Top Surfers Paradise How to Get Around in 2026

Experience the Surfers Paradise Midday Sightseeing Cruise, the perfect way to spend an hour exploring the stunning waterways and picturesque canals of Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast. As you cruise through this beautiful coastal region, take in the breathtaking views of the vibrant city skyline, luxurious waterfront homes, and lush landscapes. Relax on the open-air sundeck and enjoy the refreshing breeze while sipping on a cold beverage, including beer, champagne, or cocktails, from our fully licensed bar. Our knowledgeable guides provides an engaging commentary throughout the journey, offering fascinating insights into the history, landmarks, and hidden gems of Surfers Paradise and the surrounding Gold Coast area. This cruise offers a unique opportunity to see the region from a different perspective, making it an unforgettable experience. If you’re a local looking for a relaxing escape this cruise is the perfect way to take in the beauty of the Gold Coast in style.

Spend a blissful day on Moreton Island exploring the beaches, reef, and dunes on this tour from Brisbane or Surfers Paradise. Travel with an experienced guide in a rugged 4WD. You’ll snorkel or bodyboard, paddle transparent kayaks, and try sandboarding on the dunes: If sea conditions are unfavorable, take a 4WD island tour. Your day includes a picnic lunch on the beach but excludes national park fees and ferry tickets.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Tamborine Mountain with Pineapple Tours! Embark on an enchanting journey through the treetops on the Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk. Feel the thrill of walking high above the ground and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the lush rainforest below. As the morning adventure wraps up, enjoy the convenience of Pineapple Tours' Hop-On Hop-Off service, giving you the freedom to explore the mountain at your own pace for the rest of the afternoon. From cascading waterfalls to panoramic viewpoints, Historical Sites and Even a chance to Taste Gin and Liqueurs, Tamborine Mountain has a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be discovered. To ensure a hassle-free experience, Pineapple Tours provides door-to-door pickups from hotels in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast in their new, modern minibuses. Revel in comfort, style, and the wonders of nature on this unforgettable day out with Pineapple Tours.

Get ready for our adrenaline-fueled 1 hour odyssey, designed for adventure-seekers who want maximum fun with minimal stops. Your journey begins weaving through the rivers of Surfers Paradise lined with waterfront mansions, allowing you to get comfortable with your jet ski before hitting the Broadwater. From there, it’s non-stop action as you carve through the waterways of the Gold Coast, passing stunning islands, beaches, sandbars, and mangroves. Whether you’re craving full-throttle speed or a more relaxed cruise, this tour lets you set the pace whilst we cater to all levels of experience.

Travelers looking to get more immersed in Brisbane's natural world can embark on this small-group eco day tour to North Stradbroke Island, one of the world's largest sand islands. Your guide leads you through popular sites, immersing you in the environment and providing insights. Enjoy watching iconic Australian wildlife, such as koalas, dolphins, and kangaroos, in their natural habitats, with convenient hotel pickup included.

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 November • 7:30am - 2:30pm (Last Entry 2:00pm) 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.

This private excursion offers a romantic way to tour the Gold Coast—aboard a luxurious gondola cruise. Choose from multiple evening tour times, and meet your vessel in Main Beach. Settle into the comfy cabin and enjoy drinks while you sail. As the sun sets, watch the glittering lights come on, and paddle past the beachfront scenery.

Looking for an unforgettable morning that fits into your schedule and your dreams? Ballooning, Bubbles & Go is your premium express escape into the skies. Operated by Australia’s most experienced balloon operator Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast, this early morning express adventure brings you the thrill of hot air ballooning with a touch of elegance. Start your morning with convenient hotel pickup before floating high above the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland. Take in sweeping views of rolling hills, stunning countryside and spot wildlife from the serenity of your hot air balloon basket. It’s a moment of peace, beauty, and exhilaration that will stay with you forever. After landing, celebrate in style with a sparkling wine toast and receive a commemorative flight certificate to mark the experience. Plus, you’ll take home a Premium Digital Photo Pack valued at $130, capturing your airborne adventure in high resolution.

Explore Tamborine National Park, the Gold Coast Hinterland’s crown jewel, and enjoy this charming mountaintop community. Begin your adventure with a serene walk through Coombabah Lake Conservation Park, where you can encounter kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat. Continue your journey to Mount Tamborine, indulge in handcrafted scones and a warm cup of morning tea at the Manor, an enchanting historic hotel. Wander through Gallery Walk, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of local craftsmanship displayed in its unique boutiques. Finally, stand in awe of the spectacular panoramic views of the Gold Coast Skyline that unfold before you from atop the mountain.

