Top Gold Coast Sightseeing Tours in 2026

To truly appreciate the Gold Coast's beauty, you need to get out on the water. Hop aboard an evening cruise to take in views of the coastline from an uncrowded vantage point and enjoy golden-hour photo ops. From Surfers Paradise, pass by Marina Mirage and the Gold Coast Broadwater, snacking on nibbles and soaking up the scenery as you go.

Hop aboard this evening cruise and navigate the canals of the Gold Coast Broadwater while savoring a buffet dinner prepared by local chefs. Take in views of the Surfers Paradise skyline as you sip a locally crafted beer or a cocktail. This tour is perfect for celebrating a special occasion with friends and family.

Soak up the sights of the Gold Coast on this lunch cruise that departs from Surfers Paradise and travels up the Nerang River to the Broadwater. Commentary about landmarks that you pass, such as the Southport Yacht Club, Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace hotel, Wave Break Island, and South Stradbroke Island, offers more info than you'd get alone. Enjoy a buffet lunch with seafood and chicken main dishes, and have the option to purchase drinks at the bar.

Spotting whales in their natural habitat can be tricky if you don't know where to look. Skip the guesswork on this whale-watching cruise, which guarantees you will see humpback whales as they migrate past the Gold Coast from June to November or you receive a complimentary second cruise. The tour is led by a marine biologist guide who is passionate about conservation and offers insights into whale behavior that enrich the experience. Includes morning tea and a photo booklet souvenir.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to spot whales in the wild so close to the Gold Coast. Just a twenty-minute cruise offshore, the Australian Whale Sanctuary is prime humpback whale habitat. Get great views of the creatures (when conditions are right) from onboard your comfortable boat, and watch live underwater footage streamed directly to your mobile device. This easy 2.5-hour trip can fit into busy itineraries.

Embark on a day of discovery with the Hop on Hop off Bus to Tamborine Mountain, visiting two of the area’s top attractions—the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and the Glow Worm Caves. Travel in comfort and enjoy the flexibility to explore Tamborine Mountain’s unique charm at your leisure. • Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk: A scenic eco-adventure through elevated walkways, bridges, and forest trails, offering spectacular views and a deeper connection to nature. • Glow Worm Caves: Experience the enchanting glow of thousands of bioluminescent glow worms in a specially designed cave. A unique and unforgettable encounter!

Experience the Gold Coast’s beautiful Surfers Paradise on a tour aboard an amphibious Aquaduck that transforms seamlessly from bus to boat. Bring the kids and hop aboard this unusual dual-purpose vessel for a jaunt along the area’s picturesque beaches, past local landmarks like Marina Mirage, and along the glitz of Millionaire’s Row.

Experience the nighttime enchantment of Mt. Tamborine National Park on this unique evening rainforest walk and glowworm tour. Observe nocturnal wildlife by torchlight with a guided bushwalk through the rainforest, where you’ll come across an ethereal waterfall illuminated by glowworms. Afterward, enjoy dessert with a hot beverage at a mountain top restaurant.

Experience the ultimate Gold Coast adventure as you glide effortlessly on a Segway from Southport to Main Beach. This sun-soaked journey follows pristine waterfront pathways where the dazzling Broadwater meets golden shorelines. Feel the refreshing sea breeze as you cruise past iconic landmarks, luxury yachts, and vibrant parklands. Capture breathtaking views of Surfers Paradise's skyline shimmering across azure waters while pelicans dive and kite surfers dance with the wind. The thrill of mastering your Segway adds an exhilarating dimension to discovering hidden coastal gems. In just 90 minutes, you'll experience the quintessential Gold Coast lifestyle - where adventure meets relaxation in a paradise of sun, sand and endless blue horizons. An unforgettable way to embrace the Gold Coast's outdoor playground!

Don't just see the Whales, EXPERIENCE THEM! Our experience is like no other! Onboard our new state-of-the-art vessel, we are able to get you to the whales a lot quicker, meaning more time watching whales and less time travelling! With 360 degree views from all positions onboard, and limited tickets onboard, you'll always have prime views and never have to battle crowds. Our professional crew onboard also offer great commentary of the whales through the surround speakers. We offer the best experience, and the best whale views, unobstructed by crowds onboard the SAFEST & FASTEST whale watching vessel. Awarded QUEENSLAND'S NEW TOURISM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR!

SkyPoint Observation Deck, located atop the iconic Q1 building in the heart of Surfers Paradise, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Gold Coast from 230 metres above sea level. As Australia’s only beachside observation deck, SkyPoint delivers a truly unique experience, showcasing the coastline, city skyline and hinterland in one spectacular panorama. SkyPoint’s Bar + Bistro is open daily from breakfast through to dinner, allowing guests to enjoy the views from sunrise to the city’s night lights. Operating Hour Changes: • 7:30am–3:00pm (Last Entry 2:30pm) on 17th & 31st of October, 3rd & 26th November • CLOSED - 24th November SkyPoint is a must-do Gold Coast experience, popular with visitors and locals of all ages and abilities alike. Please note: SkyPoint is closed on ANZAC Day and Christmas Day.

