Boat. BBQ. Best Day Ever.
Looking for Private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast ? Here's what you need to know:
- No boat license required for self-drive BBQ pontoons
- Capacity : Most boats accommodate 10-12 people
- Cost : From $400 for half-day hire (midweek) to $590 for full-day hire
- What's included : BBQ, esky, toilet, Bluetooth stereo, safety equipment
- Popular destinations : Wave Break Island, Tipplers Resort, Gold Coast Broadwater
- BYO : Bring your own food and drinks (including alcohol)
The Gold Coast Broadwater is an idyllic waterway, and there's no better way to experience it than with a private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast trip. Imagine cruising crystal-clear waters at your own pace, the aroma of sizzling snags filling the air, and your favourite playlist providing the soundtrack to a perfect day out with family and mates.
For as long as anyone can remember, the BBQ has been a great Aussie tradition—our beloved outdoor 'kitchen' that brings people together. Now imagine taking that tradition onto the water, where you can drop anchor at a secluded beach, cook up a feast, and dive straight into the refreshing Broadwater whenever you please.
Whether you're planning a birthday celebration, a casual get-together with friends, or a unique family day out, a self-drive BBQ pontoon offers the perfect blend of relaxation and trip—no boating experience required.
I'm Giovanni Randello, and having grown up racing jet skis and being around boats my entire life, I've turned my passion for the water into GC Jet Ski, where our premium private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast experiences combine the freedom of self-drive boating with all the comforts you need for an unforgettable day.
Private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast: How It Works
Private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast is exactly what it sounds like—a floating BBQ party platform that you can drive yourself around the stunning Gold Coast waterways. These stable, spacious pontoon boats are specifically designed for leisure and require no previous boating experience or licence to operate.
Here at GC Jet Ski, we've made the process incredibly straightforward:
- Book your pontoon online or by phone
- Arrive for your safety briefing (about 15-20 minutes)
- Load up your esky with your BYO food and drinks
- Set off on your trip with our easy-to-follow maps
Our pontoons are powered by small outboard motors (under 12kW) that are simple to operate—just like steering a car, but even easier since there's no traffic! The stable, flat design means they won't rock or tip, making them perfect even for those who might normally get seasick.
"We pride ourselves in delivering an unforgettable experience for you, your family and your friends, cruising the Broadwater in style and comfort," says our team leader, who has over 16 years of experience on these waters.
Each Gold Coast BBQ boat hire includes:
- Gas BBQ with all cooking utensils
- Large esky with ice to keep your drinks cold
- Private toilet facilities (a luxury many boat hire companies don't offer!)
- Bluetooth stereo system to set the mood
- Full shade coverage with drop-down clear screens for wind protection
- GPS tracking and detailed maps for easy navigation
- Comfortable seating for your entire group
- Swimming ladder for easy water access
- All required safety equipment including life jackets
The best part? You can bring your own alcoholic beverages! Unlike restaurants with corkage fees, our BYO policy means you can pack your favourite drinks without the markup. Just remember that the skipper needs to stay under the 0.05 blood alcohol limit—the same as driving a car.
Choose Your Floating Paradise: Boats & Packages
Looking for the perfect Private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast experience? At GC Jet Ski, we've crafted several packages to match your ideal day on the water, whether you're planning a full-day trip or a quick midweek escape with mates. Our spacious pontoons comfortably fit up to 11 people (with a 990kg total weight capacity), making them perfect for gatherings of all sizes.
Full-Day Private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast – 8 Hours of Bliss
$590 – Perfect for making the most of your day
Our most popular option gives you a generous 8 hours of Broadwater bliss – plenty of time to truly settle into that relaxed "on holiday" feeling. With a full day at your disposal, you can meander from Wave Break Island to Tipplers Resort without constantly checking your watch.
Take your time exploring several beaches, enjoy a long, leisurely lunch with the BBQ sizzling away, then cool off with a refreshing swim before cruising to your next destination. The package includes 25L of fuel (more than enough for a day of exploring), comprehensive safety equipment, and our thorough briefing to ensure you're comfortable taking the helm.
Half-Day Midweek Escape
$400 – Available Monday to Friday only
Short on time but still craving that on-water experience? Our half-day option gives you 4 fantastic hours on the Broadwater during weekdays – perfect for those cheeky days off work or school holiday treats. It's ideal for small birthday celebrations, quick catch-ups with friends, or even corporate team-building events that won't break the budget.
