There’s no doubt in our minds that the Novotel Twin Waters Resort is Sunshine Coast’s best family accommodation. Nestled between the Maroochy river and a secluded stretch of golden sandy beach. The sprawling 36 hectare Sunshine Coast resort is all geared up for families with spacious rooms, a great little kids club, an almost endless list of activities centred around a serene lagoon. The resort offers casual eats, affordable family buffet dining and exceptional value for money family experiences made more so with the new MyResorts program.

On our family weekend getaway from Brisbane to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, we were resort side within an easy 1.5 hours drive, ready to relax and unwind. Here’s our comprehensive review of Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast with kids including pros, cons, tips and tricks for maximising your holiday with kids or weekend away from Brisbane:

Our family were guests of Novotel Twin Waters Resort, all opinions remain my own. 

Family Friendly Resort Features

It’s not uncommon for resorts to banter the term ‘Family Friendly’ around, only a few including this 4 star Sunshine Coast accommodation truly understand the needs of families. Here’s some of the family friendly things we love about the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast:

Spacious rooms and suites perfect for families

Novotel Twin Waters gets it, that families do not come in one size. Every family configuration from couples travelling with an infant that need room for a cot, families with older kids who enjoy extra room to spread out to multi-generation families travelling together, there’s modern, comfortable accommodation that cater for all families big and small.

The Novotel Twin Waters offers 361 air-conditioned rooms and suites that include flat screen TV’s with pay-per-view channels, granite bathrooms with separate bath and resort amenities including robes, hair dryers, organic shampoos, tea and coffee making facilities so that families can pack as light as possible.

Resort Rooms

Comfortable modern Resort Rooms sleep up to two adults and two kids in a family configuration of two twin beds. Each Resort Room has a separate jacuzzi bathtub (a hit with our kiddies), stand alone shower and the bathroom large enough to fit an entire family without bumping into each other.

Resort Rooms offer a patio or balcony with a couple of chairs, perfect to enjoy the garden or lagoon views when baby is napping.

Novotel Twin Waters Deals – Novotel & Family

For families with older kids, purchase a second Resort Room for 50% of the advertised rate. With the Family & Novotel program accommodation and breakfast are free for 2 children under 16 years old. This program is applicable for the Resort Rooms only.

Note: Novotel Twin Waters Resort Rooms are not Interconnecting

Please note that the Resort Rooms are not interconnecting, therefore children must share with their parents or grandparents, i.e one parent and one child in the first room and the other parent and child in the second. Novotel Twin Waters do their utmost to place rooms side by side, booking in advance and calling to request this is essential.

WIFI at Novotel Twin Waters Resort

WIFI is readily available in the room at an additional cost. WIFI is free for Le Club Accor Hotels members with MyResorts Connect program. Le Club Accor is free to join.

WIFI is free of charge in the lobby area.

Rollaway Beds

Rollaway beds are permitted in rooms for $30 per night on request provided families do not exceed the room capacity.

Cots

Cots are available on request with a fee of $10 per day or weekly (7 day) fee of $50. Families are welcomed to bring their own portable cot.

One and Two Bedroom Suites

Our family of four with two young kids aged 5 and 8 stayed in a Deluxe One Bedroom Suite. The maximum sleeping capacity for a One Bedroom Suite is 2 adults and 2 children.

For parents, there’s a king sized bedroom separated by two sliding doors to the living area with a double sofa bed. The sofa bed was roomy enough for both our kids to share with plenty of extra bed linen provided. Both the main bedroom and living room have access to the central bathroom.

The bedroom and living area rooms have their own seprate flat screen TV. Kids can therefore enjoy the children’s channels whilst parents can watch something that does not involve cartoon animation.

What we loved is the living area has a kitchenette, which features a full size fridge, microwave and sink as well as all the essential utensils and cutlery to self-cater.

Suites have sliding doors leading to a undercover patio or balcony from both the living room and king bedroom. Views can be over the lagoon or garden view suites.

