Top Gold Coast Outdoor Activities

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.

Exploring the Gold Coast Hinterland can be a challenge if you don’t have your own transport, but this full-day tour from the Gold Coast offers the perfect introduction. Discover the natural wonders of the Springbrook National Park, stopping to take in the views of Mt Warning and the Numinbah Valley, and admire landmarks including the Natural Arch, Rainbow Falls, and Goomalarah Falls.

Zip through the scenic Gold Coast Broadwater on a high-octane jet boat ride that combines speed-driven fun with sightseeing. Hang on as your boat performs 360-degree spins, power slides and other tricks, then slow down to see Southport Yacht Club, Palazzo Versace Hotel and Marina Mirage. You'll also buzz past Seaworld, the mansions of Sovereign Island and Moreton Bay Marine Park, venturing further than other similar tours. Dolphins and other marine life often seen in these waterways — keep your eyes peeled!

Experience the nighttime enchantment of Mt Tamborine National Park on this unique 4WD rain forest walk and glowworm tour. At the mountain summit, stop for a light supper of cakes and hot chocolate, and soak up views of the twinkling Gold Coast from a lookout. Then, observe nocturnal wildlife by torchlight with a guided bushwalk through the rain forest, where you’ll come across an ethereal waterfall illuminated by glowworms.

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 Champagne and a scrumptious hot buffet breakfast at a local vineyard.

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.

Short on time? Sample the natural beauty of the Gold Coast on this outdoor tour. Hop on a sea kayak and paddle your way over to Wave Break Island to swim and snorkel amid tropical fish and colorful coral. Spot dolphins, stingrays, and sea turtles along the coast, and enjoy a snack before heading back to shore.

Journey into the hinterlands on this 5-hour afternoon tour of the Springbrook National Park from the Gold Coast. Explore the UNESCO-listed Goondawanna rainforests by coach, 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, Numinbah valley and Rainbow Falls, and soak up the scenery from the Canyon Lookout. This small-group tour is limited to 16 people for a personalised experience, and includes hotel pick-up and afternoon tea.

Go skydiving during your visit to the Gold Coast for an incredible thrill and spectacular views of the city, coast and Pacific Ocean. Jump in tandem with your expert instructor, enjoying a short freefall before your instructor releases the parachute. Float gently down to Kirra Beach, one of the beautiful beaches that makes the Gold Coast justifiably famous. Departures are available throughout the day and include complimentary transfer from centrally located Surfers Paradise hotels.

Experience the Gold Coast’s beautiful Surfers Paradise on a tour aboard an amphibious Aquaduck. Bring the kids and hop aboard this unusual dual-purpose vessel for a jaunt along the area’s picturesque beaches and past local landmarks like Palazzo Versace and Marina Mirage. Then, enjoy a thrilling river cruise past the glitz of millionaire’s row as the Aquaduck transforms from a bus into a boat.

The exotic marine life of Wave Break Island offers a spectacular backdrop for a scuba diving adventure, and this half-day scuba diving tour is open to all levels. Choose a beginner-friendly dive, accompanied by a PADI instructor, or a solo dive for certified divers only, and marvel at the underwater world of the Gold Coast.

Experience the thrills of parasailing while on the Gold Coast of Australia. First, you’ll receive a short safety training before being outfitted with a harness. Then, soar high above the Gold Coast, up to 400 feet (122 meters) high, and take in aerial views of the coastline. This is available for solo travelers or with one or two partners.

On this family-friendly tour of a 200-acre commercial fruit plantation you’ll learn how tropical fruits grow, how they’re harvested and planted, and, most importantly, how they taste. Enjoy a fully guided plantation safari, tasting show, wildlife-spotting cruise, fauna park, and Aussie bush tucker experience. Shop for more frit, juices, ice-creams, and other snacks at the on-site cafe.

Enjoy a close encounter with Australia's native animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Gold Coast. Your ticket includes admission to the park plus daily keeper presentations and animal shows. Admire critters such as the kangaroo, Tasmanian devil, koala, wombat, echidna and reptiles that live in natural-style bush and rainforest habitats. Walk through the stunning 5-acre forest of the Lost Valley and see unique flora and wildlife such as lemurs, red pandas, capybaras and other exotic reptiles.

