Make Memories with These Gold Coast Holiday Activities

Your Ultimate Guide to Gold Coast Holiday Activities

Gold Coast holiday activities are plentiful and diverse, offering something for every type of traveler. Whether you're planning a family vacation or a getaway with friends, here's a quick overview of the best activities to include in your itinerary:

• Water-based trips: Jet ski tours, pontoon cruises, parasailing
• Theme parks: Dreamworld, Movie World, Wet'n'Wild
• Nature experiences: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamborine Mountain
• Beach activities: Surfing at Surfers Paradise, swimming, beach volleyball
• Indoor attractions: ArtVo Illusions, Game Over entertainment center

The Gold Coast is renowned for its stunning waterways, and there's no better way to experience them than on a self-drive pontoon or high-powered jet ski. With our Full Day Pontoon Hire ($590), you can gather up to 11 friends for eight hours of cruising, BBQing, and making memories on the water. For thrill-seekers, our 1-Hour Jet Ski Tours ($200) offer guided trips with no license required, while our Boat & Jet Ski Package ($1900) combines relaxation and excitement in one ultimate day out.

I'm Giovanni Randello, and my lifelong passion for the ocean and jet skiing has evolved into creating unforgettable Gold Coast holiday activities that combine quality equipment with personalized experiences. Growing up around boats and racing jet skis taught me everything about delivering water trips that exceed expectations while keeping safety as the top priority.

Set Sail: Top Water-Based Gold Coast Holiday Activities

The Gold Coast's stunning waterways are a playground of endless possibilities. The Broadwater, with its crystal-clear waters and spectacular skyline views, offers the perfect setting for unforgettable trips. At GC Jet Ski, we specialize in helping you make the most of these pristine waters with our range of self-drive pontoons and Sea-Doo jet skis.

Before every trip, we provide comprehensive safety briefings to ensure your experience is as safe as it is thrilling. And yes, you can bring your own beverages (BYOB) to enjoy responsibly on our pontoon hires! We simply ask that you leave our pontoons as clean as you found them—making it easy for everyone to enjoy their day on the water.

Want to know more about family-friendly options? Check out our More info about Family Friendly Water Sports page.

Full-Day Pontoon Hire – 8 Hours of Bliss

For just $590, our Full Day Pontoon Hire gives you and up to 11 mates eight full hours of Gold Coast pontoon boat fun! This package is perfect for those wanting to make a day of it, with plenty of time to explore hidden coves, anchor at secluded beaches, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The pontoon comes equipped with a BBQ, so you can sizzle up a feast while floating on the sparkling Broadwater. No boat license is needed—our team will give you all the instruction you need to steer with confidence. Want to try your hand at fishing? Bring your gear along and see what you can catch from the comfort of your floating party platform.

Don't forget to bring your favorite playlist—there's nothing quite like cruising the Gold Coast waterways with a chill soundtrack setting the mood. For an extra special touch, add a jet ski for just $200 per hour (minimum 2 hours) to inject some adrenaline into your relaxing day.

Half-Day Pontoon Hire – Mid-Week Escape

Short on time but big on trip? Our Half Day Pontoon Hire at $400 (available midweek only) gives you four hours of cruising, perfect for those looking to escape the everyday without committing to a full day. This package is ideal for a lunchtime BBQ cruise with friends or family.

The midweek timing means you'll enjoy calmer waters and fewer crowds—a more peaceful experience overall. Like our full-day hire, no license is required, and you can bring your own drinks to enjoy responsibly while soaking up the Gold Coast sunshine.

For those wanting to add some excitement to their relaxing pontoon experience, you can add a jet ski for just $200 per hour (minimum 2 hours). It's the perfect combination of chill and thrill!

1-Hour Jet Ski Tours – Guided Gold Coast Holiday Activities

Looking for Gold Coast holiday activities that get your heart racing? Our 1-Hour Jet Ski Tours at $200 are perfect for both first-time riders and experienced pros. These guided tours take you along the stunning coastline, with experienced guides leading the way to ensure you have the best possible experience.

No license? No problem! Our guided tours are designed so that anyone can participate, regardless of previous jet ski experience. Our guides will provide full instruction before you set off, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident on the water.

Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings—dolphins are frequent visitors to these waters! We'll also make photo stops at scenic locations so you can capture memories of your trip. There's nothing quite like the feeling of skimming across the water with the Gold Coast skyline as your backdrop. For more details, visit our More info about Jet Ski Tours page.

