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
Australian Owned
Proudly supporting the Australian cruising industry
About Gold Coast
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
Featured Cruises
41 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
Australia-wide holidays 2026:
1 Jan (Thu) – New Year’s Day
26 Jan (Mon) – Australia Day
3 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
25 Apr (Sat) – Anzac Day
25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
26 Dec (Sat) – Boxing Day
28 Dec (Mon) – Boxing Day Holiday
QLD observed holidays:
4 Apr (Sat) – Day following Good Friday
5 Apr (Sun) – Easter Sunday
6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
4 May (Mon) – Labour Day
12 Aug (Wed) – Ekka Wednesday*
5 Oct (Mon) – King's Birthday
24 Dec (Thu) – Christmas Eve *
25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
26 Dec (Sat) – Boxing Day
28 Dec (Mon) – Boxing Day Holiday
*regional observed holiday
Events & Festivals
Gold Coast Film Festival (April – May)
This film festival is held every year in celebration of film and screen culture of Australia. It showcases Australian, international and premiere films. The festival also includes filmmaker talks, workshops and networking opportunities in the film industry.
Blues On Broadbeach Music Festival (May)
Held in May, this free live music festival is popular for showcasing both Aussie and international artists. Mainly featuring blues and roots music, it takes place across multiple outdoor stages and venues, making it a city-wide music experience.
Cooly Rocks On (June)
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 (May/June)
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!
Pacific Airshow (August)
This year, the largest airshow in the United States is coming to Gold Coast! Picture aerobatic displays by military & civilian pilots, aircraft demonstrations and aerial performances over the course of three days. Apart from this, the beachfront will also have live music, food precincts and entertainment.
School Holidays
TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2026
Queensland: 3 April to 19 April
TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2026
Queensland: 27 June to 12 July
TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2026
Queensland: 19 September to 5 October
TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2026
Queensland: 12 December to 26 January
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
Tweed River Cruises vs Gold Coast Broadwater Cruises: Which Experience Is Right For You?
Tweed River Cruises vs Gold Coast Broadwater Cruises – it sounds like a simple comparison, but the experiences you’ll have couldn’t feel more different.
Posted on Mar 06, 2026
Activities You Can Pair A Surfers Paradise Cruise With
Cruising in paradise is easy to fit into your day if you plan smartly and manage your time, but this is where most people get it wrong. The good news?
Posted on Feb 13, 2026
Tweed River Cruises: How to Catch Crabs, Spot Wildlife & More
The Tweed River isn’t loud or rushed. It moves at its own pace, winding through mangroves, open water and pockets of untouched nature that feel far removed from busy coastal hotspots.
Posted on Jan 21, 2026
