The Gold Coast is renowned for its beautiful beaches, family-friendly amenities, and vibrant lifestyle, making it one of Australia’s most desirable locations for families. With 2025 promising further growth and development, choosing the right suburb to settle into can feel daunting. To make your decision that little bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 family-friendly suburbs on the Gold Coast, taking into consideration schools, safety, amenities, and community vibe.
1. Robina
Robina is always in the top ranks of suburbs for families, and 2025 is no different. This suburb boasts a well-planned layout that strikes the perfect balance between convenience and serenity. With excellent schools on offer, including Robina State School and the private Somerset College, families need not look too far. Similarly, the shopping, dining, and entertainment options available in Robina Town Centre make family life quite enjoyable; parks like Robina Common are open for kids’ and parents’ outdoor activities.
Highlights:
- Top-tier schools
- Access to Robina Hospital
- Parks, family-friendly
- Excellent public transport
2. Mudgeeraba
Mudgeeraba is situated in the Gold Coast hinterland, and it really gives one that quaint village-like feel that is perfect for families. There is a strong sense of community with great schools such as Mudgeeraba State School and All Saints Anglican School, and for this reason, it should definitely be included on your best suburb list. The suburb boasts lush greenery, local markets, and events throughout the year that are quite family-friendly.
Highlights:
- Close-knit community
- Green spaces and outdoor activities
- Proximity to private and public schools
3. Pacific Pines
This community, offering reasonable access for families without sacrificing much of the best amenity, Pacific Pines has won a lot of people’s hearts. With a good number of schools in place-the major one is the Pacific Pines State High School-a fair amount of parks, and facilities for recreation make this suburb quite suitable to handle all the aspects of livelihood. The petite-town centre called Pacific Pines Town Centre facilitates basic shopping and dining for all, with purely family-orientated neighbors.
Highlights:
- Affordable housing options
- Safe and community-focused
- Abundance of parks and playgrounds
4. Varsity Lakes
Varsity Lakes boasts modern infrastructure and good educational facilities, including Varsity College. This suburb is ideal for families seeking a contemporary lifestyle close to Bond University and local business hubs. The scenic Lake Orr offers walking and cycling paths, while local cafes and shops enhance the suburban charm.
Highlights:
- The proximity to Bond University
- Excellent schools
- Modern houses and infrastructure
5. Burleigh Waters
For those families who want a mix of coastal living with suburban comfort, Burleigh Waters is a standout. This suburb maintains proximity to the popular Burleigh Heads Beach, has quality schools like Marymount College, and plenty of parks and outdoor areas. The Burleigh Home + Life Centre makes shopping for essentials pretty easy.
Highlights:
- Beach proximity
- High-quality schools
- Family-friendly parks and walking tracks
6. Hope Island
Hope Island is an affluent suburb that boasts a relaxed lifestyle, hence making it a haven for those families seeking high-class living and serenity. This waterfront suburb is highly regarded for having the best educational facilities around, such as Coomera Anglican College. It will have access to the local marina, the golf courses, and the sense of wonderful community spirit.
Highlights:
Waterfront living
Access to marinas and golf courses
Quiet and safe environment
7. Coomera
Coomera is fast becoming a family hot spot, with lots of development regarding its liveability. It has plenty of schools, including Foxwell State Secondary College, and it’s home to the much-loved family attraction Dreamworld, while Coomera Westfield offers shopping and dining for families, so everything’s on hand.
Highlights:
- Homes in modern design at an affordable reach.
- Proximity to schools and theme parks
- Major shopping hub
8. Ashmore
Ashmore remains one of the classic family suburbs, with leafy streets, spacious homes, and a plethora of schools, including Trinity Lutheran College. Centrally located, the suburb offers easy access to major Gold Coast attractions and amenities. Parks, such as Ashmore Rotary Park, are ideal for family outings.
High-Lights:
- Central location
- Established family-friendly community
- Proximity to schools and parks
9. Carrara
Carrara balances affordability and lifestyle for families, making it one of the more desirable suburbs to date. With access to great schools such as Emmanuel College, the famous Metricon Stadium, and loads of other outdoor activities, it’s literally the setting for active families. The Carrara Markets are always a weekend favourite, entertaining all ages with their selection of shopping.
Highlights:
- Affordable and spacious home
- Family-oriented facilities
- Ease of access to activities like sports, recreation
10. Elanora
Elanora captures a perfect blend of coastal charm and suburban convenience, with this family-friendly suburb not too far away from Palm Beach. Families are well catered for, with excellent educational opportunities such as Elanora State High School and sprawling green spaces like Schuster Park, ideal for picnics and kids to burn energy off. Being close to the beaches and waterways means loads of weekend adventure time for the families.
Highlights:
- Living on the coast with suburban amenities
- Proximity to schools and parks
- Friendly, family-oriented environment.
Why do families love Gold Coast?
And rightly so, the Gold Coast is loved by families, since, from a simple point of view, it has all the different aspects that make for a perfect combination: urban amenities, natural beauty, excellent schools. Its commitment to safety, community activities, and infrastructure lends itself well to all families, whether big or small.
At the time of suburb selection, some want proximity to schools, others maybe good access to parks, while other factors that some would place the greatest emphasis on might include affordability. Every suburb differs, each being unique and special in its own manner, so rest assured that in 2025 you will surely find your appropriate home.