Two Bedroom Suite

Two Bedroom Suites have a maximum capacity of 2 adults and 3 children. They are a combination of a One Bedroom Suite with a shared interconnecting door to a Resort Room with one double bed and one single bed that leads to a separate partitioned balcony with lagoon or garden views. Perfect set up for larger families. If travelling with a large group, the resort can request suites to be located side by side.

TIP on configuring a room without paying for a rollaway bed

Instead of paying $30 per night for a rollway, families with older kids who may not want to share a double sofa bed can opt to convert the king sized bed into two single beds. This means parents can share the sofa bed and the kids have their own seprate main bedroom. This may work better as the living area has access to the kitchenette, balcony and larger flat screen TV. Though the sofa bed is not as comfortable as the king bed.

Please note that Novotel & Family offer of 50% off second room, does not apply to the suites at Novotel Twin Waters.

Overwater Lagoon Suites

The luxurious Overwater Lagoon Suites set over the tranquil lagoon is unfortunately for adults only. There’s a maximum capacity of 3 adults and suitable for families who have children over 17 years.

The Pool

It was straight to the expansive pool for our kids, naturally one of the most popular areas of the resort and a great way to kick off our short holiday from Brisbane.

What we loved about the pool is the separate sections catering for different aged kids. There’s a relaxing outdoor spa, a shallow toddler wading area, a shallow section of 1.1 metres and deep section with 1.4 metres in depth. Our kids who are stronger swimmers swam around in the middle, when they tired they could rest on the ledge near the waterfall or wade over to middle platform to bask in the sun.

There’s a poolside casual dining area for cool drinks, light snacks and ice blocks, which can be paid for by charging back to the room.

The popular pool area has lots of sun loungers and umbrellas, however head early to secure a lounges together as by mid morning all the prime seats are taken.

Armbands to use resort facilities

Resort guests are given plastic armbands which must be worn when using the resort facilities. We found the armbands were a little loose for the kids and better worn around the ankle.

Pool Towels Voucher System

Pool towel vouchers are given to families upon check in, these can be exchanged for towels at the Activities Centra. Towels can be exchanged and refreshed daily. Upon checkout return towels to the Activities Central staff or face a $25 per towel fee.

The Lagoon

The resort centres on a man-made sandy cove saltwater lagoon, the salt water is filtered and fed from the nearby Maroochy River and where a huge variety of activities are on offer for free or nominal fee – though there’s plenty of free activities to participate in without the need to pay any extra.

Lagoon – free activities

Here’s a list of the huge selection of free and fun things to do on or near the lagoon.

Non-motorised catamarans

Take the catamarans out for a spin, the calm lagoon perfect for us newbies to cut out teeth. These are hugely popular and have a 20-minute rotation so everyone can have a go and much less frightening for beginners than the wide-open ocean.

Kayaking

Kayaks are free to use and our 8 year old was able to go for a paddle solo. Life jackets with kids sizes are readily available and mandatory, the lagoon so tranquil that it was OK for the little guy drift off a little whilst learning to balance and turn without a worry.

Once kids find their sea legs there’s no stopping them. They can paddle the fish filled lagoon all the way to the Pandanus lined beach front on the eastern side.

Water Trampoline

A floating inflatable trampoline is anchored off the lagoon beach where kids can swim up and launch themselves into the lake. Kids as young as two were having a go with life jackets securely fastened.

Springfree Trampolines

There are six Springfree Trampolines set up by the lagoon foreshore for kids to have a jump in the sun with staff on hand to watch that kids bounce safely.

School Holiday Activities

During the school holidays the Novotel Twin Waters Resort staff organise a weekly schedule of free activities from 9am to 5pm each day.

Kids can participate in a range of organised fun including sandcastle competition, beach soccer, treasure hunt, touch footy, dance offs, fish feeding, SUP relay and tug-o-war.

Resort Activities for a fee

• Daily Segway guided tours cost $65 per person.
• Night Vision Guided Tours after dark are $50 per person.
• Paintball is available from $25 per person (minimum age 15)
• Archery costs $20 per person
• Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP) nominal fee. Free with MyResorts program.
• Bike Hire – nominal fee. Free with MyResorts program.

