The Amazing Gold Coast BBQ Boat You Need to Try Today

The Ultimate Day Out on the Gold Coast Waterways

A gold coast bbq boat experience is the ultimate day out. Be the captain of your own self-drive pontoon boat, cruise the stunning waterways, fire up the BBQ, and create unforgettable memories with up to 11 of your favourite people.

What You Need to Know About Gold Coast BBQ Boats:

• No license required - Anyone can drive these easy-to-operate pontoon boats
• Capacity: Up to 11-12 people per boat
• Hire duration: Half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours) options
• Key features: Onboard BBQ, esky/fridge, Bluetooth sound system, toilet facilities
• Popular locations: Gold Coast Broadwater, Wavebreak Island, Tipplers Resort
• Pricing: Starting from $400 for half-day hire, $590 for full-day hire
• BYO policy: Bring your own food and drinks (no corkage fees)
• Add-ons: Optional jet ski hire available for extra thrills

Picture this: cruising with the Gold Coast skyline as your backdrop, the smell of a BBQ sizzling, and your favourite tunes playing. It's the perfect way to celebrate with mates, enjoy a family day out, or simply explore the waterways in a way that beats any beachside picnic.

I'm Giovanni Randello, founder of GC Jet Ski. Growing up on the water, I started this company to share the freedom and excitement of exploring our beautiful Gold Coast waterways with families and adventure-seekers.

Your Guide to the Perfect Gold Coast BBQ Boat Experience

Getting started on your gold coast bbq boat adventure is easier than you think. Once aboard, you'll see why it's a favourite for so many families and groups of mates.

What to Expect from Your BBQ Pontoon Boat Hire

Our pontoons are your private floating venue, designed for maximum comfort and fun. Our custom-built tri-hull pontoons are incredibly stable, handling everything from calm canals to the open Broadwater with ease. Some even feature a slippery slide -a huge hit with kids and adults!

Key features include:

• Spacious layout: Comfortably seats up to 11 people with plenty of room to move.
• Onboard BBQ: A high-quality gas unit. We provide the gas and utensils. For ideas, see our BBQ Ideas guide.
• Esky/Fridge: A large onboard esky or fridge keeps everything chilled. Our BYO policy means no corkage fees-just remember to keep the boat tidy!
• Bluetooth sound system: Set the soundtrack for your day with crystal-clear audio.
• Comforts: Many boats include a private, enclosed toilet , and some even have a hot water shower for rinsing off after a swim.
• Safety: Every boat has life jackets for all passengers (including kids), first-aid kits , and GPS tracking for peace of mind.
• Pet-friendly: Your furry friends can join too! Just let us know when booking to secure a dog-friendly pontoon.

These boats are ideal for family outings , friends' get-togethers , or unique hens or bucks parties . Get inspired with our The Ultimate List of Pontoon Party Ideas.

Planning Your Trip: Licensing, Routes, and Best Spots

No boat license required! Our pontoons are easy to drive with governed motors for a smooth, controlled ride. We provide a full safety briefing before you depart, covering everything you need to know.

Choose between a half-day (4 hours) hire for a quick adventure or a full-day (8 hours) hire to truly explore. Starting from The Spit Pontoon in Main Beach, the Gold Coast Broadwater is your playground. Popular spots include:

• Wavebreak Island: A short cruise north, its calm, clear waters are perfect for families and swimming.
• Tipplers Resort: A great destination stop on South Stradbroke Island to stretch your legs.
• Secluded beaches: Find hidden sandbars only accessible by boat. We provide maps to all the best spots, and our Anchor Down and Dine guide has more tips.

Safety, Booking, and What to Bring for Your Gold Coast BBQ Boat Trip

Your safety is our priority. Every boat is equipped with life jackets for all passengers , a first-aid kit , and GPS tracking . Our pre-departure safety briefing covers boat operation and waterway rules. For more, see Maritime Safety Queensland's general safety obligations for boaties.

