Australia · TOURS IN GOLD COAST

The 15 Tours in Gold Coast That Earn Their Price

32 tours  ·  from $25 a head

Good tours in Gold Coast fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

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

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 in Surfers Paradise for a 55-minute ride across the Gold Coast Broadwater. Your captain may include power slides, beach runs, high-speed drifting, and 360-degree spins while passing SeaWorld, the Versace Hotel, and Southport Yacht Club. Life jackets and lockers are provided, and spray jackets are available on colder days.

“It was an mazing experience …Jack was so professional , friendly and funny …he made the trip so enjoyable”

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Surfers Paradise: 2 Hour Surf Experience on the Gold Coast - Getting fitted with a board and rash shirt
2-Hour Experiences, Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in Gold Coast, Tour Reviews, Tours in Gold Coast

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 near the Surfers Paradise sign, collect your soft-top board and rash shirt or wetsuit, then learn in waist-deep water with a Level 1 instructor. The two-hour lesson covers safety, wave choice, board control, and standing up. Instructors such as Taj, Danny, Kal, and Hudson are praised for patient, personal coaching.

“Had a really good time , both instructors were super friendly and clear with instructions , would love to try surfing again”

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Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise - The 75-minute cruise from Brisbane
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Moreton Island Day Trips, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Gold Coast, Tour Reviews, Tours in Gold Coast

Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

3.Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

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

Spend a full day aboard the Spirit of Mulgumpin, a purpose-built catamaran sailing from Brisbane to Moreton Island. You’ll snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks with guides such as Jess, Georgia, or Brooke, watch for dolphins and turtles, eat a tropical buffet with ocean king prawns, and enjoy beach time with paddleboards and kayaks.

“A Huge Thank You! A heartfelt thank you to all the amazing staff who made this truly wonderful experience unforgettable — from the smooth bus transfer and delicious lunch to the incredible snorkeling adventure. This was by far the best snorkeling experience I’ve ever had! Everyone was so friendly, professional, and helpful, and the fish certainly showed up in full force. Aside from a few friendly bumps in the water, the snorkeling was absolutely fantastic. A special thank you for taking my camera down to capture that incredible shot of the grouper — what a moment! This experience brought me a deep sense of serenity and peace. I’m already saving…”

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Gold Coast: Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show - Arrival, hats, and the pre-show atmosphere
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Outback & 4WD Adventures, Show, Tour Reviews, Tours in Gold Coast

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 a moving Heartland story while horses, acrobats, comedy, music, and special effects fill the arena. Your ticket includes a three-course dinner, beer, wine or soft drinks during the show, bush tea, a stockman’s hat, and parking.

“Nothing your staff are so professional there polite, courteous and always willing to help if needed”

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Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast - What you learn from the marine biologist
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Gold Coast, Whale Watching, Whale Watching 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 aboard Spirit of Gold Coast, a 24-meter catamaran with upper and lower viewing decks. A marine biologist explains humpback behavior as you search for whales migrating between June and November. The trip includes tea or coffee, morning tea, live commentary, and a return cruise if no whale is seen.

“Unfortunately our scheduled trip was cancelled due to inclement weather. However, they cheerfully rescheduled our trip for another suitable day, and everything was perfect - beautiful day, lots of playful whales and dolphins, great commentary and staff. Brilliant!”

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Gold Coast: SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket - The fast Q1 lift ride
Observation Decks, Theme Parks & Attraction Passes, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Gold Coast

Gold Coast: SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket

6.SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket

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

Take the lift 77 floors up Q1 in Surfers Paradise for wide views over the Gold Coast, coastline, city, and hinterland. A $25 ticket gives you one-day entry, with breakfast, lunch, drinks, sunset, and night views all possible from SkyPoint’s Bar + Bistro. Check hours before you go, since private events and special closures can change access.

“It was a fantastic view of the Gold Coast. We even managed to see a Stingray & Whales. The only small negative is we didn't have any cash for the binoculars/viewer. Such a shame this isn't free, or included in the price.”

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Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild & More - 5 Day Pass - Movie World: superheroes, shows and big rides
5-Day Experiences, Theme Parks & Attraction Passes, Tour Reviews, Tours in Gold Coast

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 four Gold Coast attractions: Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild and Paradise Country. Meet superheroes, watch marine shows, ride coasters and water slides, or enjoy farm activities. Parking is included, but food, drinks and transfers are not.

“Great value! Used at Wet’N’Wild (1 day) and WB Movie World (2 days)! Decided to forgo SeaWorld, and return to Movie World for second day, which the kids loved!”

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Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour - What Captain Dean and the marine biologist add
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Gold Coast, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Gold Coast

Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 703 reviews · 2h 30m · from $52

From Southport’s Broadwater, you’ll spend 150 minutes watching migrating humpback whales with commentary from a marine biologist and captain Dean. The boat has 360-degree viewing decks, tea, coffee, and biscuits before departure, plus a free return trip if no whales appear. Bring sun protection and prepare for open-sea motion.

“I liked it a lot! Because you got a chance to see whales”

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Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight - Choosing between the city and hinterland views
Hot Air Balloon Flights, Tour Reviews, Tours in Gold Coast

Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight

9.Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight

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

Rise before dawn for a 45 to 60 minute Go Ballooning flight over the Gold Coast city or hinterland, guided by pilots such as Murray or Ben. Pickup, a photo and movie package, and an optional balloon pack-up are included. The accessible basket has doors, so you do not need to climb over the side.