  

The Shore – summer pop up sundowner lounge

Effortlessly on trend, Novotel Twin Waters resort features a pop up sundowner lounge on the lagoon’s north shore beach. Throughout the summer months, a retro food truck dishes out wood fired pizzas and some of the most delicious burgers we’ve ever had the pleasure to taste.

There’s also a vintage caravan providing soft drink, beer, champagne and cocktails of the day for the grown ups as the sun went down. Cups and chilled tap water is free of charge.

Families can pull up a wooden crate table, bean bag on the lawn or picnic rug on the beach and enjoy live music as the kids have a run about or dance barefoot under the warm glow of festoon lights – a little Byron Bay just for us.

The Shore Sundowners Lounge is open every Friday and Saturday evening from 4pm to 8pm though we lingered longer and casually strolled back along the lighted pathway.

Don’t miss this experience from the 2nd February and 13th April and on Sunday 18th February 2018. Weather permitting, though on milder evenings with chances of light shower, there was a large tee-pee erected for shelter.

Novotel Twin Waters Resort Kids Club – Kids Cove

As much as we love our little kidlets a little time away from them is worth all the money in the world and with the vast range of resort facilities, parents like us may want a little kid free time to enjoy them. Fortunately it doesn’t cost the earth for three hours of Kids Club freedom at Kids Cove.

Kids Club Sessions at Novotel Twin Waters Resort

Cue Kids Cove, Novotel Twin Waters kids club for 0 – 12 years of age. Kids Club operates on three hourly sessions with a morning and afternoon session available daily.

Throughout the school holidays and every Friday and Saturdays the kids club also operates a three hourly evening session with dinner and dessert so parents can enjoy happy hour or the MyResorts ‘MyDrinks’ program, which we took full advantage of.

Kids Club Facilities

Kids Cove is small but has more than enough to keep kids of all ages entertained for three hours. Our kids loved it and backed by a few of their new found friends which gave a “100 out of 5”, in our books this is absolutely kids approved. What we’ve found throughout our Kids Clubs experiences is that the facilities do not have to be top notch, the program must be along with enthusiastic staff, what we found with the resorts Kids Cove.

There’s a small sheltered outdoor playground and a large playroom filled with toys. For the gamers, there’s even a a small room with video games both Playstation and Wii consoles, which we were assured, was monitored and only used limitedly.

From dress ups, board games, arts and crafts, discos, movie nights, cooking classes and beach activities there’s lots on offer. Parents who feel that extra bit guilty can pay a little bit more for speciality arts and crafts like sand, t-shire dye, woodcraft and building fairy gardens.

Kids Club Cost

So popular are the kids club sessions at independently operated Kids Cove, particularly the evening weekend sessions that booking in advance is necessary. For parents with multiple children and during school holiday book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Kids Club at Novotel Twin Waters prices are $35 per child or 2 children at $65 for kids 2-12 years. For 0 -2 year olds the charge is $25 per hour per child.

For evening sessions there’s an additional $8 for supervised dinner and dessert – although you can feed them ahead of time and skip the kids club dinner.

In-Room Babysitting at Novotel Twin Waters Resort

In-Room Babysitting is also on offer from Monday to Sunday at $25 per hour for a minimum of three hours. Bookings in advance is necessary for this service.

Kids Club Session Times

• Morning Session 9am – 12 noon
• Afternoon Session 1pm – 4pm
• Evening Parties 5pm – 8pm. Open every Friday & Saturday night and dailing throughout school holidays.

Book in advance by calling reception or email: [email protected]

Affordable family dining

Unlike some resorts which charge extortionate prices for dining there are some affordable family options for eating at Novotel Twin Waters Resort.

The resort has two restaurants Aqua Lounge and Bar and Nouveau Restaurant as well as a casual eats at Grabit & Go Take Away and Deli Café the resorts small shop that offers fresh ingredients including healthy sandwiches, vegetables, fruit and fresh milk.

Grab It & Go

Novotel Twin Waters Resort’s take away food concept, where food cooked in the kitchen can be take away and enjoyed around the resort or in the resort room. Open from lunchtime until late, there are burgers and pizzas.