Even with just 4 hours, you'll have plenty of time to find a gorgeous spot to drop anchor, fire up the barbie, enjoy a refreshing dip, and cruise the stunning waterways. Sometimes the best memories are made in the shortest times!
Boat & Jet Ski Trip Bundle
$1900 – The ultimate trip combo
Can't decide between laid-back cruising and heart-pumping action? Why not have both? Our premium combo package delivers the perfect balance of relaxation and adrenaline with:
A full-day BBQ pontoon boat (8 hours) for those who want to chill, plus two Sea-Doo jet skis for 4 hours for the thrill-seekers in your group. This package is brilliant for mixed groups – while some of your mates are relaxing under the shade with cold drinks and hot snags, others can take turns exploring the Broadwater at speed on the jet skis.
We provide comprehensive briefings and all necessary safety equipment for both vessels, so everyone stays safe while having the time of their lives. It's truly the best of both worlds!
Stand-Alone Jet Ski Thrills
If speed is more your style than leisurely cruising, we've got you covered with our jet ski options:
Our Jet Ski Tours ($200/hour) offer guided exploration of the Gold Coast's stunning waterways with no licence required – perfect for first-timers wanting the thrill without the responsibility.
For experienced riders, our Jet Ski Hire ($200/hour) lets you chart your own course (valid jet ski licence required).
These can be booked separately or added to your pontoon boat hire Gold Coast day for an extra dose of excitement. Many groups love starting with a relaxing pontoon cruise, then adding a couple of hours of jet ski action in the afternoon – the perfect way to experience everything the Gold Coast Broadwater has to offer!
Ready to book your floating paradise? Check out our BBQ Pontoon Boat Hire or Pontoon Boat with Grill pages for more details and availability.
Steer & Play: Routes, Destinations & Activities
The Gold Coast Broadwater is your playground when you hire a Private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast from us. Think of it as your own floating restaurant with ever-changing million-dollar views! We'll arm you with detailed maps and local knowledge at your briefing, but let me share some of the spots that our customers absolutely love.
Map-Ready Highlights Along the Broadwater
There's something magical about cruising past the mangrove-lined creeks as pelicans soar overhead, or idling alongside the millionaire mansions of Sovereign Islands (spot the helicopter pads!). Our pontoons are the perfect platform for dolphin spotting – these curious creatures often swim right up to investigate our boats, especially in the mornings.
Wave Break Island is just a short 15-minute cruise from our departure point and offers crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip. The sheltered western side provides calm anchorage where you can throw down the pick, fire up the barbie, and enjoy lunch with panoramic views of the Surfers Paradise sunset skyline .
A bit further north, Tipplers Resort offers a more secluded experience with pristine beaches and shady spots. It's worth the extra cruise time – about 40 minutes from our base – for the peaceful atmosphere and excellent swimming.
For those on a full-day hire, Sanctuary Cove makes a brilliant lunch stop where you can stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or even do a bit of window shopping at the marina. Meanwhile, Marina Mirage offers waterfront dining with pontoon mooring right at the restaurant doorstep – just be sure to book ahead if you're planning to dock for lunch!
Fishing & Water Sports Onboard
Our BBQ pontoon boats are perfect for the fishermen and women in your group. Bring your own rods and try your luck with the abundant flathead and bream in the Broadwater. Our local knowledge can point you toward the best fishing spots, and there's nothing quite like cooking your catch fresh on the onboard BBQ!
Keep your bait and catches in the esky we provide – there's plenty of room alongside your drinks and food. The stable platform of our pontoons makes them ideal for casting a line without worrying about rocking or tipping.
For those craving a bit more excitement, our Jet Ski tandem fun packages let you combine relaxation with adrenaline. While some of your group lounge on the pontoon with a cold drink, others can take turns zipping around on the Sea-Doos. The pontoon becomes your perfect base camp for all kinds of water trips.
Many groups bring along beach cricket sets for impromptu matches on the sandbars, or snorkeling gear to explore the clear waters around Wave Break Island. Our pontoons feature easy-access swim ladders , making it simple to cool off with a dip then climb back aboard for another snag off the barbie.
Whether you're planning a laid-back cruise or an action-packed day of swimming, fishing and exploring, the Broadwater offers endless possibilities. And the best part? You're in control of your itinerary – no rushing, no schedules, just pure Gold Coast enjoyment at your own pace.
