Gold Coast

Australia’s Surfing Capital

40+ Australian Locations

Iconic cruises and water-based activities across the country

300+ Unique Cruises

Hand-picked & exceptional experiences

8+ Million Happy Customers

Who have toured on one of our listed cruises

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Proudly supporting the Australian cruising industry

About Gold Coast

Welcome to Gold Coast, Australia's iconic holiday destination – a land dedicated to sun, sand and surf, stretching across a 52km strip of glitzy beachside and World Heritage-listed wilderness. Famous for its year-round perfect weather, golden beaches, towering skyscrapers, and of course, Surfers Paradise, this legendary Aussie city has adventure written all over it.

Look beyond the high-rises and rollers to discover a youthful ‘Miami’ energy with friendly neighbourhoods, a global culinary scene and world-class attractions. Here, the stunning waterways are formed by Nerang River and Coombah Creek – take one of the river cruises in Gold Coast for a unique perspective of the city!

Be sure to leave enough time to explore the subtropical side and native wildlife! For wildlife encounters or a nature fix, head to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Springbrook National Park or Sea World! Plenty of cruises from Gold Coast throw in wildlife encounters into the mix – check ‘em out! The Scenic Rim’s dramatic mountain ranges, World-Heritage rainforests and the iconic Tweed Region is just a hop away from Gold Coast. The hinterland of Gold Coast is also perfect for a nature recharge or an escape from the city’s buzz!

In short, with all the beaches, theme parks, shopping and surfing, this is a destination that should not be missed on your trip Down Under. From whale watching and jet boat rides to crab catching in the Tweed, there are a variety of boat tours in Gold Coast that await you!

Gold Coast Cruise Experiences

Surfers Paradise Cruises

25 Cruises

From $39

Dinner Cruises

1 Cruise

From $129

Lunch Cruises

8 Cruises

From $49

Tweed River & Crab Catching Cruises

10 Cruises

From $49

Sunset Cruises

4 Cruises

From $55

Whale Watching Cruises

5 Cruises

From $75

Jet Boat Adventures

12 Cruises

From $63

Cruise Combos

8 Cruises

From $112

Private Charter

3 Cruises

Featured Cruises

42 Cruises

2.5Hr Sightseeing Dinner Cruise from Sea World

Welcome to a delightful dinner cruise with live music on board ‘Spirit of Elston’, set against the glittering Surfer’s Paradise skyline. Bar onboard.

Duration 2hr

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From $129 ~~$145~~

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2Hr Sightseeing Lunch Cruise From Surfers Paradise

Enjoy a selection of seafood, carvery, salads & desserts on this scenic lunch cruise along the Gold Coast waterways. See Sea World, Palazzo Versace etc.

Duration 2hr

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From $99 ~~$114~~

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3Hr Tweed River & Rainforest Lunch Cruise

Scenic rainforest cruise to the pristine Tweed Valley. Watch and feed the birds of Stott’s Island, relish a grand lunch & enjoy other river sights.

Duration 3hr

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From $99 ~~$110~~

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Know Before You Go

Best Time To Visit

With over 300 days of sun, Gold Coast can be visited any time of the year. It is advisable to avoid school holidays as these are the busiest times with increased crowds.

Whether you arrive during the summer months to bask in the tropical sun or prefer the pleasant coolness of winter with refreshing mornings and evenings, the region offers a climate that caters to different preferences. While the Gold Coast generally enjoys a temperate climate, it is important to note that the hinterland areas might be slightly cooler compared to the coastal beaches.

Public Holidays

Wednesday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Monday, 27 January: Australia Day holiday
Friday, 18 April: Good Friday
Saturday, 19 April: Day following Good Friday
Sunday, 20 April: Easter Sunday
Monday, 21 April: Easter Monday
Friday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Friday, 26 December: Boxing Day

Other public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:
Monday, 5 May: Labour Day
Monday, 6 October: King's Birthday

Events & Festivals

Cooly Rocks On Festival
Probably the most anticipated event on the Gold Coast calendar every year. It’s one of the biggest festivals that celebrates the bangers from the 50s and 60s, leaving everyone nostalgic. The beaches are your venues and the locals are your company!

SeaFire
The well-acclaimed international fireworks competition will light up the shores of Surfers Paradise this year, in what will be a battle between various nations for the coveted title. There will be beachfront markets, DJs, and of course, plenty of fireworks!

Gold Coast Film Festival
Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier filming locations, but did you also know that there is a film festival held every year in the city. The festival brings the most awe-inspiring movies from various cultures and categories – another reason to visit this gem of a destination!

School Holidays

TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2025
Queensland: 7 April to 22 April

TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2025
Queensland: 30 June to 14 July

TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2025
Queensland: 22 September to 7 October

TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2025- 2026
Queensland: 15 December 2025 to 27 January 2026

Accommodation

You can find convenient hotel accommodation all around Gold Coast, but Surfers Paradise has the most apartment buildings and accommodation than any other city. Broadbeach is home to numerous beachfront accommodations, cheaper low-rise apartments, and brand new high-rise buildings. There are also incredible villas, tree houses and castles nestled within the rainforests just an hour away from the beaches, if you’re looking to escape the city.

Dining

Much like its beaches and landmark attractions, Gold Coast has all kinds of restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels to offer its vacation-goers. From over-the-top fine dining in Michelin-star restaurants to classic laid-back beachside cafes, Gold Coast serves up an incredible selection of culinary delights. Don’t forget to try the native special kangaroo, the thrilling Aussie take on European classics or a mix of both!

Transport

Once you've landed at the Gold Coast Airport or Brisbane International Airport, you can easily hail taxis, rideshares and shuttle services to the city centre. A range of reliable transportation options, including trains, buses, taxis, and ferries, serve the Gold Coast. To make the most of public transport, it is recommended to acquire a Go Card, an electronic ticket that grants access to transportation services across South East Queensland.

Gold Coast Tourist Information

Shopping & Market Hours

Gold Coast’s shopping culture has caught up with its beach and surf culture. The vintage Village Market in Burleigh is where you can find an impressive mix of fashion, art, ceramics, homeware, and accessories from emerging and established entrepreneurs. You can check out the famous beachfront markets at Surfers Paradise for locally made jewellery, clothing, food, maybe even a weird souvenir to take home.

Medical Services

Gold Coast Health offers an extensive range of secondary and tertiary healthcare services in the form of community facilities, allied health precincts, and hospitals. These include the Gold Coast University Hospital, known for its bustling emergency department that holds the distinction of being the busiest in Australia, Robina Hospital & Varsity Lakes Day Hospital.

Blogs & Articles

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The Best Spots To Watch The Sunset In Gold Coast

With over 300 sunny days and a breathtaking setting along the Pacific Ocean, Gold Coast is THE PLACE to watch a sunset amidst a meditative play of pinks and oranges. Watching a sunset is one of the best free things to do in any destination, especially in Gold Coast.

Posted on Mar 17, 2025

Top Reasons To Visit The Tweed Region - Gold Coast

If you love a getaway that encompasses natural beauty, rich culture, and also something adventurous, the Tweed Region is where you should be! Being just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant Gold Coast, the Tweed is a stunning region that embraces the Tweed Coast, Tweed Valley and the Tweed River.

Posted on Nov 20, 2024

The Ultimate Adrenaline Duo: Gold Coast 500 + Surfers Paradise Jet Boating

Get ready for a heart-pounding weekend of speed and thrills on the Gold Coast! The Supercars Gold Coast 500 Championship is back, ready to ignite the streets of Surfers Paradise with excitement.

Posted on Oct 22, 2024