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

6 Cruises

From $49

Jet Boat Adventures

4 Cruises

From $58

Surfers Paradise Cruises

13 Cruises

From $49

Dinner Cruises

1 Cruise

From $119

Lunch Cruises

6 Cruises

From $49

Whale Watching Cruises

3 Cruises

From $109

Featured Cruises

26 Cruises

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

ACGCAQ1085

2.5hr Catch a Crab Day Tour

Hop on a fun-filled crabbing cruise down the Tweed River. Also feed pelicans, pump for yabbies, reel in fish, enjoy a delicious lunch and more.

Duration 3hr

From $80

ACGRZO0859

1.5Hr Surfers Paradise Morning Tea Cruise

Experience the best value-for-money sightseeing on a short Gold Coast cruise with complimentary morning tea along the Surfers Paradise waterways.

Duration 1hr

From $49

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

Sunday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Monday, 2 January: Additional public holiday for New Year's Day
Thursday, 26 January: Australia Day
Friday, 7 April: Good Friday
Saturday, 8 April: Day following Good Friday
Sunday, 9 April: Easter Sunday
Monday, 10 April: Easter Monday
Tuesday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Monday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Tuesday, 26 December: Boxing Day

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 2023
Queensland: 1 April to 16 April

TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Queensland: 24 June to 9 July

TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Queensland: 16 September to 2 October

TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023 - 2024
Queensland: 9 December 2023 to 21 January 2024

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

View All

Cheers To A Crabby Kinda Day On Tweed River

As the title suggests, this blog is all about enjoying a crabby kinda day on Tweed River. Take that frown off your face, you are going to love this ‘crab’by day.

Posted on Dec 04, 2023

Surfing & Family Fun: A Guide To Surfers Paradise With Kids

It’s no secret that Gold Coast exudes the glitz and glamour in Surfers Paradise, but it also ensures a delightful kid-friendly vacation. In fact, enjoying a fun-filled family getaway here is child’s play.

Posted on Nov 13, 2023

Fun Beyond The Board In Surfers Paradise

It's hard to believe that Surfer’s Paradise was named after a hotel because this Gold Coast city is indeed a paradise for surfers. Surfers Paradise lives up to its name with its summer vibes all year round, waves that just keep rollin', and a surf scene that's as welcoming to newbies as it is to seasoned pros.

Posted on Oct 20, 2023