Australia · GOLD COAST TOURS

The 15 Best Gold Coast Tours & Experiences

126 tours  ·  from $14

Behind the high-rises are whales in winter, rainforest in the hinterland and a surf break every few hundred metres. These 15 are priced and timed, with the seasonal ones flagged.

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride: 55 Minutes - Safety briefing, lockers, and getting ready
Cruises & Boat Tours, Gold Coast 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

Meet Jet Boat Extreme at 30-34 Ferny Avenue in Surfers Paradise for a 55-minute ride across the Gold Coast Broadwater. Your captain handles high-speed spins, power slides, drifting, and beach runs at up to 40 knots. Life jackets, lockers, and spray jackets on colder days are included.

“Hands down the best experience our captain was so nice My boys absolutely loved it The guide/captain was the best”

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Surfers Paradise: 2 Hour Surf Experience on the Gold Coast - Finding the shop at Paradise Center
2-Hour Experiences, Gold Coast Tours, Tour Reviews

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 Go Ride A Wave at Paradise Center, collect a soft board and rash shirt or wetsuit, then spend two hours learning safety, wave timing, positioning, and board control at Surfers Paradise Beach. Instructors such as Taj, Danny, Hudson, and Kal are praised for clear, patient coaching.

“The instructors were very helpful and I learned a lot in a short space of time and was successful with surfing in very harsh conditions”

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Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise - The 75-minute catamaran ride from Brisbane
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Gold Coast Tours, Tour Reviews

Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

3.Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,039 reviews · 1 day · from $152

Cruise from Brisbane to Moreton Island aboard the Spirit of Mulgumpin, a purpose-built catamaran. You’ll snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks with a guide, watch for dolphins, turtles and dugongs, eat a tropical buffet, and enjoy beach time, fish feeding and paddleboarding.

“From the moment Callum picked us up, we were greeted warmly and had a smooth trip to the marina. The vessel as gorgeous. We had the best day and Callum was a huge part of that! He’s a great bartender too!”

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Gold Coast: Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show - Arriving at the venue near the Gold Coast
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Gold Coast Tours, Show, Tour Reviews, Uluru & Outback Tours

Gold Coast: Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show

4.Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show

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

Spend two hours at Australian Outback Spectacular near the Gold Coast, following two farmers through hardship and hope. Your ticket includes a three-course dinner, beer, wine or soft drinks, bush billy tea, a stockman’s hat, and parking. Expect horses, acrobats, special effects, comedy, and live music.

“Excellent and a different experience of its kind. A must see”

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Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast - The Main Whale-Watching Run
Gold Coast Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Gold Coast

Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast

5.Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast

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

Cruise from Southport on Spirit of Gold Coast, a 24-meter catamaran with open viewing decks, morning tea, and marine biologist commentary. From June to November, look for humpback whales, dolphins, calves, and tail slaps. If no whale is seen, you receive a complimentary return cruise.

“Very organized and professionally run tour. Saw whales immediately upon leaving the seaway! They offered seasickness tablets to everyone ($3) and although it wasn’t rough we were glad we took them as we saw a couple of other people get sick. Trip was just long enough and with fine weather it made an excellent afternoon experience for us and our teenage son.”

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Gold Coast: SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket - What the 360-degree view shows you
Gold Coast Tours, Observation Decks, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Gold Coast: SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket

6.SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket

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

Ride the Q1 lift to SkyPoint’s 77th floor in about 43 seconds, then take in 360-degree views of Surfers Paradise, the coast, and hinterland. Your $25 ticket is valid for one visit within 365 days, with breakfast, meals, drinks, and sunset viewing available at SkyPoint Bar + Bistro.

“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 for coasters, characters, and shows
5-Day Experiences, Gold Coast Tours, Tour Reviews

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

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

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

Use one open-dated pass for five consecutive days at Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, and Paradise Country. You can return to any park during that period, making it useful for families who want repeat rides, shorter visits, or a backup when attractions close.

“The rides and shows were great. However we were there during school holidays so would recommend the upgrade and get Fast Ticket. We didn’t on our first day and spent a good chunk waiting in queues.”

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Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour - A 24-meter catamaran built for whale watching
Gold Coast Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Gold Coast

Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

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

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

Meet Spirit of Gold Coast at Main Beach for a 2.5-hour humpback whale cruise from June to October. Captain Dean and a marine biologist guide help you spot whales, dolphins, and other sea life from the catamaran’s open viewing decks. Tea, coffee, biscuits, and a free second trip if no whales appear are included.

“Excellent experience, the whales were swimming along beside us and the captain have great commentary with lots of info. The crew took great care of everyone and were very attentive to those who were sea sick too”

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Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight - What the 45 to 60 minute flight feels like
Balloons, Gold Coast Tours, Hot Air Balloon Flights, Tour Reviews

Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight

9.Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight

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

Rise before dawn for a Gold Coast balloon flight with Go Ballooning. Fly over the city or hinterland, depending on wind, with pilots such as Murray, Ben, Reece, or Casey. The basket has doors, and your package includes flight photos and video.

