Golden shores and rolling seas hog the spotlight but the Gold Coast’s winding waterways and estuaries scream out for summer shenanigans. It’s especially dazzling at the northern end’s canals and Broadwater as soothing streams invite party pontoons, sea safaris and even wackier transport modes. LOCALE rounds up the most exhilarating ways to splash around up north without returning with a car full of sand.
WRITTEN BY KRISTIE LAU-ADAMS
Sailing in Paradise
SAILING IN PARADISE’S GOLD COAST ISLAND CRUISE
Soak up the high life on board a luxury catamaran with Sailing in Paradise’s Gold Coast Island Cruise. You’ll shimmy past similarly spectacular vessels as a three-hour journey takes in the best of the Broadwater. Sparkling views span out to South Stradbroke Island, Wave Break Island and the Gold Coast Seaway near The Spit, a super photogenic stretch of sand, while beach party essentials like a giant splash mat and SUP gear can be found on board. A netted front deck is undoubtedly the cherry on top. Check the website for up-to-date pricing.
Main Beach | sailinginparadise.com.au
HOPO GOLD COAST FERRY
Skim the city’s channels on board the Hopo Gold Coast Ferry, departing hourly each day and dropping into iconic locations. Starting at the route’s most southern point, vessels leave Surfers Paradise before sailing to HOTA, Home of the Arts. The adventure pushes on to Marina Mirage at Main Beach before two final stops are made at Southport Pier and back at Main Beach’s Sea World. Keen to linger longer? There are two-hour sightseeing cruises in addition to the hop-on-and-hop-off day passes and single tickets. Check the website for every up-to-date price tag.
From Surfers Paradise to Sea World | hopo.com.au
AQUADUCK GOLD COAST
Half bus, half boat, all the fun. Aquaduck Gold Coast is the company’s second Queensland post (the other one’s in the Sunshine Coast) as the brand’s famed duck-emblazoned vehicle takes visitors from land to sea. A military vessel built in the 1950’s, the conspicuous contraption departs from Surfers Paradise for a one-hour tour of the area. It’s a mechanical marvel that never grows old, particularly when the wheels evolve into a gasp-worthy transformer for a highly anticipated splash down. Tickets cost $55 per adult and $44 per child.
Surfers Paradise | aquaduck.com.au/gold-coast
GOLD COAST PARTY PONTOONS
Grab the snags and head offshore with a full-day boat charter from Gold Coast Party Pontoons. Each vessel is fitted with a stainless-steel barbecue so you can self-drive (no licence required) and long lunch wherever the Broadwater winds take you. There’s a bunch of vessels to choose from including The Slip n Slide which carries up to 12 people and attaches a slippery dip off the back. No matter what you grab the keys to, expect fully enclosed toilets, fishing platforms and Bluetooth capability to keep your favourite bangers pumping. Prices start from $550 for seven hours.
Runaway Bay | goldcoastpartypontoons.com.au
LA LUNA BEACH CLUB
It’s securely anchored to Marina Mirage on Main Beach, but La Luna Beach Club is still an action-packed day out. At the centre, a glamorous resort-style pool invites sun-drenched revelry while lavish cabanas, day beds and sun lounges facilitate all day (and night) hangs. When hunger strikes, the menu provides fresh local seafood and hearty share plates, and best of all, the cocktails are expertly muddled to celebrate seasonal flavours of summer.
Main Beach | lalunabeachclub.com.au
GOLD COAST FISHING CHARTERS
Source an impossibly fresh feed (even if you’re a novice) on a half day trip with Gold Coast Fishing Charters. The experienced team offer morning and afternoon expeditions that depart from Main Beach and comb the Gold Coast Seaway where reef and game fishing thrives. Think juicy varieties like snapper, tuna, mackerel, cobia and more. The best bit? All your gear is included, plus they show you how to gut and bag whatever you haul in. It costs $160 per person.
Main Beach | goldcoastfishingcharters.com.au
JET SKI SAFARIS’ ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
Prefer life in the fast lane? You’ll slice and dice the waters of Stradbroke Island on Jet Ski Safaris’ two-and-a-half Ultimate Adventure tour. Nervy first timers will find solace with an introductory one-kilometre practice track before the 80-kilometre tour whips through wild mangroves, hide-tide passages and shimmering subtropical paradise. Priced from $399 per person.
Jet Ski Safaris, Main Beach | jetskisafaris.com.au
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