Safety, Licencing & Responsible Fun
Safety isn't just a checkbox for us at GC Jet Ski—it's the foundation of every Private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast trip we offer. We want you to have the time of your life while feeling completely secure on the water.
The great news? You don't need any special licence to captain our pontoon boats. Thanks to Queensland's boating regulations, our vessels are powered by small outboard motors under 12kW that fall within the licence exemption category. This means absolutely anyone can take the helm after our thorough briefing—even if you've never driven a boat before!
Before you set off, we'll equip your vessel with all the essential safety gear. This includes life jackets in various sizes (including kids' sizes because safety doesn't stop at age), a comprehensive first aid kit, fire extinguisher, emergency flares, and a marine radio so you can stay connected if needed. Our pontoons feature full shade coverage to keep you protected from the harsh Aussie sun—a safety feature that your skin will thank you for later!
While the rules are relaxed, there are still some important guidelines to follow:
- The skipper must maintain a blood alcohol limit under 0.05 (the same as when you're driving on land)
- Children under 12 need to wear life jackets when the boat is moving
- Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash (yes, we're proudly pet-friendly!)
- Our clean-as-you-go policy helps keep our beautiful waterways pristine
"The safety briefing was thorough but not boring," reports Emma from Brisbane. "They explained everything clearly and made sure we felt confident before sending us off. It was actually fun!"
Self-Drive vs Skippered Options
Our specialty at GC Jet Ski is self-drive Private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast experiences. There's something truly special about being the captain of your own floating BBQ paradise—setting your own course, stopping whenever a spot looks inviting, and enjoying complete privacy with your crew.
The self-drive option gives you the freedom to create your own perfect day. Want to spend three hours at one beautiful beach? Go for it. Prefer to cruise continuously and see everything? That's your call too. Plus, it's significantly more affordable than hiring a skipper.
For those celebrating milestone events or corporate functions—or if you simply want everyone in your group to focus 100% on relaxation—we can arrange a skippered charter upon request. With a skipper, you'll benefit from local knowledge of secret spots, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the luxury of having someone else take care of the navigation while you focus on enjoying yourself.
Our comprehensive briefing takes just 15-20 minutes and covers everything from operating the vessel to understanding navigation markers. We'll have you feeling confident and capable before you cast off. For added peace of mind, all our boats feature GPS tracking, so our team always knows where you are if assistance is needed.
Responsible fun is sustainable fun. By following these simple safety guidelines, you're not just protecting yourself and your guests—you're helping preserve the Gold Coast Broadwater for future boaties to enjoy. Now that's something worth raising a toast to (just not if you're the skipper)!
Booking & Pricing Tips
Ready to set sail on your Private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast trip? Booking with GC Jet Ski is straightforward, and with a few insider tips, you can make the most of your budget while creating priceless memories.
When you're ready to lock in your date, simply visit our online booking calendar to check availability. A $200 deposit secures your boat, with the balance payable on the day of your trip. We'll send you all the pre-trip information you need, and just ask that you arrive 30 minutes before departure for your essential safety briefing.
Our pontoons aren't just functional—they're floating paradises. We carefully maintain every vessel to exceed expectations in both appearance and performance, ensuring your day on the water is nothing short of spectacular.
Looking for the best value? Our full-day hire at $590 is our most popular option for good reason. When you split this between 11 mates, you're looking at just $53.64 per person for a full 8 hours of Broadwater bliss—significantly less than what many restaurants charge for a simple lunch!
Money-Saving Hacks for Private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast
Savvy sailors know how to make their dollar stretch further on the water. Midweek bookings (Monday to Friday) offer substantial discounts compared to weekend rates, while the off-peak season from May to September often features better availability and pricing.
For the ultimate cost-saving strategy, fill your boat to capacity with 11 people to split the cost. Pre-chill your esky the night before with frozen water bottles as ice blocks, and bring your own food and drinks to avoid markup costs that you'd face at waterfront restaurants.
If you're after both relaxation and thrills, our combination packages that include jet skis offer better value than booking separately. And don't forget to coordinate transport to our location—carpooling or sharing rideshares cuts down on parking fees and fuel costs.
