Australia · GOLD COAST TOURS

Gold Coast Tours: 15 Beyond the Beach, Transfers Noted

122 tours  ·  from $14

Beyond the beach: whale season out of Southport, the hinterland glow worms, a surf lesson at Surfers and the theme parks inland. These 15 are priced and clear about transfers, which the Gold Coast always needs.

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride: 55 Minutes - The Broadwater sights between the spins
Boat Tours in the Gold Coast, Cruises & Boat Tours, Gold Coast Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in the Gold Coast, Queensland Tours, Tour Reviews

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride: 55 Minutes

1.Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride: 55 Minutes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,499 reviews · from $42Our pick

This 55-minute Jet Boat Extreme ride sends you across the Gold Coast Broadwater at up to 40 knots, with power slides, 360-degree spins, beach runs, and views of SeaWorld, the Versace Hotel, and Southport Yacht Club. Captains such as Jake, Toby, Mike, and Hamish add lively commentary. Expect to get wet.

“A load of fun to be had. Staff were courteous, willing to help out and made the trip sensational. The driver was very experienced; however I never lost my hat like he promised !”

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Surfers Paradise: 2 Hour Surf Experience on the Gold Coast - The sand lesson makes the water easier
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Surfers Paradise: 2 Hour Surf Experience on the Gold Coast

2.2 Hour Surf Experience on the Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,132 reviews · 2 - 6 hours · from $59

Meet your English-speaking Go Ride A Wave instructor near Cavill Avenue, collect a soft-top board and rash shirt or wetsuit, then learn surf safety, wave timing, board control, and the pop-up on Surfers Paradise Beach. The two-hour lesson suits first-timers, with instructors such as Taj, Jack, Ciara, Danny, and Hudson praised for patient, clear coaching.

“It was an amazing experience. All the instructors were very good. If anyone is looking for a surf lesson then these people are the best.”

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Gold Coast: Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show - The farmers’ story gives the show its heart
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Gold Coast: Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show

3.Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 974 reviews · 2 hours · from $84

Spend two hours at the Australian Outback Spectacular near Queensland’s Gold Coast. You’ll follow two farmers through hardship and hope while horses, acrobats, comedy, music, and special effects bring the story to life. Your ticket includes a three-course dinner, beer, wine or soft drinks, bush tea, a stockman’s hat, and parking.

“Everything was a great experience the meal was superb thank 3”

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Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast - What the Marine Biologist Adds
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Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast

4.Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 884 reviews · from $53

Cruise from Southport on Spirit of Gold Coast’s 24-meter catamaran during the June to November humpback migration. A marine biologist provides live commentary while you watch from the upper or lower decks. Morning tea, toilets, a licensed bar, and a complimentary return cruise if no whales are seen make this a practical Gold Coast wildlife outing.

“It’s an excellent and once in a lifetime experience.Crew is friendly and they are experts.whales are so close . It’s a thrilling experience.”

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Gold Coast: SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket - What you can see from the observation deck
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Gold Coast: SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket

5.SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 805 reviews · 365 days · from $25Best value

Ride the Q1 elevator to SkyPoint’s 77th-floor observation deck in about 43 seconds. From 230 metres above Surfers Paradise, you can see the beach, city and hinterland in one 360-degree view. Visit for breakfast, sunset or evening drinks, and stay for a meal if the weather and opening hours suit.

“Amazing to see Gold Coast in 360 view while chilling with some drinks at the 77th level of SkyPoint which you're reach by the elevator in just 38seconds!”

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Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild & More - 5 Day Pass - Movie World: rides, characters and possible queues
5-Day Experiences, Attraction Passes, Gold Coast Tours, Queensland Tours, Theme Park Tickets, Tour Reviews

Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild & More – 5 Day Pass

6.Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild & More – 5 Day Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 753 reviews · 3 months · from $126

You get five consecutive days of entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild and Paradise Country after your first visit. The open-dated ticket is valid for three months before activation, includes parking, and suits families who want rides, shows, marine life, water slides and farm activities without buying separate tickets.

“It was good and fun, but we taught the parks would be bigger, for what we paid...”

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Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour - A purpose-built catamaran with room to move
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Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

7.Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 659 reviews · from $49

Join Captain Dean and the Spirit of Gold Coast crew from Main Beach for a 2.5-hour humpback whale watch between June and October. You will cruise on a purpose-built 24-meter catamaran, hear live commentary from a marine biologist, and scan the sea from 360-degree decks. Tea, coffee, biscuits, and a free return trip if no whales appear are included.

“The trip was fantastic , they made sure we got up close to the whales. The crew were great. We had an awesome day.”

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Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight - Flying over the city or hinterland
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Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight

8.Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 647 reviews · from $284

Start with a pre-dawn pickup, then rise above the Gold Coast for 45 to 60 minutes, flying over the city or hinterland as wind allows. The balloon has doors instead of a high basket wall, and you receive a photo and movie package. You may also help pack the balloon after landing. Crew names include Ben, Reece, Casey, and Murray.