What to Pack:

• Food and drinks: It's a BBQ boat, so bring your favourite snags, salads, and drinks! Our BYO alcohol policy has no corkage fees, but please drink responsibly.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must.
• Swimwear and towels: Easy-access ladders make swimming a breeze.
• Fishing gear: Our pontoons have rod holders .
• Rubbish bags: Help us keep the waterways clean by taking all your rubbish with you.

Booking is simple. Choose your date, hire duration, and any add-ons online or by phone. See our Private BBQ Boat Hire Gold Coast page for more. Our cancellation policy is fair, especially for weather issues.

Common mistakes to avoid: forgetting essentials like tongs or sunscreen, not listening during the safety briefing, and underestimating the sun. Always check the weather forecast.

The Gold Coast is great year-round. Summer is perfect for swimming, Autumn offers warm days with fewer crowds, Winter has mild, sunny days ideal for cruising, and Spring brings beautiful weather for all water activities.

Level Up Your Adventure: Our Packages and Thrilling Add-Ons

At GC Jet Ski, we offer packages for every adventurer, from relaxed cruising to adrenaline-pumping jet ski rides.

GC Jet Ski Packages:

• Full Day Pontoon Hire for 8 Hours ($590): Eight hours of pure gold coast bbq boat fun! Gather up to 11 mates, cruise the waterways, fire up the BBQ, and soak in the ultimate all-day adventure-no license needed, just good vibes guaranteed! This is perfect for truly exploring the Broadwater at your own pace.

  • Optionally Add a Jet Ski for just $200 per hour (minimum 2 hours).

• Half Day Pontoon Hire - Midweek Only for 4 Hours ($400): A half-day BBQ pontoon hire gives you four hours of cruising, sizzling up a feast, and making unforgettable memories-all with no licence required! This is a fantastic option for a morning outing or a leisurely afternoon.

  • Optionally Add a Jet Ski for just $200 per hour (minimum 2 hours).

• Jet Ski Tours for 1 Hour ($200): Our guided Jet Ski Tours are perfect for all levels! Cruise the stunning coastline, spot wildlife, and snap some epic photos. No licence is required, and our experienced guides lead the way.

• Jet Ski Hire for 1 Hour ($200): With jet ski hire, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. A valid jet ski licence is required, but then it's time to experience the thrill of navigating the Gold Coast's beautiful waterways.

• Boat & Jet Ski Package for 8 Hours ($1900): Our Full Day BBQ Pontoon Hire + 2 Sea-Doo Jet Skis offers the best of both worlds-relaxed cruising and thrilling action! This package includes a spacious gold coast bbq boat and 4 hours of high-speed fun on 2 Sea-Doo jet skis.

For more details on our pontoons, visit our BBQ Pontoon Boats for Hire page.

Fishing Possibilities: Love fishing? Our pontoon boats are perfect for it. They come with rod holders, so just bring your own bait and tackle. Anchor at a prime spot like Wavebreak Island and enjoy a day of fishing. You don't need a license for recreational fishing in Queensland's tidal waters. Imagine catching your lunch and throwing it straight on the BBQ!

Your Ultimate Gold Coast Adventure Starts Here

There's nothing like being on the water with friends, a BBQ sizzling, and the Gold Coast skyline in view. A gold coast bbq boat experience delivers this and so much more.

With GC Jet Ski, you get the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. Our self-drive pontoons let you find hidden gems and anchor wherever you please. You'll see the Gold Coast from a unique perspective , where secluded beaches become your private playground.

We perfectly combine relaxation and thrills . Cruise and BBQ in the morning, then add a jet ski for an afternoon of high-speed fun. It's the perfect balance for any group.

Above all, it's about creating lasting memories —watching the kids splash in the water, sharing a meal, or just enjoying the peace of being on the water. Best of all, it's accessible to everyone—no boating experience needed. We handle the details so you can focus on having fun.

Ready for a new perspective on the Gold Coast? Your adventure is just a click away. Visit our Gold Coast BBQ Pontoon Boat Rentals page and Book your adventure now !