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Cruise Through Gold Coast - Discover, Dine & Relax
Discover the best of the Gold Coast on this boat tour with a live guide!
- Get a 1-day unlimited Hop-on Hop-off pass and discover the waterways and superyachts of the Gold Coast at your own pace.
- As boats arrive hourly, you get to hop off and explore at five famous stops along the Gold Coast’s stunning waterways.
- Enjoy incredible 360-degree skyline views from the open-air deck while a live guide entertains you with stories of the city’s culture and heritage.
- Shop for fresh seafood from Peter’s Fish Market, spot luxury homes and mega yachts from the Nerang River, and much more!
Discover the best of the Gold Coast on this boat tour with a live guide!
- Get a 1-day unlimited Hop-on Hop-off pass and discover the waterways and superyachts of the Gold Coast at your own pace.
- As boats arrive hourly, you get to hop off and explore at five famous stops along the Gold Coast’s stunning waterways.
- Enjoy incredible 360-degree skyline views from the open-air deck while a live guide entertains you with stories of the city’s culture and heritage.
- Shop for fresh seafood from Peter’s Fish Market, spot luxury homes and mega yachts from the Nerang River, and much more!
Inclusions
- 1-day unlimited Hop-on Hop-off tour
- Live onboard commentary in English
- Drink onboard
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Hop-on Hop-off Tour - Boat Tour
This vibrant route highlights the city's sparkling coastal lifestyle, blending world-class arts and culture with luxury waterfront dining and the thrilling marine adventures found along the beautiful Broadwater.
Popular stops: Surfers Paradise, Marina Mirage, Sea World Marine Park
Accessibility
- The boats and piers are wheelchair and pram/stroller-accessible.
Additional Information
- Your bikes are allowed onboard.
- These tickets can't be cancelled. However, they can be rescheduled up to 0 hours before the experience begins.
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- Discover the Gold Coast like never before with this land and water tour on Quack'r Duck's amphibious vehicle, perfect for families on a budget.
- What you'll experience: A 1-hour tour by land and water, with live commentary onboard, plus a body tattoo transfer and a complimentary Spot the Difference quiz for kids.
- Sights you'll see: The Esplanade, Main Beach, Sheraton Mirage, Palazzo Versace, SeaWorld, Broadwater, The Southport Yacht Club, Nerang River, and Paradise Waters.
- The Family Saver discount offers fantastic value for two adults and two children to enjoy the land and sea adventure together.
- Discover the Gold Coast like never before with this land and water tour on Quack'r Duck's amphibious vehicle, perfect for families on a budget.
- What you'll experience: A 1-hour tour by land and water, with live commentary onboard, plus a body tattoo transfer and a complimentary Spot the Difference quiz for kids.
- Sights you'll see: The Esplanade, Main Beach, Sheraton Mirage, Palazzo Versace, SeaWorld, Broadwater, The Southport Yacht Club, Nerang River, and Paradise Waters.
- The Family Saver discount offers fantastic value for two adults and two children to enjoy the land and sea adventure together.
Inclusions
- 1-hour Gold Coast city and river tour on Quack'rDuck amphibious bus
- English-speaking guide
- Live commentary
- "Spot the Difference" quiz for kids
- Family saver discount for 2 adults and 2 children (if option selected)
- Tip: For casual dining after your tour, try the Surfers Paradise Beer Garden or Hurricane's Grill, both near the tour departure point.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Due to vehicle restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- Your guide dogs are welcome on this experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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4.5(6,275)
Combo (Save 5%): Aquaduck Tour + Gold Coast Attraction Choice Tickets
from AU$89.90
AU$85.40
5% off
Gold Coast your way: Aquaduck Tour + your pick of Dreamworld, SkyPoint, or Infinity.
- Everything you get at Aquaduck tour: 1-hour Gold Coast city & river tour on Aquaduck amphibious bus, English-speaking guide, live commentary, boat driving & Captain's certificate for kids.
- Everything you get at Infinity Attraction: Entry to Infinity Attraction Gold Coast with access to 20+ futuristic zones featuring illusions, laser mazes, light tunnels, and trippy soundscapes.
- Everything you get at Dreamworld Gold Coast: Entry to Dreamworld with access to epic rides, live shows, and zones like Tiger Island and Corroboree.
- Everything you get at SkyPoint Observation Deck: Entry to SkyPoint’s 230m-high deck with 360-degree views of the Gold Coast skyline and ocean, plus the chance to relax at SkyPoint Bistro + Bar (at your own expense).