Guests will need to be patience as whilst it is a take away service, it’s not fast food and can take a little while to be ready, cooked in the Nouveau Restaurant kitchen.

Nouveau Restaurant

Nouveau Restaurant is the main restaurant at Novotel Twin Waters Resort where a lovely breakfast buffet spread is offered daily across a variety of stations.

Buffet Breakfasts

There’s allot on offer for breakfast with hot and cold buffet selections. There’s a wall of breaks, muffins and pastries, a hot section with the usual suspects of sausages, beans, tomatoes, bacon, hash browns and a variety of eggs (no omelette or egg station though). There is also a continental selection, which includes smoked salmon, deli meats and salads, as well as fruits, cereals, and a selection of juice.

The complimentary barista style coffee bar is a unique touch and extremely popular hence the long line, however it moves quickly.

Buffet Lunch and Dinners at Novotel Twin Waters

For dinner the restaurant offers a-la-carte dining as well as a themed Novotel Twin Waters buffet, which changes throughout the week from Mexican Fiesta, Yum Cha to Aussie Carvery, families staying the typical duration of a week will not find any repetition.

On weekends Nouveau Restaurant opens up for a buffet lunch as well as for buffet dinner. Extremely popular is the Friday and Saturday Novotel Twin Waters Seafood Buffet with fresh spanner crab, oysters, prawns and mussels. Check out the weekly buffet menu at Novotel Twin Waters Resort here.

Lunch is the most affordable buffet option with prices starting at $35 per adult or $15 per child aged 5 -12 years old. MyResorts MyKids program entitles members who pay the nominal fee to dine for free from the kids menu.

Buffet times

• Breakfast 6:30am – 10:30am
• Lunch 12 – 2:30pm
• Dinner 6pm -9pm

Bookings are essential though walk-ins are welcomed.

The restaurant does get busy at peak times dinner’s at 6pm is popular with as families want to eat early. During breakfast from 7  – 8.30am expect queues, particularly during peak periods including school holidays, public holidays and weekends.

Aqua Bar + Lounge

Aqua Bar + Lounge is the casual resort dining area and primary bar serving a range of beer, wine and cocktails. Advertised prices for beer from $6.50 – 8.50 with a wide selection both on tap and bottle. Craft beer between $8 – $9.50. Wine $8 – $10 a glass. Soft drink $4 and cocktails $17.

Open from Noon until late, families can get something to eat from the a-la-carte from the menu including beer battered chips, calamari, antipasto, burgers and salads. See Aqual Bar + Lounge menu here.

Salads from $16 – $24, mains from $24 – $38 and kids menu from $9.50 with extras including dessert, sides and drinks.

Most families congregate here for Happy Hour from 3-4pm with a variety of craft beers on tap, wine and cocktails.

There’s lounges and a pool table indoors or dine outdoors overlooking the pool and lagoon and every Saturday evening there is live entertainment in the seated courtyard area.

Kids Menu

Kids menus are available at both Nouveau Restaurant and Aqua Bar + Lounge and surprisingly tasty, not the flavourless food that is often associated with kids menu.

Mains cost $9.50 and include stick with the staples of spaghetti bolognaise, fish and chips, ham and pineapple pizza or a small hamburger with chips or salad – all generous portions.

Sides cost extra and include: vegetables, rice and fries range from $2.50 – $4.50.

Desserts include chocolate brownie $5.50, ice cream or jelly cost $4.50.

Juices or milkshakes are $4.50.

Kids eat free

Complimentary all-inclusive children’s menu for LeAccor Members of all levels with the MyResorts program.

With Family & Novotel kids accommodation and breakfast is free with a paying parent or guardian.

Aqua Fun Park Twin Waters

In the Nort West pocket of the resort a huge inflatable water park has been set up on the lagoon. The Twin Waters Aqua Fun Park is jam packed full of crazy jumping, sliding and splashing fun. An absolute must-do with a variety of obstacles of all levels and abilities to take on as a family – be warned it a work out!

Kids 4+ are welcome to experience the water park at Twin Waters and as there is a bit of falling and jumping off into the water, life jackets are compulsory, there’s a safety briefing prior to entering and plenty of different size jackets available.