Discover North Stradbroke Island differently on a small-group day combining wildlife, spectacular scenery, local food and a dedicated 90-minute Quandamooka cultural experience. Explore the North Gorge, look for kangaroos, dolphins and turtles, visit culturally significant Bummiera (Brown Lake) and Myora Springs, and enjoy the famous Straddie Prawn Roll overlooking Frenchmans Bay. A highlight is your time with Quandamooka man Matt Burns. This hands-on cultural experience brings knowledge to life through a Welcome to Country, family artefacts, fire making, didgeridoo, spear and boomerang demonstrations, ochre, bush tucker and native plant knowledge — including the chance to throw a boomerang. With a maximum of 11 guests, return Brisbane transport, ferry and a local guide throughout, it’s an easy way to experience Minjerribah’s landscapes, wildlife and living Aboriginal culture in one memorable day. We have French speaking guides, please let us know if you would like to request one.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy the freedom of independent travel with the structure of a guided tour on this hop-on, hop-off day pass for the Hopo Gold Coast Ferry. Board and disembark at the five stops as many times as you like throughout the day, tailoring your itinerary to suit your needs. Enjoy views of the Gold Coast’s waterways and unlock exclusive deals at partner venues with your pass.

Built around a complicated system of winding canals and waterways, the Gold Coast can be difficult to navigate alone. This short sightseeing tour around the region focuses on the city’s attractions and landmarks in the unique Quack’rDuck duck bus. Drive around Surfers Paradise, Southport and Main Beach, then plunge into the waterways and tour them too in this amphibian bus.

Indulge yourself in a city lights sightseeing cruise in Surfers Paradise. Departing daily from Surfers Paradise and cruising the magnificent Gold Coast waterways and Surfers Paradise canals you will enjoy complimentary cheese and crackers served on board. Sit back and relax whilst taking in the spectacular sights the Gold Coast has to offer on the 1.5 hour informative cruise. There is also a fully licenced bar onboard with delicious cocktails and cold beer, wine & soft drinks for purchase.

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.

Discover the beauty of the Gold Coast on this ferry cruise leaving from Surfers Paradise. Book in advance for guaranteed passage and climb aboard this boat tour making five stops. Relax with a beverage as you listen to the fascinating stories of the captain. See highlights along the way, including Marina mirage, HOTA, Sea World, and Broadwater Parklands.

Discover the best of Tamborine Mountain on this immersive tour. Enjoy a rainforest walk to a stunning waterfall, a delicious lunch showcasing fresh local produce and wine, and a tasting at a local distillery. Throughout the journey, your guide will share fascinating stories, rich cultural history, and insights into the region’s unique flora and fauna, giving you a true taste of Tamborine’s charm.

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.

Witness a mesmerizing natural light show in the Gold Coast hinterland with an evening tour to the Natural Bridge glow worm cave. Trek through the ancient coastal rain forest of Springbrook National Park with a guide to see the cave illuminated by the light of millions of tiny worms, and then turn your eyes upward for some stargazing in the pristine night sky.

Take a break from a fast-paced Gold Coast itinerary and relax on a cruise from Surfers Paradise. Sail through the canals and waterways of the Gold Coast, admiring the views from the top deck along the way. Snacks and refreshments are included, with drinks available for purchase. Choose from morning or afternoon to suit your needs and interests.

Experience two of the Gold Coast’s most popular attractions with this sightseeing and adventure combo. Start with Aquaduck Gold Coast, a unique 1-hour land and water tour through Surfers Paradise and the Broadwater. This family-friendly experience includes a guided city tour, scenic water cruise and the chance for kids to drive the Aquaduck and receive their own Captain’s Certificate. Then turn up the adrenaline with Paradise Jet Boating. Choose between the action-packed 40-minute Jet Blast or the premium 60-minute Adventure Ride. Enjoy thrilling 360° spins, power slides, high-speed manoeuvres and spectacular views of the Gold Coast skyline, South Stradbroke Island and the Broadwater. Tours can be taken on the same day or separate days. Both experiences conveniently depart from the heart of Surfers Paradise. Please note: This combo is not available for children under 4 years of age, as they cannot ride on the jet boat. Standalone Aquaduck tickets are available for younger children.