Tour Highlights - Get picked up from your hotel and take a quick scenic drive out to the Scenic Rim and Tamborine Mountain - Self Guided walk through the National Park. - Once you are on the mountain the hop on hop off service will stop at set locations every two hours. - Spend as much time as you like in each area then get on the next shuttle - Visit a boutique Shopping on Gallery walk, enjoy Rainforest walks to waterfalls, a distillery pay for tastings and lunch at your own leisure. - Shopping along the famous "Gallery Walk' with over 75 specially shops, boutiques and eateries. Gold Coast Pickup from 8.30 am Depart Tamborine Mountain approx 4.00 pm, return 5pm.

In the late afternoon, walk amongst kangaroos as they graze freely and search for koalas in a wild natural habitat. After dark witness the unique beauty of the Glow Worms in their natural habitat while discovering the rainforest of a nighttime! On our nocturnal walk into the rainforest to the base of a waterfall we will search for wildlife and other critters lurking in the wilderness. This experience is designed to avoid other people and see as many animals and creatures as possible. If the sky is clear it is a beautiful spot to see the stars and the night sky or watching the sunset over the Gold Coast hinterland from a viewpoint.

Sample the natural beauty of the Gold Coast, without having to buy or rent equipment, with this outdoor adventure. Hop on a sea kayak and paddle your way over to Wave Break Island for a guided snorkel over a rocky reef and a short bushwalk. Spot dolphins and stingrays, then enjoy tasty, locally sourced snacks before returning to shore.

Experience 50 minutes of thrills and sightseeing with Paradise Jet Boating, departing from Cavill Avenue in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Travel along the Nerang River before reaching the Broadwater freestyle zone for high-speed 360-degree spins, slides and drifting aboard a premium New Zealand-built jet boat. Explore over 30 kilometres of Gold Coast waterways, including Moreton Bay Marine Park, with scenic views and entertaining local commentary along the way.

This is far more than a standard sightseeing tour. Led by renowned local wildlife expert and qualified zoologist "Phil the Frogfather", this private experience combines spectacular waterfalls, ancient rainforest, breathtaking lookouts and authentic wildlife encounters that most visitors never get the chance to experience. Unlike large group tours that follow a fixed itinerary, every tour is tailored to your group and adapted to current wildlife activity, weather conditions and your interests. Phil's extensive knowledge of the Gold Coast Hinterland allows guests to discover hidden locations and search for rare native wildlife including pademelons, koalas, echidnas, platypus, rare frogs, reptiles and birdlife. With private transport, lunch, snacks and refreshments included, this is a personalised, immersive nature experience designed for travellers seeking a genuine connection with Australia's remarkable wildlife and natural landscapes.

Make your way through watery, winding, hightide passages that turn and bend during this half-day, guided, 49-mile (80-kilometer) Jet Ski adventure. Follow your guide through hairpin turns testing your speed as you lookout at the lush, tropical plant life that flanks your watery path. Glide over the water under mangrove trees before stopping at a South Stradbroke Island bar for lunch.

Explore Springbrook National Park at your own pace with our self-guided adventure. Begin at Purlingbrook Falls, a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Take photos or savor the sound of falling water. Next, visit Canyon Lookout for incredible park views and a glimpse of the distant Gold Coast. Twin Falls features two side-by-side waterfalls in a serene forest setting, perfect for relaxation. Discover Bilbrough Falls, a hidden gem for quiet nature moments. The highlight is 'Best of All Lookout' with miles of breathtaking views. Wrap up at Natural Bridge, a unique rock formation with glowworms at night. Learn park history and ecosystems as you drive, surrounded by fragrant flowers and soothing waterfalls. This self-guided tour is for nature lovers, photographers, or those seeking tranquility. Join us to make memories in Springbrook National Park!

Get ready for a day of discovery, adventure, and unforgettable moments! Start at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where Australia’s most iconic animals come to life—hand-feed friendly kangaroos, snap a photo with a cuddly koala, and be amazed by vibrant lorikeets swooping down during the famous feeding. Wander through lush rainforest and enjoy captivating wildlife shows before we journey south. In Byron Bay, soak up the laid-back vibe as you explore boutique shops, stroll golden beaches, and breathe in the ocean air. Cap it all off with a visit to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, where sweeping views from Australia’s most easterly point will take your breath away. This is the ultimate blend of wildlife, nature, and coastal charm—an experience you’ll never forget!

Be your own boat captain with a leisurely private cruise through the Gold Coast’s scenic canals. Even without experience or a boating license, you can pilot a canopy-covered electric vessel with room for up to 10 friends or family members. You decide where to go and when to stop, enjoying unparalleled views from the water of Gold Coast luxury homes, beaches, and marine life.

The Gold Coast Broadwater is an estuary north of Surfers Paradise, known for sheltered waters, island beaches, and dolphins. Working out where to go and what do there can be hard visiting on your own. With this tour, your guide will get you set up kayak equipment and snorkeling gear for you to visit nearby Wavebreak Island. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin in the area.

Start your day off right with a private morning sailing trip that includes not just scenic views over the Gold Coast, but breakfast too. Let a skipper handle all the hard parts and plan the route while you sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal with a couple of glasses of sparkling wine.

Experience the beautiful Gold Coast on this private guided cruise. Enjoy a flexible itinerary—cruises last from one to five hours—and a quiet ride on this custom built boat with an electric motor. Check out amazing views of sites like Main Beach, Southport, Cronin’s Island, and Isle of Capri. Marvel at the million dollar homes and gorgeous canals, elegant bridges and marine life that could include dolphins, turtles, and sea eagles.