“Unfortunately it didn’t happen. The hot air balloon people tried on 3 separate days to get us airborne. The weather wasn’t good enough. Now awaiting refund of monies”

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Gold Coast: Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch - Appel Park makes the start refreshingly simple
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Gold Coast: Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch

9.Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 593 reviews · 2 hours · from $70

Board Spirit of Elston at Appel Park for a two-hour Gold Coast sightseeing cruise with a tropical buffet lunch. Expect Ocean King prawns, mussels, ham, chicken, salads, fruit, and pavlova, plus a licensed bar, air-conditioned seating, an open sundeck, and commentary from the captain and crew.

“Amazing day on the water. Food was delicious. Great atmosphere. Will definitely do again.”

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Gold Coast: Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour - Hinze Dam and the Morning Snack
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Gold Coast: Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour

10.Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 566 reviews · 5 hours · from $84

Escape the Gold Coast beaches for a five-hour guided trip through Springbrook National Park. Walk to Natural Bridge, see Purling Brook Falls, visit Best of All Lookout and travel through Numinbah Valley. Guides such as Bill, Andy, Mark and Tania add local stories about wildlife, plants and Aboriginal history. Snacks, water and selected hotel pickups are included.

“We really enjoyed this tour. Tour guide was really nice and saw beautiful views. Was nice that it was just a half-day too. However I think multiple people wanted the opportunity to go to the toilet just after each stop rather than always before.”

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Gold Coast: Evening Rainforest and Glow Worm Experience - From Surfers Paradise to Tamborine Mountain
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Gold Coast: Evening Rainforest and Glow Worm Experience

11.Evening Rainforest and Glow Worm Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 558 reviews · 3h 30m · from $84

Travel from the Gold Coast to Tamborine Mountain for a guided night walk through subtropical rainforest to Curtis Falls. Guides such as Tania, Alex, Damian, and Orion point out glow worms, frogs, spiders, geckos, pademelons, and other night creatures. Cake and coffee, tea, or hot chocolate round out this 210-minute outing.

“The most amazing adventure.. our guide was very knowledgeable and the trip was full of fun and laughs ! Would highly recommend to everyone! Thanks for the amazing memories 😊”

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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Entry Ticket - Australian animals up close
Gold Coast Tours, Queensland Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Entry Ticket

12.Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 538 reviews · from $50

Spend 2 to 6 hours exploring Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s 27 hectares, from koalas and kangaroos to the Lost Valley rainforest. Your entry includes keeper talks, lorikeet feeding, bird shows, reptile presentations and Aboriginal dance. Animal encounters such as koala cuddling cost extra, so plan your budget before arriving.

“This ended up being a completely unexpected highlight of our stay at the Gold Coast - and we didn't even plan on visiting initially. Animals have a great amount of space, staff are friendly and the prices are fair. Highly recommend!”

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Learn to Surf at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast - Safety talk, sand practice, and the first waves
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Learn to Surf at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast

13.Learn to Surf at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 491 reviews · from $60

Meet Go Ride A Wave on Cavill Avenue, collect a soft-top board and rash vest or wetsuit, then head to waist-deep water for a two-hour beginner lesson. Instructors such as Jack, Taj, Trent, Blake, and Marco teach safety, paddling, and the pop-up. Morning and afternoon sessions suit most schedules.

“A great experience for first time surfers! The instructors were amazing, with help from Trent by the end I was standing when I never thought I would!”

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Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise - Leaving from 63 Cavill Avenue
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Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise

14.Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 482 reviews · 1h 30m · from $31

Cruise the Surfers Paradise canals and Gold Coast waterways for 90 minutes with English commentary from the captain and guides such as Pete and Amelia. You’ll pass luxury homes, mega yachts, Marina Mirage, Sea World, and the city skyline, with cheese, crackers, savoury nibbles, wildlife spotting, and a licensed bar selling cocktails, beer, wine, and champagne.

“Amazing views. Amazing snacks. Amazing crew members. Drinks were awesome! Wear something nice to get a nice photo!”

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Gold Coast Tandem Skydive - What happens at 18 Coyne Street
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Gold Coast Tandem Skydive

15.Gold Coast Tandem Skydive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 467 reviews · from $355

Take a tandem jump from up to 12,000 feet above the Gold Coast, with about 45 seconds of freefall and a 4 to 5 minute parachute descent to Kirra Beach. You will train for about 15 minutes, fly from Coolangatta, and jump with an experienced instructor such as Adam, Germain, Rolly, Luke, or Mike.

“A dream come true experience as you jump off from the plane at 15000 ft. The guides are absolute profi and witty which makes your nerves to calm down before such adventure ;-)”

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