- Why choose this combo: Explore by land and sea on the Aquaduck, then pick your top Gold Coast attraction—Dreamworld, SkyPoint, or Infinity Attraction. Flexible, fun, and perfect for all ages.
Gold Coast your way: Aquaduck Tour + your pick of Dreamworld, SkyPoint, or Infinity.
- Everything you get at Aquaduck tour: 1-hour Gold Coast city & river tour on Aquaduck amphibious bus, English-speaking guide, live commentary, boat driving & Captain's certificate for kids.
- Everything you get at Infinity Attraction: Entry to Infinity Attraction Gold Coast with access to 20+ futuristic zones featuring illusions, laser mazes, light tunnels, and trippy soundscapes.
- Everything you get at Dreamworld Gold Coast: Entry to Dreamworld with access to epic rides, live shows, and zones like Tiger Island and Corroboree.
- Everything you get at SkyPoint Observation Deck: Entry to SkyPoint’s 230m-high deck with 360-degree views of the Gold Coast skyline and ocean, plus the chance to relax at SkyPoint Bistro + Bar (at your own expense).
- Why choose this combo: Explore by land and sea on the Aquaduck, then pick your top Gold Coast attraction—Dreamworld, SkyPoint, or Infinity Attraction. Flexible, fun, and perfect for all ages.
Inclusions
Aquaduck Tour
- 1-hour Gold Coast city & river tour on Aquaduck amphibious bus
- English-speaking guide
- Live commentary
- Boat driving & Captain's certificate for kids
Infinity Attraction (as per option selected)
- Entry to Infinity Attraction Gold Coast
SkyPoint Observation Deck (as per option selected)
- Entry to SkyPoint Observation Deck
Dreamworld (as per option selected)
- Entry to Dreamworld
- Access to all rides, shows, & attractions
Warner Bros. Movie World
- The Flash: Speed Force
- Green Lantern coaster
- DC Rivals HyperCoaster
- The Flight of the Wicked Witch
- Batwing Spaceshot
- Kansas Twister
- Road Runner Rollercoaster
- Superman Escape
- Justice League 3D – The Ride
- Wild West Falls Adventure Ride
- Looney Tunes Carousel
- Junior Driving School
- Looney Tunes Splash Zone
- Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster
Dreamworld
- Steel Taipan triple-launch coaster
- The Giant Drop and The Claw
- Jungle Rush and Murrissippi Motors
- Serpent Slayer, hard or soft
- Motocoaster (motorcycle racing)
- Sky Voyager (sky theater)
- Vintage Cars
- Dreamworld Express
- Deep Sea Dodgems
- Belinda’s Tree House
- Play School Wheel
- Big Red Planes
- Big Red Boat Coaster
Aquaduck Tour
- Due to vehicle restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Your guide dogs are welcome on this experience.
- Children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 and above.
- The 5:45pm tour operates in low light conditions. To ensure everyone’s safety, children cannot captain the boat during the twilight trip.
Infinity Attraction
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- This experience is accessible by wheelchair. Please contact the venue at least 24 hours in advance using the number on your voucher to arrange a wheelchair.
- If special effects lighting, sound, dark confined spaces, or illusions of height and depth cause you concern, please make further inquiries before purchasing admission.
- If uneven and unstable floors in some areas might affect you, please make further inquiries before entry.
- This experience is not recommended for babies, toddlers, children under 8 years of age or for anyone with a severe fear of darkness. Children must be able to walk through unassisted.
- Children under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Dreamworld Gold Coast
- Pets are not permitted inside the venue.
- This experience is accessible by wheelchair and pram/stroller. Burleigh Wagons, single and double strollers, and wheelchairs are available. Visit Guest Services on arrival.
- The attractions have individual age or height requirements. Please visit the website for more information.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
SkyPoint Observation Deck
- Pets are not permitted inside the venue.
- This experience is accessible by wheelchair.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- SkyPoint visitor numbers are capped to prevent overcrowding. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. When SkyPoint reaches capacity no further entries will be permitted.
- Children aged 18 and below must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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Gold CoastCruises in Gold Coast
Why take a Gold Coast cruise?
Skyline views at sunset
See the Surfers Paradise skyline glow on a 2–3 hour sunset or dinner cruise.
All your Gold Coast cruise options explained
Sightseeing cruises
Best for: Relaxed sightseeing with dining
Price: From AU$99
Duration: ~2–2.5 hours
Cruise past landmarks like Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace, Sea World, the Broadwater Parklands, and luxury waterfront homes—while enjoying a tropical buffet of prawns, chicken, salads, desserts, and beverages.
