On the Gold Coast, you don’t have to wait for summer to enjoy the “summer sun”. After all, the Gold Coast has 300 days of sunshine! Being Australia’s favourite waterways playground, the city offers many activities to explore. CARMEL BELLCHAMBERS tells us how you can be onboard and experience the Gold Coast boating lifestyle!
POWER BOATING
If you are after an amazing and unforgettable time on the local waterways, then being part of a jet ski tour or jet boat thrill ride will be a memorable experience. The high-speed tours kick off from the southern end of the Broadwater, and usually make their way to Tipplers Passage, Jumpinpin or Jacobs Well. For a unique boating experience, the hybrid land-and-sea Aquaduck is a favourite for kids and adults alike. Take the views from above with the adrenaline rush of parasailing.
KAYAK ADVENTURES
A day out enjoying the sun, sand and water with an amazing tour of the beautiful Gold Coast waterways sounds perfect. Enjoy the stunning scenery of turtles, dolphins, stingrays and sub-tropical fish, together with a superb breakfast at some trendy cafes near the kayak shops. With all equipment ready to hire, all you need to do is to turn up and enjoy the fun experience. Some operators offer kayak fishing options to add to the thrill. Offshore adventures are also available for the intrepid. If you are thinking of buying your own kayak, hiring one is also the best way to help you make that crucial decision.
STRADBROKE ISLAND TOURS
South Stradbroke Island is a (not so) hidden gem, inviting you to explore, play and relax. From guided bush and beach walks, equipment hire, fishing, 4WD adventures, amazing food and so much more, there will be an amazing package to choose that is suited just for you. There are numerous cruises or private boat services available on the Broadwater, from Southport, Runaway Bay, Hope Island, and Coomera. And if you love the lift, seaplanes are also available for a flying trip over the island.
CRUISING
If you are after a relaxing Gold Coast charter experience, luxury cruising is a good way of enjoying being on the water without the stress. From sunset cruises to island adventure cruises, or private charters for that special occasion, you will not be disappointed. Get on board one of the resort-style luxury vessels or a private charter, and relax, soak up the sun and be entertained with amazing food and beverages.
STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING
For something different, why not cruise along our picture-perfect waterways on a Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP). Friendly instructors provide a fun, high quality and safe introduction to paddle boarding. Located and set in scenic and relaxed locations, at Budds Beach or Currumbin Creek, or even offshore, SUP operators can offer one-on-one coaching and activities suited to your needs.
HOUSEBOATS
On the Broadwater, the Coomera River, or the stunning Tweed River, houseboats are a great place to spend quality time with loved ones. At the Tweed River, take in the perfect waters, white sandy beaches on board your unique and stylish houseboat, and head to Ukerebagh Island and enjoy some swimming, snorkelling and fishing. You can also drop anchor at Fingal and explore the headland with walking tracks and tour the Fingal Lighthouse. What better way to relax and rejuvenate.
BOAT HIRE
Itching to do some sightseeing, boating and maybe a little fishing, but don’t have your own boat? Then, why not hire a boat? There is no special licence or experience needed, as the staff will teach you all that need to be known to operate the boats on the Gold Coast waterways. Party boats are also a good way of celebrating with a group of friends or family, with lots of room for eating and playing. Hiring a boat is a good way of checking out houses on the water that are for sale, if you are on the lookout for one.
SAILING
Would you love to learn how to sail or improve your sailing skills? There is a variety of sailing programs for both children and adults. These excellent facilities offer camps and courses for all levels of sailing expertise. For the ultimate sailing experience, join a charter cruise. Many operators offer drinks while under sail, lunch at picturesque locations, sunset sailing, and free onboard watersports, such as snorkeling, kayaks and inflatables.
#GCWATERWAYS
POST A SELFIE, AND HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES!
Take a selfie showing a boating activity on the Gold Coast. The more creative or unusual the photo is, the better chances of winning.
Follow @Boat Gold Coast Magazine on Instagram. Post the photo on your IG, and tag @Boat Gold Coast Magazine AND hashtag #gcwaterways on your post. You must post the photo on or before midnight of 31 December 2018 (QLD time) to qualify.
Winning photos will be shared on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
The top five (5) best photos will be chosen by the Boat Gold Coast team on 1 January 2019, and will win from a prize pool of gifts and vouchers totalling $1000.
We will announce the winners on our Instagram and Facebook pages. The winning photos will also be published on our website.
So get out on the water, and live out your #gcwaterways experience!