Although not owned and operated by the resort, Aqua Fun water park Twin Waters is located within the Novtel Twin Waters resort grounds and a short walk around the lagoon from the main beach. It’s open to the public as well and many locals and tourists come for some outdoor family fun.

Available throughout the summer season, Aqua Fun Water park offers 50 minute session on the hour every hour. Open times do change during school holiday being more frequent, outside of the holidays the water park is open from 11am – 2pm Monday and Firday and 10am – 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Our five year old and eight year old loved it and could climb up even the highest and slides to zip down or jump off the tallest pontoon. 50 minutes is more than enough.

Aqua Fun Park Costs

It costs $17 per person for a 50 minute session or two sessions costs $28 per person.

Resort facilities and activities near the resort

Away from the lagoon the resort offers a tennis court, mini putt putt, bike trails, huge football field and a full air-conditioned gym.

The beach is a short walk with a pathway that leads to the entrance across the road to the long stretch of secluded beach.

The Twin Waters lifeguard station is not far away, where flags are set up for safe swimming. Only swim when the beach is patrolled as there is strong rips and wild currents on that particular beach.

There’s also the 18 hole award winning Twin Waters golf course next door to the Novotel Twin Waters Resort. It’s internationally recognised as the top 6 resort courses in Australia. There’s also a driving range, cart and club hire is also available.

Visitors are welcomed and cost $82 for 18 holes or $47 for a quick 9 holes. Kids are welcomed and 9 holes cost $22. cost $36 for 18 holes. Driving ranges from $9.50 for 45 balls.

Visit Twin Waters Golf Club website for full list of fees including discounted off-peak rates.

MyResorts Program

For the exclusive use of Le Club AccorHotels members (all levels), the MyResort program offers a a host of benefits from free upgrades, kids welcome gifts, lake check outs to discounted drinks for a small fee.

The MyResorts program is divided into paid benefits including MyResort glass and MyResort kids where a small fee provides access to complimentary services or just for being a Le Club AccorHotel member, guests have complimentary benefits including MyConnect, MyUpgrade, MyGuest, MyHost and MyUpgrade, MyGuest and MyExtra Time.

Available at 12 participating AccorHotels Resorts the MyResort benefits is for the exclusive use of Le Club AccorHotels members, check out the benefits in more detail:

What is the Le Club AccorHotels Member Programme?

It is free to become a Le Club Accor member and the MyResort program is then yours to experience. To sign up or for more information on Accor loyalty program click here.

Le Club AccorHotels membership is completely free to join and often mistaken for the Accor Plus Membership where benefits are available for an annual fee.

Participating Resorts

The 12 Australian Resorts participating in MyResorts are:

MyGlass – paid benefit

Available for Le Club AccorHotels member pay $20 per person per day to enjoy 50% discount off all beverages for a select 4 hour period either 12-4pm or 4-8pm in the Aqua Bar. We had allot of fun with this one, perfectly paired with a evening kids club session for a night kid free night out.

How to enjoy MyGlass

Request a MyGlass voucher at check in and claim it during one of the 4 hour sessions at the Aqua Bar + Lounge. A wristband is offered and it’s a simple as ordering any drink of choice and paying 50% off the advertised price. We put on a tab and applied the 50% off at the end of the session.

During the start of Happy Hour, which coincides with the 4-8pm session, the queue for drinks was long. Be prepared to wait a little longer than usual for a drink during the allotted time. Each wristband entitles the person to one drink at a time and the rule is that you cannot get multiple drinks even for an adult with that has a wristband for MyGlass.

The MyGlass is worthwhile if intending to consumer more than 3 or 4 drinks within a 4 hour session. Hang out with the kids for an hour before the Cove Kids Club evening session starts from 5 – 8pm and have a wonderful time away whilst someone minds the kids.

MyKids – paid benefit

For $25 per child per day for all Le Club Accor members, kids have complimentary access to all-inclusive kids menus. Kids participating in the MyKids program receive a wristband to be worn for the day.

The MyKids program is great value for money, especially if having breakfast, lunch and dinner at the resort as everything on the kids menu is included for free for the entire day, including all mains, desserts, sides and drinks.