Recommended experiences:
- Gold Coast Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch
- Gold Coast Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Dinner
Whale watching cruises
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts & families
Price: From AU$74
Duration: 2.5 hours
Set course to the Humpback Whale migration route from Main Beach and board a vessel with hydrophones, underwater cameras, and marine commentary. Enjoy a 100% sighting guarantee and get close to whales in their natural habitat.
Recommended experiences:
- Premium Whale Watching Cruise by SeaWorld
- Whale Watching Cruise with Beverages & Snacks
Hop-on hop-off cruises
Best for: Flexible exploration
Price: From AU$45
Duration: All-day access
Explore at your pace with unlimited hop-on hop-off access across five stops: Surfers Paradise, HOTA, Marina Mirage, Broadwater Parklands, and Sea World.
Recommended experience:
- Gold Coast Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise
Special cruise experiences
Best for: A unique, adventurous experience
Price: From AU$58
Duration: Varied
Choose from adventurous and personalised options — take a dolphin-spotting kayak and snorkel tour, book a private luxury boat with a skipper for your group, or ride the Aquaduck amphibious bus for a city-and-river combo.
Recommended experiences:
- Gold Coast Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkel Tour
- Private Luxury Boat Tour with Skipper
- Aquaduck Gold Coast City and River Tour
Plan your Gold Coast cruise experience
Timings & best time to go
Getting there
Facilities
Tips
Dining
- Cruise departures: Daily, usually between 9am and 7pm depending on the tour.
- Best time to visit
- Whale season: June–November, with peak sightings from July to October.
- Morning cruises: Calmer seas and clearer visibility for spotting wildlife.
- Evening cruises: Stunning winter sunsets and cooler breezes on the Broadwater.
Find on Maps.
Cruises depart from 3 main points along the central Gold Coast waterfront:
- Sea World Cruises Terminal (Main Beach)
- Mariners Cove Marina (Main Beach)
- Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf (Appel Park)
By tram/bus: The G:link light rail stops at Surfers Paradise. Buses connect to Main Beach and Marina Mirage, with short shuttle/taxi links available.
By car/taxi: Both Main Beach and Surfers Paradise are a 5–15 minute drive from central hotels. Parking is available at Marina Mirage and near Surfers Paradise wharf. Taxi or rideshare fares range from AUD 10–20.
Getting to your Gold Coast Cruise boarding point
- Wheelchair access is available on select vessels’ lower decks.
- Boarding ramps at Marina Mirage make boarding easy.
- Onboard toilets and baby-change facilities provided.
- Shaded undercover seating keeps you comfortable.
- Open-air viewing decks are perfect for photos and spotting wildlife.
- Choose the right season! June to October for whales, winter evenings for sunsets.
- Use burst mode and keep elbows braced on rails; avoid standing right at the bow during turns to avoid vibration blur.
- For skyline shots, step to the outer deck corner to avoid reflections.
- Take seasickness tablets before departure if you’re prone to motion sickness.
- If no whales show up, your sighting guarantee means a free return trip. Check with your crew on how to redeem.
- Onboard café/bar for snacks and drinks, and buffets included on some cruises.
- Marina Mirage Dining Precinct: Waterfront restaurants and cafes serving seafood, grills, and global cuisines. Open daily.
- Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern: Local favorite for fresh seafood platters and sunset views over the Broadwater.
- Seascape Restaurant + Bar: Beachfront dining with premium seafood and modern dishes across bistro, bar, and rooftop.
- Glass Dining & Lounge Bar: Contemporary Australian cuisine and cocktails in a stylish marina setting.
Gold Coast cruises' visual highlights
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Frequently asked questions about Gold Coast cruises
What types of Gold Coast boat cruises can I book?
You can choose from various Gold Coast cruises: whale watching adventures with expert commentary, buffet lunch and dinner sightseeing cruises, hop-on hop-off ferry-style tours, high-speed jet boat rides, wildlife kayaking & snorkel tours, luxury private charters, and even the fun amphibious Aquaduck city and river tour. Each experience offers something unique, whether you’re chasing thrills, wildlife, or sunset views.
What’s included in the buffet lunch and dinner cruises?
The buffet lunch cruise aboard Spirit of Elston serves a tropical spread with fresh seafood, salads, hot dishes, and desserts, while the buffet dinner cruise adds a fruit platter, indulgent desserts, and live entertainment to make your evening magical. Both include live commentary and access to AC decks and outdoor sundecks.
Do whale watching cruises come with a sighting guarantee?
Yes! Both the Premium Whale Watching Cruise by Sea World and the Whale Watching Cruise with Beverages & Snacks include a sighting guarantee. If you don’t spot whales, you’ll usually get a free return ticket.
How far in advance should I book whale watching tickets in peak season?
During the peak migration months (June to October), it’s best to book your Gold Coast boat cruise at least 1–2 weeks in advance. Whale watching is extremely popular, and spots sell out quickly.
Can I upgrade to a private charter after booking a shared cruise?
Upgrades depend on availability. If you’d like to switch to a Private Luxury Boat Tour with a skipper, reach out to our team as early as possible, and we’ll do our best to arrange it.
Are the hop-on, hop-off ferry passes valid all day?
Yes, your Gold Coast HOPO ferry pass is valid for the entire day, letting you explore riverside attractions at your own pace.
Can I combine my ferry pass with Sea World entry?
Currently, the ferry passes are separate from Sea World entry tickets. However, you can pair them easily in your itinerary for a day of fun, both on water and on land.
Is the sunset dinner cruise suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. The buffet dinner cruise offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with spacious seating and entertainment. Children often love spotting the skyline at dusk from the sundeck.
What’s included in the Whale Watching Cruise with Beverages & Snacks?
Along with expert commentary from a marine biologist, you’ll enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits onboard. Hydrophones and underwater cameras bring the whale world even closer.
What’s the difference between the whale watching premium and snacks-inclusive cruises?
The Premium Whale Watching Cruise includes interactive displays, hydrophones, and a marine naturalist, while the Snacks Cruise keeps it casual with refreshments and biologist commentary. Both offer a 2.5-hour offshore adventure.
Where do the Gold Coast boat cruises depart from?
Most sightseeing and dinner cruises depart from Surfers Paradise or Main Beach. Whale watching cruises usually leave from Sea World’s terminal. Exact details will be shared with your ticket confirmation.
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From happy customers
Akshay
AustraliaFeb., 2026
The Skypoint Observation Deck is a must visit attraction when you're in Gold Coast. The views from up there are truly mesmerising. Being the only beach side observation in Australia, it truly sets a world class standard for tourism. I've loved every bit of my experience with Skypoint. The staff was super friendly and helpful. There is a cafe at the top if you want to soak in the sights with a cup of coffee. I 100% recommend this place.
Combo: Aquaduck Tour + Gold Coast Attraction Choice Tickets
Ganna
AustraliaJan., 2026
+ 5 more
This was our first visit to Skypoint. It was something incredible, it's hard to describe all the beauty around, you should definitely visit here and enjoy the wonderful views. I highly recommend everyone to visit Skypoint
Combo: Aquaduck Tour + Gold Coast Attraction Choice Tickets
Rebecca
AustraliaFeb., 2026
Morning well spent! The staff were friendly, fun and knowledgeable. Great site seeing spots. The highlight for the kids was driving the boat!! Highly recommend if your in the surfers area.
Aquaduck Gold Coast City and River Tour
Samantha
AustraliaJan., 2026
It was great, my daughter loved it, drivers humour and it was just easy enjoyable process. Would definitly recommend. This is our second year in a row and we always book the experience.
Aquaduck Gold Coast City and River Tour
Chitrali
AustraliaJan., 2026
Amazing time on this ride. Driver was friendly and guide was funny and friendly. We loved the smooth ride and sailing. Wonderful experience for my 2yr old baby as it was her 1st time in water on a boat. We all loved it . It's a must try experience.
Quack'rDuck Gold Coast City and River Tour
Sonia
AustraliaOkt., 2025
The knowledge Josie has of the area was great. Very friendly and interactive with everyone on the tour. We were told a local dream time story which was great too.
Combo: Aquaduck Sunshine Coast City Tour & River Cruise + SEA LIFE Tickets
Laura
AustraliaOkt., 2025
Great experience! The crew were amazing! Jose did a fantastic job. My daughter had a blast, and getting a Captain certificate gave her the biggest smile.
Have recommended the experience to friends.
Great tour, loved the river tour part the most.
And the history and knowledge of the area was great.
Touching on the wildlife and sealife in the area.
Combo: Aquaduck Sunshine Coast City Tour & River Cruise + SEA LIFE Tickets
Pratima
Feb., 2026
How they help when we are confuse with parking. They reply so quick and make it easier. When we enter the building they were always ready to question our answers. The photo they capture for us was so nice
Combo: Quack'rDuck Tour + Gold Coast Attraction Choice Tickets