Top things to do in Gold Coast

A scenic city tour on an amphibious duck bus

Explore Australia’s stunning Gold Coast and its breathtaking land and water scenery from the comfort of your amphibian vehicle. You read that right, your land vehicle also runs on water, so just sit back and enjoy this unique experience! Read on to learn more about tour timings, boarding points, and any other details required to plan your visit.

Why go on a Quack'rDuck tour in Gold Coast?

Quack'rDuck tours in gold coast
  • Gold Coast sightseeing: Explore Surfers Paradise, Palazzo Versace, Marina Mirage, and The Southport Yacht Club on your tour of Australia’s Gold Coast. 
  • Ride an amphibian vehicle: How often can you travel on a bus that can also turn into a boat when in water? That’s right, explore the Gold Coast in your amphibian vehicle that operates on land and in water. 
  • Animal sightings: On your tour in the ocean, get a chance to spot some dolphins and if you’re really lucky, some dugongs as well.

Other duck tours in Gold Coast

Aquaduck tour

A top tourist attraction, the Aquaduck tour is a unique way to experience the glamorous Gold Coast aboard an amphibious vehicle. The colourful bus, adorned by a duck with a bright, yellow beak, drives by Gold Coast’s most iconic landmarks before charting the waters. Along the way, jovial tour guides outline the city’s history and point out celebrity homes. The kids even get to steer the wheel as the vehicle surges through the waters. A fun experience for children and adults alike!

Aquaduck versus Quack’rDuck

Aquaduck

  • The first tour of the day is at 9:45 AM and the last tour is at 4:45 PM. 
  • The start point of the tour is Cavill Avenue, Surfer’s Paradise. 
  • The Aquaduck tour can be experienced as part of the Gold Coast Fun Pass that also gives you the chance to visit other attractions like Dreamworld, SkyPoint Observation Deck, and Infinity Attraction. 
  • Aquaduck tour offers gift vouchers along with merchandise for purchase. 
  • To keep the children engaged, Aquaduck offers them the chance to drive the boat in the waters while parents are allowed to take photos. 
  • Prices for the Aquaduck tour start from AU$50.

Quack’rDuck

  • The first tour of the day is 10:30 AM and the final tour is slotted for 4:45 PM every day. 
  • The start point for the Quack’rDuck tour is on Elkhorn Avenue, Surfer’s Paradise. 
  • Quack’rDuck is a stand-alone experience and combo tickets and passes are not available. 
  • Quack’rDuck does not offer gift vouchers but does sell merchandise onboard. 
  • Children are kept entertained aboard the tour bus with games, quizzes and tattoos. 
  • Prices for the Quack'rDuck Tour start from AU$45. 

Plan your Quack'rDuck tour in Gold Coast

Quack'rDuck tours in gold coast

Timings for Quack'rDuck tour in Gold Coast

  • The tour is seasonal and operational from October to July, as the weather is favourable. 
  • From October to December, the tour operates only for half of each month. From January to July, the tour operates every day of the month.
  • The tour lasts 65 minutes and is available in six slots, between 10:30 AM and 4:45 PM. 
  • The tour is not operational on Christmas, December 25th. 

Best time to visit

The spring months of October and November is the best time to visit Sunshine Coast but the tour may get crowded as well. Weekend tours usually tend to get filled up, but 12:30 to 3 PM will have relatively fewer crowds.

Depart from Quack’rDuck Piazza Tour Desk.

Address: 7 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia. Find on Maps

By bus: The closest bus stop is Surfers Paradise Cypress Avenue Bus Stop, five minutes away from the meeting point. Bus number 740 serves the route.

By tram: Cypress Avenue Tram Station is the closest tram station to the departure point, just about 40 metres away.

By car: The closest airport is the Gold Coast Airport which is about 30 minutes away from the departure point.

Parking facilities: The closest car parking is Cyprus Avenue Car Park, a short walk from the departure point. You can park your car here for AU$2 per hour.

Quack'rDuck tours in gold coast
  • Experienced guides: The tour includes experienced English-speaking guides who will share their knowledge of the Gold Coast's history, culture, and natural beauty during the tour.
  • Safety equipment: The tour vehicle is equipped with emergency equipment on board, including life jackets, life rings, and other floatation devices. The crew is trained in first aid and CPR in case of emergencies. 
  • Gifts: Caps, visors, backpacks, whistles and more are all available for purchase aboard the Quack'rDuck vehicle.
Quack'rDuck tours in gold coast
  • Life jackets mandatory: Life jackets are provided on board, and are compulsory to wear. 
  • No seat reservations: Seats are not pre-assigned to visitors. You can pick your desired seat on a first-come-first-serve basis. 
  • No outside food: Outside food and drinks are not permitted on the vessel, other than your personal water bottle. Food is not served on board either. 
  • No prams: Strollers and prams are not permitted on board, as there is no storage space on the vessel. Strollers can be parked at the tour desk. 
  • Not wheelchair accessible: Visitors with mobility challenges, but who can climb 5 steps with assistance would be able to board the vessel. The vessel is not accessible by guests in a wheelchair. 
  • Service animals: Registered guide dogs and other service animals are permitted on board the vessel. Pets are not allowed on board. 
  • Min 6 passengers: The tour only operates with a minimum of 6 members on board.
Quack'rDuck tours in gold coast
  • SkyPoint Observation Deck: Head to this 230m-high observation deck with a cafe, offering sweeping Gold Coast views, plus superb nightlife on weekends.
  • GoldCoast Regional Botanic Gardens: This expanse of green is a great day to spend your day in trees, with a huge playground for children to enjoy. 
  • Infinity Attraction: Enjoy illusion-based special effects and music at this fun-filled attraction near Surfers Paradise. 
  • HOTA: Home of the Arts is a cultural complex known for hosting interesting movies, shows, and concerts.

Visitor tips

  • Reach on time: The tour does not wait for guests who are running late. It is advisable that you reach at least 15 minutes in advance. 
  • Free entry for infants: Infants below 1 year of age can partake in the tour for free and must be seated on adults’ laps.
  • Stairs to the vessel: The stairs leading into the vessel have rope handrails on both sides to assist you in climbing the stairs. 
  • Discount on companion cards: Companion card holders are eligible for a 50% discount on their Quack'rDuck tour tickets. 
  • Plastic covers for splashing: The vessel has plastic pull-ups on both sides to prevent guests from getting wet as the vessel transitions from land to water. 
  • No toilets aboard: There are no toilets on board, do ensure to use either of the two public toilets at Elkhorn Avenue next to the beach.
  • Childrens’ games: Children can keep busy on board with the Quack'rDuck Spot the Difference quiz and fun body transfer tattoos.
  • Be prepared for seasickness: You will spend 45 minutes of your 65-minute tour on water, so carry the necessary medication if you suffer from seasickness.
  • Carry sun protection: For sunny days, carry a visor and sunscreen to protect from the heat. 
  • Keep warm in winter: The waters can get quite chilly in the winter. Do carry a jacket to keep yourself warm.

Frequently asked questions about Quack'rDuck tours in Gold Coast

The Quack’rDuck tour includes an hour-long guided tour of the Surfer’s Paradise region in Gold Coast, Australia.