1-Hour Jet Ski Hire – Licence Holders' Free Ride

For those with a valid jet ski license looking for solo thrills, our 1-Hour Jet Ski Hire at $200 gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Zoom across sparkling channels, hop between islands, and take in breathtaking coastal views—all on your own terms.

While you'll need to observe speed limits and safety regulations, having your license means you can chart your own course through the Gold Coast's beautiful waterways. It's an exhilarating way to experience the coast from a unique perspective.

Our Sea-Doo jet skis are powerful, responsive, and carefully maintained, ensuring you have a safe and thrilling ride. Before you set off, our team will brief you on local waterway rules and point out the best areas to explore during your hour on the water. Find more about these trips on our More info about Gold Coast Fun Activities page.

Boat & Jet Ski Package – All-Day Adrenaline + Chill

Want the ultimate Gold Coast holiday activities package? Our Boat & Jet Ski Package at $1900 combines the best of both worlds—relaxed cruising and thrilling action! This comprehensive package includes:

• BBQ Pontoon Hire: Cruise the Gold Coast's stunning waterways with your mates on a spacious BBQ pontoon for 8 hours
• 2 Sea-Doo Jet Skis: Get your adrenaline pumping with 4 hours of high-speed action on 2 Sea-Doo jet skis

This package is perfect for groups wanting to experience everything the Gold Coast waterways have to offer. Use the pontoon as your basecamp—a place to relax, enjoy a BBQ lunch, and perhaps a cold drink—while taking turns exploring on the jet skis.

The combination creates an epic day of memories, with something for everyone in your group. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just making the most of your Gold Coast holiday, this package delivers unforgettable experiences.

Land & Nature Add-Ons for a Balanced Itinerary

While our passion lies in creating unforgettable water trips, we know that a truly memorable Gold Coast holiday combines both waves and wilderness. After your exhilarating jet ski tour or relaxing pontoon cruise with us, why not complement your experience with some of the Gold Coast's spectacular natural attractions?

The Gold Coast region is blessed with over 2,200 parks and green spaces, easily findable through the City of Gold Coast's handy Park Finder tool. From the iconic coastal headlands to the lush, mystical hinterland, there's natural beauty waiting around every corner.

Free & Low-Cost Ideas the Kids Will Love

Not every memorable Gold Coast holiday activity needs to come with a hefty price tag. Some of the most magical moments happen during those simple, spontaneous trips:

Grab a cricket set and head to Main Beach as the sun starts to dip – the wide, flat sands create the perfect natural pitch, and there's something special about playing as the sky turns pink and orange. When the tide is low at Currumbin or Tallebudgera Creek, the exposed rock pools become fascinating mini-ecosystems for little explorers to find. We've seen families create wonderful memories with sunset sandcastle competitions (pro tip: bring a small prize for the winner to add to the excitement!).

The coastal walking paths offer prime wildlife spotting opportunities – keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the waves! And if your family loves to stay active, the Gold Coast's extensive network of bike paths provides a fantastic way to explore the coastline from a different perspective.

For families with curious minds, the NaturallyGC holiday programs offer over 350 nature-based activities throughout the year. Many are free or very affordable, including guided bushwalks, wildlife encounters, and coastal education programs that perfectly complement your on-water trips with us.

Outdoor Gold Coast Holiday Activities in the Hinterland

Just a 30-minute drive from where our jet skis and pontoons cruise the Broadwater, you'll find the refreshing contrast of the Gold Coast Hinterland. This verdant wonderland offers a completely different experience with its ancient rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, and noticeably cooler climate – a welcome escape on those hot summer days after your morning on the water with us.

Springbook National Park , often affectionately called "the green behind the gold," features walking tracks suitable for all fitness levels. The Natural Bridge section is particularly magical – imagine a waterfall flowing through a cave that comes alive with glow worms after dark. It's easily visited as a day trip after your morning pontoon cruise or jet ski trip.

The hinterland is dotted with well-maintained picnic areas complete with tables and facilities, perfect for refueling after a bushwalk. Many of our guests tell us they love the contrast of splitting their Gold Coast holiday activities between thrilling mornings on our jet skis and peaceful afternoons among the ancient trees and singing birds of the hinterland.

Remember though, while these land-based trips are wonderful complements to your Gold Coast experience, nothing quite matches the unique thrill and freedom of skimming across the Broadwater on one of our Sea-Doos or relaxing with friends on a BBQ pontoon – those water-based memories tend to become the highlight of any Gold Coast holiday!

Sun-Smart or Rainy-Day Indoor Fun

While the Gold Coast is famous for its sunshine (we get around 300 sunny days per year!), it's always good to have some indoor options up your sleeve—whether to escape the heat or have a backup plan for the occasional rainy day.