“With Ben & crew, it was a flawless experience. From a timely pickup at Sheraton, to the launch site - very professional and friendly. We take off just before sunrise and witness the birth of a new day at 7,500 ft. The song of the wind on your Read more”

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Gold Coast: Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch - The Gold Coast Broadwater and Nerang River route
Buffet Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Gold Coast

Gold Coast: Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch

10.Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch

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

Spend two hours aboard the Spirit of Elston, cruising from Surfers Paradise past Sea World, Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace, and waterfront homes. You get a tropical buffet with prawns, mussels, ham, chicken, salads, fruit, and pavlova, plus a licensed bar, air-conditioned seating, an open sundeck, and live English commentary.

“The perfect weather on the day was probably the biggest plus. Just gorgeous! The staff were amazing.. friendly and helpful in all areas… so happy to have our anniversary acknowledged…. Thank you! The tour was just beautiful…. The homes along the inlets were simply beautiful. The FOOD !!!! Just mouthwatering…. I am not a big eater, but found myself going back for seconds… including dessert. Bloody awesome! We were on the top deck and found our table in the direct sun a little hot. We had to eat fast as food was heating up on our plate so quickly. All in all though we absolutely loved this tour. Would do…”

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Gold Coast: Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour - Hinze Dam adds a useful first pause
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Gold Coast, Waterfalls & Gorges

Gold Coast: Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour

11.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 and other viewpoints, and cross the Numinbah Valley. Guides such as Bill, Andy, Matt, Tania, and Orion add local stories about wildlife, plants, Aboriginal culture, and Gold Coast history.

“Today was a wonderful tour. We got to see the beautiful rainforest, mountains, spectacular views, waterfalls and some animals we never saw before. Our guide Daniel made this day even more special. He shared all of his knowledge with us and was sometimes even more excited about the nature and animals than we were. Thank you for always giving us the time we needed and for letting us enjoy every place in its whole beauty. Thank you for preparing us for what is going to come next and telling us about everything we wanted to know. I would highly recommend this tour. It is the perfect opposite to the beach…”

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Gold Coast: Evening Rainforest and Glow Worm Experience - From the Gold Coast to Tamborine Mountain
Glow Worm Caves, Tour Reviews, Tours in Gold Coast

Gold Coast: Evening Rainforest and Glow Worm Experience

12.Evening Rainforest and Glow Worm Experience

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

Travel from the Gold Coast to Tamborine National Park for a 210-minute evening outing with guides such as Tania, Damian, Alex, and Orion. You will stop for cake and a hot drink, walk to Curtis Falls, look for glow worms, and spot nocturnal creatures including frogs, pademelons, spiders, and geckos.

“Had a great time on the tour. Alex was great. Very knowledgeable and fun. Kept everyone informed and safe. Would highly recommend”

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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Entry Ticket - Start with a plan, not a rush
Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Gold Coast, Wildlife, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Entry Ticket

13.Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Entry Ticket

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

Spend 2 to 6 hours exploring Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast. Your general-entry ticket covers native animals, daily keeper talks, bird and reptile shows, lorikeet feeding, Aboriginal dance, Lost Valley, the wildlife hospital, and more. Animal encounters, food, photographs, and souvenirs cost extra.

“The park was fun, educational and sensational. The staff were friendly, approachable and informative. A must see park for anyone visiting the Gold Coast or Australia”

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Learn to Surf at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast - Practicing the pop-up on the sand
Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in Gold Coast, Tour Reviews, Tours in Gold Coast

Learn to Surf at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast

14.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 head to the beach for a two-hour beginner lesson. You’ll learn safety, paddle in waist-deep water, practice your pop-up on the sand, and work with instructors such as Jack, Taj, Blake, or Trent to catch your first wave. Boards and rash vests are included.

“Jack was an excellent instructor and went step by step so that everyone could have a legit shot at surfing. Also loved that o could purchase photos afterwards!”

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Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise - Mansions, marinas, and the Gold Coast boating scene
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise

15.Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise

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

Spend 90 minutes cruising the Nerang River, Surfers Paradise canals, and Gold Coast waterways with an English-speaking guide. Expect sunset views, waterfront mansions, mega-yachts, wildlife spotting, cheese, crackers, and savoury nibbles. The bar sells beer, wine, champagne, cocktails, and cold drinks. Guides such as Pete bring humour and local detail to the trip.

“Liked the top view and the entertaining commentary when advising of Gold Coast history. Would be nice for more selection of nibbles.”

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New in Tours in Gold Coast

★ 4.3Dreamworld 1-Day Entry TicketFrom $61134 reviews
★ 5.0Gold Coast Sunset Cruise with sparkling wine & nibbles platterFrom $8593 reviews
★ 4.7Tamborine Mountain Local Winery Tour with LunchFrom $16270 reviews
★ 5.0Gold Coast Whale Watching CruiseFrom $63342 reviews
★ 5.0Snorkel with Turtles Gold CoastFrom $114159 reviews
★ 4.5Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours)From $63318 reviews
★ 5.01.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!From $214374 reviews
★ 5.02 Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf AdventureFrom $46235 reviews
★ 5.01hr Jet Ski SafariFrom $164295 reviews
★ 4.6Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tourFrom $63340 reviews
★ 4.9Broadbeach: 2 Hour Surf Experience on the Gold CoastFrom $59225 reviews

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