Be mindful that public holidays and Christmas Day attract a small surcharge (typically $70-100), and the peak summer season (December-January) books out weeks or even months in advance. However, we do offer weather-flexible rescheduling if conditions aren't ideal on your booked date.
Whether you're planning a special celebration or a casual day out with mates, our transparent pricing and flexible options ensure your Private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast experience delivers exceptional value. After all, how often do you get to be captain of your own floating BBQ paradise?
Frequently Asked Questions about Gold Coast BBQ boat hire
Do I need a boat licence?
One of the best things about our private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast experience is that no boat licence is required! Our pontoons use small outboard motors under 12kW, which Queensland regulations exempt from licensing requirements. Before you set off, we'll walk you through a friendly, comprehensive safety briefing that covers everything you need to know to captain your vessel with confidence.
What can I bring onboard?
The beauty of our pontoon boats is that they're essentially your floating home for the day! You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks (yes, that includes your favourite beer or wine), fishing gear if you fancy catching dinner, swimmers and towels for a refreshing dip, and even your four-legged friends – we're proudly pet-friendly.
We've got you covered with all the essentials: a quality BBQ with cooking utensils, an esky already filled with ice, comprehensive safety equipment, easy-to-follow maps, and even onboard toilet facilities so you can stay out on the water longer without worrying about finding shore facilities.
How many people can come?
Our private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast vessels comfortably accommodate up to 11 people (or a maximum weight of 990kg). This makes them perfect for just about any gathering you can imagine – from laid-back family days out to milestone birthday celebrations, team-building corporate events, bucks and hens parties, or simply a brilliant day on the water with your closest mates.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We're serious about your safety and enjoyment, which is why we keep a close eye on weather conditions. If Mother Nature isn't playing nice and conditions are unsuitable for boating, we'll reach out to reschedule your booking at no extra cost. For those in-between days, we'll have a chat about your options, which might include alternative protected cruising routes or the flexibility to reschedule if you'd prefer.
Can I fish from the pontoon?
Absolutely – and many of our guests say it's one of the highlights of their day! Our BBQ pontoon boats provide a stable, spacious platform that's perfect for fishing. The Broadwater is teeming with flathead, bream, whiting and more. Bring your fishing gear, try your luck, and if you're successful, you can cook your catch fresh on the BBQ for the ultimate sea-to-plate experience.
Is there a toilet onboard?
Yes! Unlike many other boat hire companies, all our pontoons feature a private toilet facility. It's one of those small luxuries that makes a big difference to your day, meaning more time enjoying the pristine waters of the Broadwater and less time hunting for facilities on shore. It's especially appreciated by families with young children and during longer, full-day trips.
Make Waves with GC Jetski!
Ready for the ultimate Broadwater experience? At GC Jet Ski, we're passionate about delivering private BBQ boat hire Gold Coast trips that capture the essence of our laid-back Aussie lifestyle while showcasing the stunning beauty of our local waterways.
Our premium pontoons aren't just boats—they're floating paradises designed for making memories. Whether you're planning a milestone birthday bash, a relaxed family day out, or simply want to experience the Gold Coast from a fresh perspective, we've got you covered.
What makes us different? It's the little things. Our vessels are carefully maintained, our team genuinely cares about your experience, and we've thought of everything you might need—from Bluetooth stereos to onboard toilets—so you can focus on enjoying your day.
"The pontoon was spotless, the briefing was thorough but not boring, and the staff were legends," says Mark from Brisbane, who celebrated his 40th with us last summer. "Best day I've had in years!"
The beauty of our BBQ pontoon boats is their simplicity. No licence needed, easy to operate, and all the comfort you could want. Just bring your mates, your esky full of favourites, and your sense of trip—we'll handle the rest.
And if you're after a bit more excitement, remember you can always add jet skis to your booking. There's nothing quite like alternating between the thrill of skimming across the water on a Sea-Doo and kicking back with a cold one on your pontoon.
The Gold Coast Broadwater is calling, and there's no better way to answer than with your own private floating BBQ paradise. From Wave Break Island to Tipplers Resort, countless memories are waiting to be made.
Book your Gold Coast BBQ boat hire today and find why our customers keep coming back year after year. We're not just renting boats—we're helping you create stories you'll be telling for years to come.
Book your BBQ pontoon trip now or give us a call to chat about creating your perfect day on the water. The sun's shining, the BBQ's ready, and the Broadwater is waiting for you!