Indoor attractions offer air-conditioned comfort, a boost of creativity, and often shorter queues than outdoor activities during peak holiday periods. Here are some of our favorite indoor Gold Coast holiday activities to complement your water trips with GC Jet Ski.

Game Over Gold Coast for High-Energy Play

When the kids still have energy to burn after a morning on the water, Game Over Gold Coast offers the perfect indoor playground. This premier entertainment center features electric go-karts, a Clip 'n Climb facility with 19 different climbing challenges, laser tag arenas, and an extensive arcade.

Their combo passes make it easy to experience multiple attractions at a discounted rate. The center separates race sessions by age to ensure safety and fairness, making it suitable for the whole family. Just remember to pre-book online to guarantee availability, especially during school holidays.

ArtVo Illusions for Mind-Bending Photos

For something completely different, ArtVo Gold Coast offers an immersive 'trick-art' gallery experience that's perfect for visitors of all ages. This unique attraction features optical illusion murals that create incredible photo opportunities—you can appear to be surfing the ultimate pipeline, facing off against King Kong, or floating in space!

Staff are on hand to help you strike the perfect pose, and your entry ticket allows you to stay all day, making it excellent value. The six huge themed rooms provide plenty of entertainment, especially on a rainy day. It's a creative way to capture unique holiday memories that will have your social media friends doing double-takes.

Aquaduck & Whale Watching Extras

The Aquaduck—a unique amphibious vehicle that operates on both land and water—has welcomed over 2.2 million happy customers since launching in 1996. This one-hour city tour and river cruise is perfect for families, with children even getting the opportunity to drive the duck while on the water and receive a souvenir captain's certificate.

If you're visiting between June and November, consider adding a whale watching tour to your itinerary. Whales in Paradise maintains an impressive 99% daily whale sighting record on their tours, and their purpose-built vessels feature water-level viewing decks for incredible close encounters with these magnificent creatures.

Smart Planning & Money-Saver Tips

Making the most of your Gold Coast holiday activities doesn't have to empty your wallet. With a bit of savvy planning, you can maximize your fun while keeping costs down. As locals who've been showing visitors the best of our waterways for years, we've picked up a few tricks to share with you.

Our pontoon and jet ski experiences already offer excellent value, but there are ways to stretch your holiday dollar even further. Multi-park passes can be a great option if you're planning to visit several attractions during your stay. Packing your own snacks and drinks for your pontoon trip (remember, we're BYOB-friendly!) will save you from expensive takeaway prices. And don't forget the sunscreen essentials – that Gold Coast sun is famous for a reason!

Beating the Crowds on Busy Days

Let's face it – with around 10 million tourists visiting the Gold Coast annually, knowing how to steer the crowds can make or break your holiday experience.

Early birds definitely catch the worm when it comes to water activities. Not only will you enjoy calmer water conditions in the morning, but you'll also beat the midday rush. If early mornings aren't your thing, consider our late-arvo sessions when many day-trippers are already heading back to their accommodations.

Here's our little insider secret: rainy days can actually be perfect for jet ski trips! You're going to get wet anyway, and you'll find far fewer people out on the water. Plus, our midweek pontoon hire special offers both savings and a more peaceful experience away from the weekend crowds.

If you're visiting during school holidays (our busiest time), booking your activities well in advance is absolutely essential to secure your preferred dates with us.

Getting Around the Coast with Kids

The Gold Coast offers brilliant family-friendly transport options that can save you both money and the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.

The G:link light rail system connects many popular spots along the coast, making it easy to hop between beaches and attractions. For a scenic alternative, try the ferry services crossing the Broadwater – the kids will love the boat ride, and you'll get some gorgeous photos of the skyline.

Bike hire is widely available if you're feeling active, with extensive dedicated cycling paths stretching along our beautiful coastline. Many popular areas also feature stroller-friendly boardwalks and paths, making it easy to explore with little ones in tow.

If you're smart about choosing accommodation near these transport options, you might even be able to skip the rental car altogether – saving you money on both the car and those pesky parking fees.

Staying Safe & Eco-Friendly

Safety and environmental care go hand-in-hand when enjoying the natural beauty of the Gold Coast. At GC Jet Ski, safety is our absolute priority, which is why life vests are mandatory and provided with all our hires.

The Queensland sun is stronger than many visitors expect, so apply sunscreen regularly and wear sun-safe clothing, even on cloudy days. A rash vest is perfect for jet skiing – it'll protect you from both sun and spray.