“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: Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour - Hinze Dam is a useful first pause
Gold Coast Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Gold Coast: Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour

10.Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour

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

Leave the Gold Coast with an English-speaking local guide for Natural Bridge, Springbrook waterfalls, Numinbah Valley, and Best of All Lookout. Expect short guided walks, rainforest facts, snacks, and wildlife spotting, with guides such as Bill, Andy, Matt, and Tania known for lively local commentary.

“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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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Entry Ticket - The Lorikeet Feeding Is the Signature Moment
Gold Coast Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Gold Coast

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Entry Ticket

11.Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Entry Ticket

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

Spend 2 to 6 hours exploring Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a 27-hectare Gold Coast refuge with koalas, kangaroos, lorikeets, reptiles, and more. Your ticket includes daily keeper talks, bird and reptile shows, the Lost Valley rainforest, and Aboriginal dance performances. Extra animal encounters cost more.

“It was a great day out. Very accessible by bus from Broadbeach. Lots of animals to see with lots of signs containing interesting information. Navigation was a tad confusing at the start, but once I worked things out, I got around the whole park very easily. Definitely recommend if you're interested in Australian wildlife.”

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Learn to Surf at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast - Meeting on Cavill Avenue and getting ready
Gold Coast Tours, Tour Reviews

Learn to Surf at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast

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

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

Meet Go Ride A Wave on Cavill Avenue, then learn surf safety, paddle in waist-deep water, and practice standing up with a qualified instructor. Soft-top boards and rash vests are included. Morning and afternoon sessions suit first-timers, families, and mixed-skill groups.

“Brillant fun! Well run, organised and 3 instructors were so lovely, fun and experienced. My 14 yr old and I loved our 2 hour surf lesson!”

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Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise - Starting at 63 Cavill Avenue
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Gold Coast Tours, Tour Reviews

Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise

13.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 live English commentary, sunset views, wildlife spotting, cheese, crackers, and savoury nibbles. Guides such as Pete keep things lively, while the licensed bar serves beer, wine, champagne, cocktails, and soft drinks.

“This was amazing ! Unlimited savoury snacks throughout the tour. And cheap cocktails! The staff were so lovely and accommodating. Captain was so funny and informative and let people sit in the captain seat. Such good value for money. Couldn’t recommend it more !!!”

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Gold Coast Tandem Skydive - From Coyne Street to the Aircraft
Gold Coast Tours, Tour Reviews

Gold Coast Tandem Skydive

14.Gold Coast Tandem Skydive

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

Join Gold Coast Skydive for a tandem jump from up to 12,000 feet, with about 45 seconds of freefall and a gentle parachute ride to Kirra Beach. Instructors including Adam, Germain, Luke, Rolly, and Mike are praised for calm, friendly guidance. The experience takes about 2.5 hours.

“The moment push off the plane was scared me to death! Then I tumbled twice upside down, eyes closed in the first 5 seconds. Thanks to my coach Luke, he quickly calmed me down, tapped my shoulder to open my arms to fly……. The most exciting thing I have done for my first trip to Australia, the crew is very professional and patient, they are amazing 👍😊”

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Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast + Return Transfers - Watching the balloon rise before sunrise
Balloons, Gold Coast Tours, Hot Air Balloon Flights, Tour Reviews, Wine Tasting Tours, Wine Tours

Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast + Return Transfers

15.Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast + Return Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 437 reviews · from $335

Start before dawn with hotel pickup from Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach, then rise over vineyards, forests, lakes, and pasture as the sun comes up. Your pilot provides commentary, and the morning ends with a hot breakfast, sparkling wine, cellar-door tasting, and digital flight photos at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley.

“The views were beautiful, the team was very knowledgeable and professional and breakfast at winery topped it off perfectly.”

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New in Gold Coast Tours

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★ 4.5Swim with Whales in Gold CoastFrom $8071 reviews
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★ 5.0TreeTop Challenge Currumbin Wildlife ParkFrom $5021 reviews
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★ 5.0Tamborine Mountain TreeTop Challenge Adventure ParkFrom $50157 reviews
★ 5.0Snorkel with Turtles Gold CoastFrom $114159 reviews
★ 4.5Morning Kayak & Snorkel Adventure with BreakfastFrom $71155 reviews
★ 5.0Gold Coast 2 hour Sunset Sailing Cruise with Drinks&Tasting PlateFrom $80131 reviews
★ 5.0Small Boat Whale Watching Tour in Gold CoastFrom $7368 reviews
★ 4.5Sirromet Winery Tour and Taste and 2 Course LunchFrom $6338 reviews
★ 4.5Mount Tamborine Winery Tour with Gourmet lunchFrom $16452 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching Gold CoastFrom $6365 reviews
★ 5.0Gold Coast Breakfast Sailing Cruise with snacks & bubblesFrom $7825 reviews
★ 5.0Learn to Surf at Coolangatta on the Gold CoastFrom $6074 reviews

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