The Hotel: Ocean Sands Resort

Set just a five-minute stroll from Main Beach, Ocean Sands Resort boasts apartment accommodation and quick access to Surfers Paradise and the local theme parks. Take a dip in the on-site outdoor pools, work up a sweat at the fitness centre or make the most of the tennis court. The resort’s tour desk offers tickets to theme parks and various shows.

Groupies can feel at home, staying in Two- or Three-Bedroom Apartments which boast modern decor and all the necessary facilities such as spacious lounge areas with separate dining areas, balconies, and fully equipped kitchens. Guests can also cook up a storm in the barbecue area or take a short walk to discover the local dining venues.

• TripAdvisor: 4.5 / 5

Room Details

Two-Bedroom Apartment

• Bed size/type: Two large beds
• Standard occupancy: Four people
• Maximum occupancy: Four people
• Any notable amenities unique to this room

Three-Bedroom Apartment

• Bed size/type: Three large beds
• Standard occupancy: Six people
• Maximum occupancy: Six people
• Any notable amenities unique to this room

The Area: Gold Coast, QLD

A glittering stretch of golden beaches fringed by soaring skyscrapers, the Gold Coast is a vibrant holiday destination where buzzing bars and nightclubs sit alongside glitzy boutiques and a thrilling multitude of action-packed theme parks. Just north of the centre of the action, Surfers Paradise, lies Labrador – a relaxed suburb with soaring views across the Broadwater and back to the glittering Gold Coast skyline.

Head straight to Surfers Paradise beach, where folks can take a surfing lesson, embark on a soft-sand run or just have a good old-fashioned splash in the blue waters. Walk up to the Esplanade, where food can be found in every form under the sun and trendy boutiques offer up clothing, gifts and home ware at a range of price points, or move through to Elkhorn Avenue for designer stores including Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada. Try the foot of Chevron Renaissance or the DFS store on Orchid Avenue for fashion chains, or wander the leafy beach-side boulevards for a relaxed high street shopping experience.

Outside Broadbeach, whole days can be spent at any number of famous Gold Coast theme parks like Dreamworld, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Warner Bros Movie World and even Tropical Fruit World. Slightly further afield is the “green behind the gold” Hinterland, which can be explored on a day trip to Tamborine Mountain or Currumbin Valley. By night, put dancing shoes on and hit the myriad bars, pubs and clubs within close reach.