The Pontoon Boat BBQ: Grill Ideas, Recipes, and Tips for Your Gold Coast Day Out

Giovanni Randello • October 17, 2025

Your Floating BBQ Adventure Awaits

Outdoor grilling on the water on a pontoon boat, with a beach backdrop, perfect for a Gold Coast BBQ - pontoon grill ideas

Pontoon grill ideas are the secret to an extraordinary Gold Coast water adventure. Grilling on the water combines stunning scenery with delicious food, creating unforgettable memories whether you're planning simple snags or a seafood feast.

Quick Pontoon Grill Ideas for Your Gold Coast Adventure:

  • Classic Options: Sausages in bread, beef burgers, chicken skewers
  • Easy Crowd-Pleasers: Foil packet meals, marinated prawns, veggie kebabs
  • Breakfast Ideas: Bacon and egg rolls, grilled tomatoes
  • Pro Tips: Marinate overnight, pack in sealed containers, bring extra tongs
  • Best Packages: Half-day hire for quick cookouts, full-day for elaborate feasts

Nothing beats firing up the BBQ on your pontoon boat on a hot Gold Coast day. With our easy-to-use gas BBQs and BYOB policy (no corkage fees), you can focus on great food, good company, and breathtaking waterway views. Our pontoons accommodate up to 11 people and come equipped for the perfect floating cookout. We'll share the recipes, tips, and packages that turn a simple boat hire into your new favourite tradition.

Plan Your Perfect Pontoon Cookout

The secret to an unforgettable feast on the Gold Coast Broadwater is smart planning. To maximise your time enjoying the scenery, follow the golden rule: prep at home, grill on the water .

Chop your vegetables, marinate meats overnight, and mix sauces before stepping aboard. Pack everything in sealed containers, and you'll have more time to soak up the sunshine. Our gas BBQs are efficient, leaving plenty of deck space for everyone. The key is choosing pontoon grill ideas that maximise flavour while minimising fuss.

Local tip: Tailor your menu to the season. Light, fresh meals are perfect for hot summer days, while heartier options are great for cooler evenings.

Anchor Down and Dine: How to Plan the Ultimate Pontoon Boat Picnic

Choosing Your Adventure: Half Day or Full Day Packages

Your package choice sets the stage for your culinary adventure.

Half Day Pontoon Hire (4 Hours, $400, Midweek Only) is perfect for maximum fun with minimal fuss. It's plenty of time for crowd-pleasing classics like snags and burgers. No boat licence is required. For an extra thrill, you can add a Jet Ski for just $200 per hour (minimum two hours).

BBQ Pontoon Boats

Full Day Pontoon Hire (8 Hours, $590) opens up a world of culinary possibilities. With eight hours, you can tackle more ambitious pontoon grill ideas like slow-cooked foil packets or a full breakfast spread for up to 11 people. For the ultimate adventure, add a Jet Ski for $200 per hour (minimum two hours).

The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Jet Ski on the Gold Coast

Classic & Easy Pontoon Grill Ideas

Appetizing spread of classic Aussie BBQ food like sausages in bread and burgers on a grill - pontoon grill ideas

These Aussie classics cook quickly on our gas BBQs and guarantee happy faces.

  • Sausages in bread: The undisputed champion of easy pontoon cooking.
  • Beef burgers: Prepare patties at home and pack the fixings for a satisfying meal.
  • Chicken skewers: Easy to manage on a smaller grill. A teriyaki marinade is always a winner.
  • Hot dogs: A fast and easy option that appeals to all ages.

The magic is in the prep. Marinating meats overnight infuses flavour and ensures tenderness. It also eliminates a majority of the prep you'd have to do on the boat.

Simple Meat Kabobs Recipe The Ultimate Pontoon Boat Cookout Experience

Adventurous Pontoon Grill Ideas

Ready to level up your floating feast? Our onboard BBQs can handle it.

  • Foil packet meals: Game-changers for easy cooking and cleanup. Try chicken fajitas or fresh fish with asparagus and cherry tomatoes.
  • Seafood: The Gold Coast's incredible seafood deserves a starring role. Grilled prawns and shrimp skewers are crowd favourites. Our pontoons have rod holders, but you'll need to bring your own fishing gear.
  • Breakfast on the water: Bacon and egg rolls sizzling on the grill as the sun rises over the Broadwater is pure Gold Coast magic.
  • Vegetarian & vegan options: Colourful veggie skewers, grilled corn on the cob, or grilled tofu skewers with peanut sauce are all fantastic choices.

