:

  • Only one available

Click here to access details of this holiday house in Biggera Waters

Garasu Lodge review

gold coast pet friendly accommodation
  • Holiday lodge
  • Mudgeeraba

Set in the Mudgeeraba conservation area, this lodge is ideal for those who want Gold Coast hinterland pet friendly accommodation. The property is situated among the mountains and offers guests the chance to experience an unspoiled bushland setting abundant in wildlife.

The lodge has air conditioning for summer and a cosy fireplace for winter, and also boasts a private outdoor terrace so you can enjoy the soothing views while breathing in the freshest mountain air. A sauna, spa and tennis courts can also be booked out for use during your stay.

There are 2 bedrooms – 1 double and 1 twin – plus a sofa bed in the living area. Each room has a flatscreen cable TV and DVD player, and the living area is open plan with a fully equipped kitchen. Guests can also dine outside. With Robina town centre just a few kilometres away, this lodge is convenient for amenities, yet feels like a real escape from everyday life.

Pros:

  • Natural bush and mountain setting
  • Mudgeeraba conservation area
  • Convenient for beaches & resorts

Cons:

  • Limited amenities close by

Click here to read more about Garasu Lodge in Mudgeeraba

Family Oasis review

holiday accommodation gold coast pet friendly
  • Apartments
  • Broadbeach

Anyone searching for pet friendly accommodation in Broadbeach should take a look at this family Oasis. Offering 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, this pet friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast is set within a shared garden area with a swimming pool.

There are mountain views from some units, and each comes with a kitchenette equipped with fridge, oven and microwave. A furnished dining area and lounge with sofa and flatscreen TV can also be found in each air conditioned apartment.

Central Broadbeach is just 500 metres away and each unit has its own balcony or outdoor patio. There is a barbecue on site for guests’ use as well as plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants in the local area. The beach is also close by.

Pros:

  • Shared garden with pool & BBQ
  • Close to shops, restaurants & beach
  • Balcony or terrace with each unit

Cons:

  • Gold Coast Highway location

Click here to explore the Family Oasis apartments in Broadbeach

Sunburst Motel review

pet friendly accommodation qld coast
  • Motel
  • Biggera Waters

Our final pick in this list of the top 10 pet friendly Gold Coast accommodation options is a motel in Biggera Waters. With an outdoor pool, very helpful manager and a location close to the Gold Coast Broadwater, this pet friendly Gold Coast holiday accommodation is also budget friendly.

The motel offers family rooms sleeping up to 5 guests and has a saltwater swimming pool. There is also an outdoor seating area with a barbecue and rooms come complete with WiFi, flatscreen TV, DVD player, fridge, microwave and tea and coffee making facilities. Each room also has a seating area.

The Broadwater is just 2 minutes’ walk away and you can reach the Gold Coast theme parks by car in just 15 minutes. Previous guests praise this good value motel for its friendly staff, convenient location and comfortable accommodation.

Pros:

  • Great value for money
  • Saltwater swimming pool
  • Close to Gold Coast Broadwater

Cons:

  • Fairly basic in style

Click here for further info on the Sunburst Motel in Biggera Waters

Which is the best dog or cat friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast for you?

We hope this Gold Coast pet friendly accommodation guide has helped with your search for a great place to stay when you next visit Queensland’s holiday resorts and theme parks. This range of accommodation on the Gold Coast is pet friendly and family friendly too, offering superb amenities in attractive and convenient parts of the area. Whether you’re on a budget or want all-out luxury, there’s something on this list to welcome all the family. Pets included!

Why not check out our posts on the best pet friendly Sunshine Coast accommodation, top things to do with kids on the Gold Coast or the best Gold Coast buffets to feast on during your holiday? 

Photo of author

Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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