We're passionate about keeping our waterways pristine, so we ask all our customers to practice "leave no trace" principles. When you're enjoying our pontoons, please leave them as clean as you found them. When exploring beaches and parks, take all rubbish with you when you leave.

And while spotting marine life is one of the highlights of a Gold Coast water trip, always maintain safe distances and never feed wild animals – it's better for their health and yours!

With these simple tips, you'll not only have an amazing time exploring everything the Gold Coast has to offer, but you'll help ensure these beautiful places remain just as spectacular for future visitors. For more ideas on how to make the most of your trip with friends and family, check out our Group Activities Gold Coast page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gold Coast Water Trips

Do I need a licence for jet ski tours?

No worries at all about licences for our guided jet ski tours! You can leave your paperwork at home when joining one of our expert-led trips. Our friendly guides provide complete instruction before you hit the water and stay with you throughout the tour, ensuring you have both a safe and absolutely brilliant time on the waves. It's perfect for first-timers or those who've never had the chance to get their licence.

That said, if you're keen on taking one of our jet skis out solo (our self-hire option), you will need to show us a valid jet ski licence. Safety first on the beautiful Gold Coast waterways!

Can we bring alcohol on the pontoon hire?

Good news for your floating party plans – yes, you're welcome to BYO alcoholic beverages to enjoy while cruising on our pontoons! We don't charge any corkage fees, making your day out even more affordable. All we ask is that you enjoy responsibly and leave our pontoons as clean as you found them when your trip ends.

One important note though – whoever's designated as the skipper needs to stay under the legal blood alcohol limit (just like driving a car). We want everyone to have a fantastic time while staying safe on the water. Many groups rotate the skipper role throughout the day so everyone can enjoy a drink at some point during your Gold Coast holiday activities.

What's the minimum age for kids on jet skis or pontoons?

Family fun is what we're all about at GC Jet Ski! On our pontoon hires, kids of all ages are welcome when they're with their adults. It's a brilliant family-friendly option with plenty of space for the little ones to move around safely.

For our jet ski trips, we have a few age guidelines to keep everyone safe:

• Passengers on jet skis must be at least 8 years old
• Anyone wanting to drive a jet ski on our guided tours needs to be at least 16 years old

We stick pretty firmly to these age requirements for safety reasons – the Gold Coast waterways can get busy, and jet skis are powerful machines that need proper handling. But don't worry, there are plenty of ways for the whole family to enjoy our water experiences together!

If you have any other questions about bringing the kids along, just give us a call. We love helping families create those unforgettable Gold Coast memories on the water.

Your Ultimate Gold Coast Trip Starts Here

There's something truly magical about experiencing the Gold Coast from the water. The skyline shimmers differently, the breeze feels fresher, and memories made on our sparkling waterways tend to become the ones you'll talk about for years to come.

At GC Jet Ski, we're not just providing equipment – we're crafting the highlight of your Gold Coast getaway. Our fleet of carefully maintained pontoons and Sea-Doos are your ticket to experiencing the Broadwater in the most exhilarating way possible.

Whether you're gathering the crew for an unforgettable pontoon party with our Full-Day Hire ($590), sneaking away midweek for a 4-hour escape ($400), or feeling the rush of adrenaline on one of our high-speed Sea-Doo trips ($200), we've perfected the art of Gold Coast water fun.

What makes us different? It's the little things. Like allowing you to BYO drinks without charging corkage fees (we just ask that you leave our pontoons as clean as you found them). Or our comprehensive safety briefings that ensure even first-timers feel confident at the helm. Or perhaps it's how our local team knows exactly where to send you for the best fishing spots, secluded beaches, and dolphin-spotting opportunities.

Our Gold Coast holiday activities consistently rank as the highlight of our guests' trips – and we're pretty proud of that. There's nothing quite like watching someone's face light up as they hit the throttle on a jet ski for the first time, or seeing families connect while sharing lunch on a pontoon with the Gold Coast skyline as their backdrop.

With convenient pick-up locations across Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach, and The Spit, fitting us into your itinerary couldn't be easier. Our online booking system makes securing your trip straightforward, but we're always happy to chat if you'd prefer to call and discuss how we can tailor the perfect water experience for your group.

The Gold Coast is waiting to be explored from a whole new perspective. The question is – are you ready to make some waves? Whether you're seeking peaceful cruising or high-octane thrills, your ultimate Gold Coast trip starts right here with GC Jet Ski.

Book your water trip today, and find why our guests keep coming back year after year. We can't wait to welcome you aboard and show you our favorite playground – the stunning Gold Coast waterways!