Pontoon Party Time on the Gold Coast

Sides, Sips, and Pro Tips

A great pontoon BBQ is more than just the main course.

  • Sides: Keep it simple with pre-made salads, bread rolls, and fresh fruit platters.
  • Sips: We have a BYOB policy with no corkage fees . Please drink responsibly to keep our waterways safe for everyone.
  • Cleanup: Our pontoons are kept in pristine condition. We kindly ask you to leave your pontoon as clean as you found it by using the provided bins.

No Soggy Bottoms Here: Creative Pontoon Picnic Food & Fun

Add More Adventure: Jet Ski Hire & Tours

While our pontoon grill ideas promise a delicious day, adding a jet ski adventure creates the ultimate Gold Coast experience.

Our Jet Ski Tours are perfect for anyone wanting a new perspective of the coastline. For just $200 per hour , our expert guides lead you on an unforgettable journey. The best part? No licence is required! We ensure you feel confident and safe while spotting wildlife and seeing hidden gems.

Jet Ski Tours

If you prefer to chart your own course, our Jet Ski Hire offers complete freedom. Also at $200 per hour , this option requires a valid jet ski licence. Once cleared, the Gold Coast Broadwater is your playground to explore at your own pace.

Combining a peaceful pontoon BBQ with high-speed thrills offers the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement for a truly memorable day.

The Ultimate Combo: Boat & Jet Ski Package

Why choose between a relaxing BBQ cruise and heart-pumping jet ski action when you can have both? Our Boat & Jet Ski Package delivers the ultimate Gold Coast water adventure.

Boat & Jet Ski Package (8 Hours, $1900): This package combines our Full Day BBQ Pontoon Hire with 2 Sea-Doo Jet Skis for 4 hours of pure adrenaline. It’s designed for groups of up to 11 who want to experience the full spectrum of Gold Coast water fun.

Start your day cruising on our spacious pontoon, firing up the grill with your favourite pontoon grill ideas . Then, release the Sea-Doos for high-speed thrills. This package offers the best of both worlds: the social, laid-back vibe of pontoon dining combined with the exhilarating rush of jet skiing. It's perfect for groups with mixed interests, offering flexibility to structure your day your way.

Pontoon Boat Hire Gold Coast Book Your Next Thrill on the Water Today!

Common Mistakes to Avoid for a Smooth Day Out

A little planning helps avoid common hiccups on the water. After helping countless groups create amazing Gold Coast memories, we've seen a few mistakes that are easily preventable.

  • Booking too late: During school holidays and long weekends, our pontoons and jet skis book out fast. Secure your spot well in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • Forgetting fishing gear: Our pontoons have rod holders, but we don't provide fishing equipment. Remember to bring your own rods, tackle, and bait if you plan to cast a line.
  • Ignoring the weather: Gold Coast weather can change quickly. Always check the forecast and pack accordingly with sunscreen, hats, and perhaps a light jacket.
  • Overpacking food: Pontoon grills are more compact than backyard BBQs. Plan your portions realistically for your group size to avoid juggling too much food in a limited space.
  • Forgetting utensils: It's a classic oversight in the excitement of packing. Make a checklist and double-check you have tongs, plates, and other essential utensils.
  • Grilling unsafely: For everyone's safety, never grill while the boat is moving. Always anchor in a calm spot, secure your cooking equipment, and know where the fire extinguisher is.
  • Forgetting cleanup: Our BYOB policy is great, but it comes with responsibility. Please help us keep the pontoons pristine by cleaning up and properly disposing of all rubbish in the provided bins.

Your Ultimate Gold Coast Adventure Starts Here

Imagine cruising the stunning Gold Coast Broadwater, the sun on your face, and the delicious aroma of a BBQ shared with your favourite people. This is what awaits when you choose GC Jet Ski.

Whether you're planning a laid-back day with mates trying classic pontoon grill ideas , a family adventure with seafood feasts, or a day of high-speed thrills on a jet ski, we have the perfect package for you.

  • Our Half Day Pontoon Hire is brilliant for spontaneous midweek escapes.
  • The Full Day Pontoon Hire lets you explore more and settle into the water lifestyle.
  • Our Boat & Jet Ski Package delivers the best of both worlds: relaxed cruising and thrilling action.

At GC Jet Ski, we're about creating perfect moments on the water. Our offerings are designed to provide premium, safe, and unforgettable experiences.

Ready to turn your pontoon grill ideas into reality? Your adventure starts with a simple click.

Book Your Next Thrill on the Water Today!

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