Top Gold Coast Sightseeing Tours in 2026

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.

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.

Journey into the hinterlands on this 5-hour morning tour of the Springbrook National Park from the Gold Coast. Explore the UNESCO-listed Goondawanna rainforests by mini-van, stopping to walk through the jungle, peek into ancient caves and enjoy views of Mount Warning from the Best of All Lookout. Visit natural wonders like Purling Brook Falls and Natural Bridge. This small-group tour is limited to 15 people for a personalised experience, and includes light refreshments and hotel pick-up from selected locations.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 and 31st of October • CLOSED - 13th October 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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

In a small group with a maximum of eight people we will spend 3-4 hours offshore with the Humpback whales. There are over 35,000 Humpbacks on Australia's East coast so sightings are guaranteed although the whales decide if they want to swim with us. Our skipper is highly experienced swimming with whales around the World and is very familiar with identifying happy and curious whale behaviour. Our group size is kept to a minimum of just eight swimmers to increase the chances of a unique and special encounter. Despite their size humpbacks can be shy and large groups of people in the water are definitely not ideal for a good whale interaction. To keep you warm we have 5mm freedive suits with hoods and quality masks and fins. Our boat is fast and comfortable and gets us to the Whales quickly.

Swap the big boat tours for an intimate encounter with whales on this safari-style whale watching tour. Observe the beautiful creatures at eye level from a unique custom-built vessel that seats just 12 guests, ensuring a personalized experience. While looking out for the whales, enjoy commentary from an onboard marine naturalist.

The forested valleys and vine-clad hills of Brisbane’s Scenic Rim area are even more magnificent when viewed from above. With this tour, make an early start to catch the sunrise and float over the picturesque landscapes in a hot air balloon. After admiring the views, celebrate your flight with a glass of sparkling wine and a scrumptious hot buffet breakfast at a local vineyard.

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.

Whether you want to see the sights from the channels and coastlines or you just want to have dinner and drinks on the water, this private canal cruise can be tailored to your needs. Take this water-limo, custom-built for small groups, out for one hour or for half the day, cruising in the shadow of the grand Gold Coast skyline. With a skipper on hand to point out all the highlights, from Surfer’s Paradise to the homes of the rich and famous, this is a unique and discreet way to experience the Gold Coast.

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.

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.

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.