MyKids also offers complimentary use of stand up paddle boards, surf boards and bike hire as well as select MyKids holiday activities on during school holidays including campfire marshmallow nights.

MyUpgrade – complimentary benefit

All Le Club Accor members receive a complimentary room upgrade under the MyResorts program. We were upgraded for free from the standard Resort Room to to a One Bedroom Suite.

MyUpgrade is subject to availability.

MyConnect – complimentary benefit

All Le Club Accor members receive complimentary high speed, in-room WIFI under the MyResorts program for all devices, which we had five going at one time and able to stream movies, surf social media and download high resolution photos.

MyExtra Time – complimentary benefit

Courtesy of MyResorts, all Le Club Accor members are entitled to a late check out if available and able to use the resort facilities upon checking out.

MyExtra Time is particularly handy when we had a late night and a bit slow to get started, instead of 10am we checked out after a leisurely breakfast at noon.

MyHost – complimentary benefit

Courtesy of MyResorts, all Le Club Accor members can receive a personalised service before checking into Novotel Twin Waters Resort. For instance secure restaurant reservations, book kids club sessions, organise paid outdoor activities and arrange tickets for Sunshine Coast atrractions.

MyGuest – complimentary benefit

Le Club AccorHotel Members receive a free ‘Family Pass’ valued at $50 to invite another family of four to enjoy the free resort facilities including the pool, kayaks, catamarans, water trampoline and mini golf course.

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Getting to and from Novotel Twin Waters Resort

Here’s some information on how to get to Novotel Twin Waters Resort. Visit Sunshine Coast has a comprehensive page about flights in and out of Sunshine Coast Airport and from Brisbane’s International. Click here for up to date information on getting to the Sunshine Coast.

Novotel Twin Waters Resort From Brisbane Airport

Allow approximately 1.5 hours to drive from Brisbane to Novotel Twin Waters Resort Sunshine Coast. Add 30 minutes if travelling during peak hour.

Novotel Twin Waters is easy to get to, from Brisbane follow the M1 North and take the exit at Sunshine Coast Motorway (70) North towards Noosa.

Once in the Twin Waters region it can feel like a rabbit warren of roundabouts and residential homes, stick on Ocean Drive and follow the signs to Novotel Twin Waters Resort. Make sure the following address is added to your Sat Nav / Google Maps when making your escape from Brisbane.

Address: Ocean Drive, Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast, 4564, QLD

Phone: +61 7 5448 8000

Email: [email protected]

Novotel Twin Waters Resort From Sunshine Coast Airport

From Sunshine Coast Airport it takes 10 minutes to drive to Novotel Twin Waters Resort Sunshine Coast. Allow extra 5 minutes in peak hour.

Uber estimates $9-12 to ride to Novotel Twin Waters Resort via Sunshine Coast Airport. Taxi’s average $20 – $25.

Free Car Parking

There is free complimentary on-site parking at the resort with car parks locate close to the resort rooms and suites, making it an even easier weekend away from Brisbane.

Accor Vacation Club

Novotel Twin Waters is one of the 24 Accor Club Properties in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia that Accor Vacation Club members can holiday, in exchange for their annual allocation of Premiere Points.

Considering an Accor Vacations Club Membership? Please read the PDS carefully for more membership information.

Although we are not Accor Vacation Club members, this style of holiday may appeal to other families and an Accor Vacations Club office is available on site for more information.

Even if it’s not right for you, there are free incentives just for attending a presentation. If you are willing to give up some of your holiday time, you may just get a free Kids Cove evening session. I discovered this little tip having a chat to a mum as we waited for a take away pizza at Grabit and Go. “I sat for 45 minutes, listened and got a free baby sitting service, not bad at all!” You’re under no pressure to buy a Club Membership – be prepared for them to try.

Please note that I am not an affiliate for Accor Vacation Club, I thought this maybe of interest to families. 

Enjoy this Novotel Twin Waters review? Have you got any hot tips when staying at Twin Waters Novotel? Have you ever stayed at Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast’s best family accommodation? Love to hear your replies below: