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Plan Your Gold Coast Cruise

Gold Coast Cruises | Visitor information at a glance

Marina Mirage view with yachts docked, Gold Coast buffet lunch setting.
  • Cruise schedules: Daily departures, with morning, afternoon, and evening sailings. Whale watching runs May–Nov.
  • Boarding points: Marina Mirage (Main Beach) and Surfers Paradise are the main departure jetties.
  • Duration: Options range from 45 minutes (jet boat rides) to 3 hours (whale watching/dinner cruises).
  • Accessibility: Most sightseeing & dinner cruises have wheelchair-accessible lower decks; adventure (jet boat/kayak) generally do not. Check your specific tour.
Read more about the cruises

Gold Coast cruise opening hours

Four guests dining under an umbrella on a top deck with Surfers Paradise skyline in the background.

Sightseeing Cruises

Opening hours: Daily, with main lunch cruise at 12pm (check-in 11:40am).

Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours.

Must know: You’ll find options from morning to afternoon, but the midday buffet lunch cruise is the most popular. Some operators also run hourly departures.

Book Sightseeing Cruise
Whale tail splashing near Spirit of Gold Coast whale watching boat.

Whale Watching Cruises

Opening hours: Season runs late May to October, with tours daily at 8am, 9am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, and 3pm.

Duration: 2.5 hours.

Must know: These cruises are seasonal, so book early if you’re visiting in winter. Check in 20 minutes before departure at Sea World Cruises Terminal, Main Beach.

Book Whale Watching
Gold Coast HOHO sightseeing cruise with city skyline in background.

Hop-on hop-off Cruises

Opening hours: 9:15am – late afternoon, boats every hour, 7 days a week.

Duration: All-day pass with unlimited rides.

Must know: You can jump off at Surfers Paradise, Sea World, HOTA, Marina Mirage, or Broadwater Parklands and rejoin later. Great if you like exploring at your own pace.

Book HOHO Ferry
Aquaduck vehicle transitioning from land to water on a Gold Coast city tour.

Special Cruise Experiences

Opening hours: From as early as 7:30am, depending on the tour.

Duration: 1 to 3 hours, depending on activity.

Must know: Whether it’s kayaking, snorkelling, or the Aquaduck, these experiences are shorter but pack in adventure. Each has its own schedule, so check your ticket carefully.

Book Special Tours

Read more about timings here.

Best time to plan your Gold Coast cruise

  • Peak season (Dec–Feb, school holidays): Expect high demand and larger crowds. Sunset dinner cruises and whale watching sell out quickly. Arrive 45–60 minutes early.
  • Low season (May–Aug): Calmer crowds, though evenings can be chilly. Whale watching is at its peak, so mornings are often booked first.
  • Seasonal highlights:
  • Summer (Dec–Feb): Longer daylight, perfect for sunset cruises.
  • Autumn (Mar–May): Cooler temperatures, great for dining cruises.
  • Winter (Jun–Aug): Prime whale watching season; bring warm layers.
  • Spring (Sep–Nov): Pleasant weather with fewer crowds before school holidays.

How to get to your Gold Coast cruise

Tram on Gold Coast street with high-rise buildings in the background.

By public transport

  • Bus: Surfside buses connect Surfers Paradise to Marina Mirage (routes 705, 731).
  • Tram: G:link light rail stops at Cypress Avenue and Cavill Avenue, a short taxi or shuttle ride to cruise terminals.
  • Transfers: Some whale watching and dinner cruises include pickup from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach hotels.
Gold Coast highway with city skyscrapers and lush greenery in the background.

By car

  • Driving route: From Gold Coast Hwy, head towards Main Beach/Sea World Drive. Marina Mirage has on-site parking.
  • Parking:
    Marina Mirage parking (free for up to 3 hours).
  • Sea World car park (5-min walk).
  • Bruce Bishop Car Park (Surfers Paradise, ~10-min walk).

Read more about getting there here.

Know before you board your Gold Coast cruise

Boarding points
Facilities onboard
Visitor tips
What to wear
Dining
Stays
Pier leading to Sea World Cruises building with outdoor seating area.
  • Sea World Cruises Terminal – Main Beach
    Best for whale watching tours; located inside Sea World with free parking and easy bus access.
  • Mariners Cove Marina – Main Beach
    Home base for dinner, lunch, and private charters; right next to the Marina Mirage dining precinct.
  • Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf – Appel Park
    The go-to city wharf for sightseeing, hop-on hop-off cruises, and jet boat rides, just a short walk from the Cavill Ave tram stop.
Family on top deck enjoying view of Marina Mirage yachts during Gold Coast buffet lunch.
  • Indoor cabins with air-con if you’d like to escape the heat.
  • Open sundecks give you the best skyline and ocean shots.
  • Licensed bars serve drinks and light snacks, with buffets on some cruises.
  • Every large vessel has restrooms, and some even offer live entertainment.
Tourists photographing a whale from a cruise deck in the ocean.
  • 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.
Ladies enjoying Gold Coast buffet lunch on top deck with city skyline.
  • Keep it casual: Comfy clothes and non-slip shoes are best for decks.
  • Daytime gear: Bring sunscreen, sunnies, and a hat as the sun can be strong.
  • Evening layers: A light jacket or windbreaker makes evening sails much more pleasant.
  • Jet boat ready: Spray jackets are handed out on cooler days, so you won’t get drenched.
Sushi pieces with chopsticks on a plate, close-up view.
  • Rick Shores: Beachfront dining with a modern Asian menu worth booking ahead.
  • Kiyomi: Upscale Japanese plates at The Star, perfect for a night out.
  • Shiraz: A Surfers Paradise favourite for Persian flavours.
  • Sankalp: Easy, family-friendly Indian dining in the city centre.
  • 3 Sixty: Relaxed bites with great ocean views.
Luxury hotel room with elegant decor, plush bed, and modern furnishings.
  • Crowne Plaza: Central and comfortable, a good mid-range pick.
  • Peppers Soul: High-rise luxury right on the beachfront.
  • Sofitel Broadbeach: Stylish stay with dining and nightlife all around.
  • Sheraton Grand Mirage: Beachfront resort luxury beside Marina Mirage.
  • QT Gold Coast: Trendy and fun, with a lively vibe.

Top landmarks near Gold Coast

Drone view of vessel on Gold Coast waterway with Surfers Paradise skyline.

Frequently asked questions about planning your Gold Coast cruise

What cruise options can I choose from?

Sightseeing, whale watching, hop-on hop-off, and fun special tours like kayaking or private boats.

How long do Gold Coast cruises last?

Most run 2–2.5 hours, while hop-on hop-off gives you a full day of exploring.

When’s the best time to go?

Morning and sunset for views; June to November for whale watching.

What landmarks will I see?

Expect Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace, Sea World, Broadwater Parklands, and luxury homes.

Are meals included on board?

Sightseeing cruises have tropical buffets, while others include light snacks or drinks.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes—dinner and whale cruises often sell out, especially in peak season.

Are the cruises family-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the whales, and hop-on hop-off is perfect for families.

What should I bring along?

Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a light jacket for evening breezes.

Where do cruises usually depart from?

Main Beach or Surfers Paradise—your ticket will confirm the exact spot.

Why plan your Gold Coast cruise?

 Because it’s the best way to see the city, spot wildlife, and enjoy the water in style.