Gold Coast

Resort luxury a few blocks from the beach — the saltwater lagoon pool with its own snorkelling reef and tropical fish is a destination in itself.

Broadbeach's entertainment flagship set in seven acres of gardens — renovated rooms, a lagoon pool and a dozen restaurants without leaving the complex.

The coast's only true absolute-beachfront resort — low-rise wings around swim-up lagoons, with the quiet sands of Main Beach through the dunes.

Sleek twin towers in the heart of Broadbeach — full apartments with ocean-view balconies, a zen garden and the dining strip downstairs.

Retro surf-culture design one block from the beach — palm-print interiors, a buzzing pool scene and some of the strip's best eating and drinking.

Boutique alternative to the mega-towers — breezy Palm Springs styling, a rooftop bar over the strip and the beach a three-minute walk away.

Fresh, well-priced rooms on the riverside edge of Surfers — a sunny pool deck and both the beach and nightlife within a ten-minute walk.

Flamingo-pink motel reborn as a rock'n'roll boutique — record players in the rooms, Eddie's Grub House downstairs and Snapper Rocks up the hill.

Friendly backpacker favourite with a pool and bar — private rooms and dorms two blocks from the sand at a fraction of tower prices.

Modern purpose-built hostel in the middle of the strip — clean dorms, a rooftop spa deck and the nightlife starting at the front door.