Jetboat “Express” Ride Time or budget constraints? This is the perfect jet boating option for you. • 30 minutes & 20 kilometres Jet-Blast.  Departing directly into the Broadwater at Main Beach, no time wasted in the 6knot zone! • Experience a quick repertoire of jet boat spins and slides through the Southern Broadwater around Wavebreak Island. 

Take off from Main Beach on a Jet Ski tour to enjoy the natural beauty of the Gold Coast in an exciting way. You'll cruise up to South Stradbroke Island, traveling about 9 miles (15 km) past beaches, sandbars, and mangroves.

Begin your day aboard our spacious and luxurious dining vessel, the Spirit of Elston. Soak in morning sunshine and sweeping broadwater vistas as you relax with a sparkling wine. Enjoy a delicious breakfast as you drift leisurely past such regional highlights as Marina Mirage, Home of the Arts, Surfers Paradise skyline and more that combine to make up the imagery that has made the Gold Coast famous.

Pair your luxurious gondola cruise with an elegant dinner: this private excursion offers a romantic way to tour the Gold Coast. Pick from multiple evening tour times, and meet your vessel in Main Beach. Settle into the comfy cabin, and indulge in a gourmet feast and drinks. As the sun sets, you’ll watch the glittering lights come on, and will paddle past the beachfront scenery.

Exploring the Gold Coast hinterland can be tricky for those unfamiliar with the area. See places you'd never find on your own on this guided tour to Tamborine Mountain. Embark on a rainforest walk to Curtis Falls, travel through Eucalyptus Forest, and explore the Tamborine Mountain Forest Skywalk, a network of forest floor trails, steel bridges through the highest points of the upper canopy, and a 131-foot (40-meter) cantilevered bridge that soars 98 feet (30 meters) above the creek and rainforest below.

Start your day off right with a half-day kayak tour to South Stradbroke Island. Enjoy a great vantage point on the beaches and wildlife of the Gold Coast as you paddle at a leisurely pace, stopping to snorkel off Wavebreak Island, visit secluded beaches, and enjoy a picnic breakfast on the beach. Your expert guide shares informative commentary about the region's ecology and animals, and provides full instruction on kayaking and snorkeling — making this tour suitable for both experienced paddlers and first-timers.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to spot whales in the wild so close to the Gold Coast. Just a twenty-minute cruise off shore, the Australian Whale Sanctuary is prime humpback whale habitat. Get great views of the creatures (when conditions are right) from on board your comfortable boat. This easy 2.5-hour trip can fit into busy itineraries.

Go scuba diving off Wave Break Island on this tour from Queensland's Gold Coast. You'll have the chance to spot some of the island's 450 species of fish and other marine life. Beginner divers are welcome.

A fully guided tour visiting the world’s largest Sub Tropical rainforest and famous O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Experience stunning panoramic views, canopy treetop walk, see wild birds and more on this relaxed journey to 1,000 metres above sea level. Learn about the O’Reilly’s amazing history on route including the Stinson plane crash and see why this beautiful property is on the must do list for travellers from all over the world. When visiting the Scenic Rim, a stop at a vineyard is a must. O’Reilly’s own Canungra Valley Vineyard set by a mountain stream gives you the chance to check out the vineyard and enjoy a complimentary glass of their own sparkling wine. This is also home to Mountain View Alpaca Farm. Remove the hassle of driving and experience the hinterland with the Gold Coast’s most experienced rainforest tour operator.

• Enjoy the thrills of parasailing for you and a friend or partner in this tandem experience • Self drive your own Jetski on a guided 1hr Safari around the crystal blue waters of the Gold Coast Broadwater • Great gift idea or idea for a fun & memorable experience • Soar in the sky 400ft high above the Gold Coasts broad water taking enjoying all the breath taking views of the beautiful Gold Coast and surrounds • You will be harnessed up in the latest safety equipment and winched up high above their purpose built Parasailing boat for around 8 minutes fly time