Gold Coast

Australia’s Surfing Capital

About Gold Coast

Australia’s holiday capital with the perfect blend of coastal splendour and urban swag – this is Gold Coast. This iconic Aussie destination is famous for its year-round perfect weather, golden sandy beaches, an incredible inland waterway and canal system, towering skyscrapers, and the world-renowned Surfers Paradise. A Gold Coast cruise presents the perfect opportunity to experience a slice of it all!

Beyond the beach and city-centre attractions, discover a laid-back ‘Miami’ energy with friendly neighbourhoods, a multi-cultural culinary scene and the famous theme parks, Dreamworld, SeaWorld etc. Away from the city noise, you can find peaceful escapes – sparkling golden sands that stretch for miles to the south of Surfers Paradise, and wildlife parks and rainforests top the list of popular family adventures.

Be sure to leave enough time to explore the subtropical side and native wildlife! For wildlife encounters or a green fix, head to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Springbrook National Park, or Sea World! The hinterland of Gold Coast is also perfect for those looking to relax amidst nature’s greatest treasures. The Scenic Rim, which circles dramatic mountain ranges and World-Heritage rainforests and farmland valleys, is an easy drive from Gold Coast.

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 to jet boat adventures, plenty of exciting experiences in Gold Coast await you. Not to mention the exquisite local seafood to be had!

Gold Coast Cruise Experiences

Tweed River & Crab Catching Cruises

11 Cruises

From $49

Jet Boat Xtreme ripping through the waves in Gold Coast

Jet Boat Adventures

4 Cruises

From $63

Surfers Paradise Cruises

14 Cruises

From $49

Dinner Cruises

1 Cruise

From $119

Lunch Cruises

7 Cruises

From $49

Humpback Tail fluke caught just near the shores of Gold Coast

Whale Watching Cruises

8 Cruises

From $79

Sunset Cruises

5 Cruises

From $55

Featured Cruises

34 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

From $119 ~~$129~~

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

From $89 ~~$95~~

3.5Hr 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

From $99

See All Cruises

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

Monday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Friday, 26 January: Australia Day
Friday, 29 March: Good Friday
Saturday, 30 March: Easter Saturday
Sunday, 31 March: Easter Sunday
Monday, 1 April: Easter Monday
Thursday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Wednesday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Thursday, 26 December: Boxing Day

Other public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:

Monday, 6 May: Labour Day
Monday, 7 October: Queen’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 2024
Queensland: 2 April to 14 April

TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Queensland: 22 June to 7 July

TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Queensland: 14 September to 29 September

TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024 - 2025
Queensland: 14 December 2024 to 26 January 2025

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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Jet Boating Vs White Water Rafting: Which is Queensland’s Top Adventure?

If you like living life in the fast lane, a run-of-the-mill vacation won't cut it for you. Well, you're in luck because Queensland likes to throw down the gauntlet with two iconic adventure experiences: the high-adrenaline jet boating in Gold Coast and the heart-pounding white water rafting in Cairns.

Posted on Jul 19, 2024

Why Gold Coast Is Australia's Favourite Holiday City

G’day mates! There’s no denying it – the Gold Coast is our top destination for even the smallest of breaks. It's that special city that always makes it onto every Aussie’s must-visit list, or a place we find excuses to revisit.

Posted on May 24, 2024

Chasing Waves: When and Where To Go Surfing In Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise – just the name makes every surfer's heart skip a beat. It’s a holiday hotspot in Gold Coast, Queensland, where the sun, sea, and sand converge to create the ultimate playground for wave riders.

Posted on Dec 15, 2023